UAV Helicopter Integrating IMT Transmitter Provides Civilian and Military Law Enforcement And First Responders With Reliable Aerial Surveillance Solution

WASHINGTON, DC, AUGUST 12, 2013 - Integrated Microwave Technologies, LLC (IMT), a Business Unit within the Vitec Group's Videocom Division, and a leader in advanced digital microwave systems for MAG (Military, Aerospace & Government) markets, will showcase the Avenger UAV Helicopter, designed by leading industrial robotic helicopters manufacturer Leptron, which incorporates IMT's video transmission gear, at AUVSI 2013, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International's Annual North American Symposium and Exposition (IMT Booth 4112).

Integrated with IMT's VSTx COFDM ultra-compact transmitter, Leptron's Avenger Helicopter features a revolutionary platform offering a high-performance mobile tool for high- or low-altitude surveillance, photography and sensor management. IMT's partnership with Leptron, first announced at AUVSI 2012, has grown considerably over the past year. IMT and Leptron equipment have been used extensively during the recent Department of Homeland Defense RAPS program in Oklahoma, and the two companies also partnered for a joint sale to a large defense contractor, which is using the integrated equipment on its UAV helicopter platforms. Also on display at AUVSI will be IMT's MobilCMDR dual diversity handheld receiver/monitor, which can be used to view video being transmitted by the VSTx COFDM.

"We are thrilled to exhibit the integrated Avenger Helicopter at AUVSI 2013, as it reflects the success of our continued working relationship with Leptron," says Integrated Microwave Technologies Divisional Chief Executive Stephen Shpock. "Leptron focuses on building the highest-quality, most technologically advanced and easy-to-use UAV helicopters in the world, while IMT concentrates on creating mission-critical wireless video solutions in a compact form factor. Our companies' strong dedication to these respective areas of expertise has resulted in the best UAV solution on the market. I encourage all AUVSI attendees to visit the IMT booth to see this firsthand."

IMT's VSTx COFDM is an ultra-small, low-power, standard definition (SD) transmitter ideally suited for UAV/UGV, robotic, concealed body-worn video wireless and other surveillance applications. It features superb H.264 SD encoding and operates in the standard 2k DVB-T COFDM mode. Only two cubic inches in size and weighing in at 26.3 grams, the VSTx is available with two connector options. The first model features a standard connector for simple interfacing in the field that can easily be used in fielded small robotic applications, as well as body-worn operations. The second model features a small flex ribbon interface cable that is ideal for direct integration in OEM systems design. The VSTx transmitter can be operated in 1.25- or 2.5-MHz narrow-bandwidth COFDM (NBCOFDM) modes, with an RF output of up to 100 mW. These modes use the RF spectrum more efficiently, permitting more transmitters to be used simultaneously, or allowing their usage range to be extended. Narrow bandwidth also delivers extended usable range, with no additional power output required.

"Our partnership with IMT has been a great success in the short time we have been working together," says Leptron UAV Helicopters President Scott Heath. "We've been able to attain fantastic digital quality using IMT's transmitters, and find the IMT MobilCMDR receiver/monitor to be incredibly durable, with a phenomenal range. Its portability allows us to provide civilian and military law enforcement as well as first responders a high-quality, extremely reliable unmanned aerial system that not only helps keeps them out of harm's way but also greatly reduces the risk of loss of human life."

IMT's MobilCMDR C-COFDM M-Mobile D-Diversity R-Receiver is a ruggedized DVB-T compliant dual diversity handheld receiver/monitor, available in both the 4.7-GHz and 6.4-GHz frequencies, used most often in law enforcement and public safety operations. The MobilCMDR is ideal for airborne downlinks and mobile vehicles that operate in tactical and/or strategic settings. It offers exceptional RF performance and durability, combined with true ease of operation and superb H.264/MPEG-2 decoding. The unit displays received video images on a built-in nine-inch-high brightness display with an easy-to-use menu-driven interface. The MobilCMDR is also available with AES decryption capabilities.

Leptron will also be introducing the "Image," a new larger, longer flying platform incorporating the IMT video transmission suite for seamless plug-in and plug-out usage. The company will also release an updated version of its RDASS Helicopters featuring integrated video capabilities from IMT. Leptron will display all these products at its AUVSI booth (3805).