Autonomous vehicles across air, land, and sea can now “see” in the dark with greater clarity as Leonardo DRS rolled out its Tenum 640 Orbit thermal camera module at Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2026.
Designed around a VOx Microbolometer detector, the device eliminates the need for a bulky cooling system while delivering 640 × 512 thermal resolution at 60 frames per second.
It enables high-frame-rate thermal imaging for detection, tracking, navigation, and obstacle or collision avoidance across day and night operations.
The module also uses widely adopted camera interface standards, supporting common image data and control connections for streamlined integration into existing systems.
Tenum 640 Orbit can be slotted into a wide range of platforms, including Group 1-3 unmanned aerial vehicles, unmanned ground vehicles, and unmanned surface vessels.
“Unmanned systems are fielding at scale. Integrators and operators need thermal cameras that are both mission-capable and integration-friendly,” said Greg Christison, vice president of sensors and aviation at Leonardo DRS.
“Tenum 640 Orbit is a size, weight, power, and cost optimized original equipment manufacturer camera module to help accelerate integration timelines and enable broader deployment across small, unmanned platforms without compromising performance.”
Key Capabilities
Built without moving parts, the system reportedly delivers continuous video output with real-time image balancing to maintain stable performance over extended operations.
Key features include dual image output modes for flexible use and a rapid start time of around 4 seconds before the first image appears, enabling quick deployment in the field.
The module operates in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees to 50 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit) and is designed to meet environmental safety standards.
A fully sealed lens helps protect against dust and water, supporting operation in harsh conditions.
