Today, Microsoft announced its new UltraCam EAGLE at ASPRS 2011 User Meeting in Milwaukee. You may have a look on the images that I have taken during the Eagle launch (The Eagle has landed 
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Alexander Wichert launch of UC Eagle
In short, here are the major figures:
- Interchangeable lenses (70 & 210 mm!)
- 20,010 x 13,080 Pixels @ 5.2 µm (262 Megapixel)
- Frame rate: 1,8 sec
- Solid State Disks (SSD), interchangeable (3.800 images each)
- 350 Watt power consumption ( only 12,5 Amps)
- Weight: only 75 kg (!)
- no separate computer unit – everything is integrated in the camera body
- build in FMS, UltraNav, a modified POSTrack including Applanix GNSS/IMU
- new Camera Operation Software (COS)
- new operator terminal, now with Touchscreen
So, in my opinion, this is a great step in the development of digital aerial cameras. The camera don’t need extra computer units or additional Flight Management Systems, everything is integrated in the body, also to minimizing failures, e.g. by cables and connectors. Low power consumption and weight allows even use in a single engine aircraft, e.g. installation in a Cessna C182 will be no problem. Only 2 UltraNav screens (Pilot & Operator), GPS antenna and power are connected to the camera.
This is a Masterpiece in technology.
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- Alexander Wichert launch of UC Eagle
So, what we shall do?
Install it in a C182, put some auxiliary fuel tanks in it (to compensate the missing camera weights) and go flying.
Launching customers for the UltraCam Eagle are:
- Weser Airborne Sensing, GmbH (Germany)
- GEOCART Herten (Germany)
- Keystone Aerial Surveys (USA)
Microsoft Press Release , GeoCart, Weser
Technical Specs of UltraCam Eagle
