Teledyne Technologies Incorporated - Experts & Thought Leaders

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced it has been selected by Red Cat Holdings, Inc., to provide thermal imaging and Artificial Intelligence (AI) embedded software for its Black Widow™ small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS). SRR Program Red Cat was selected as the winner of the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record after an evaluation process completed by the Army Project Management Office for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems, Army Maneuver Battle Lab, Army Test and Evaluation Command, and Army Operational Test Center. The U.S. Army’s current acquisition objective is for 5,880 systems, with each system consisting of two aircraft. Hadron™ 640R+ visible camera module Black Widow’s fully modular architecture enables swift adaptation to diverse mission requirements Red Cat incorporated Teledyne FLIR’s NDAA-compliant Hadron™ 640R+ longwave infrared and mega-pixel visible camera module and its Prism™ AI embedded perception software into Black Widow, a highly capable, rucksack-portable sUAS designed for operation in Electronic Warfare (EW) environments. Black Widow’s fully modular architecture enables swift adaptation to diverse mission requirements, including SSR and secondary payload operation. Dual thermal-visible imaging “We are proud to be selected by Red Cat to support the Black Widow with unparalleled tactical capabilities for the U.S. Army’s SSR Program,” said Paul Clayton, Vice President, Teledyne FLIR. Paul Clayton adds, “This collaboration provides the Black Widow with superior yet compact dual thermal-visible imaging along with AI software libraries that enable classification, object detection, and object tracking to complete the mission day or night.” Thermal imaging technology “The Hadron 640R+, with its best-in-class thermal vision, will play a key role in helping the warfighter Dominate the Night™ with the Black Widow,” said George Matus, CTO of Red Cat. George Matus adds, “We are thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship with the world pioneer in thermal imaging technology, enabling Red Cat to accelerate deployment to the U.S. DoD and its allies across the globe.” 640x512-resolution thermal camera The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)-free Hadron 640R+ provides a 640x512-resolution thermal camera with industry-renowned thermal sensitivity and a 64-MP resolution visible camera in a size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized package. Paired with Prism AI embedded software, the combination can enable high-precision object detection within application-specific classes, multiple object tracking, motion target indication, and more. Military+Aerospace Electronics magazine recently recognized Teledyne FLIR’s Prism digital ecosystem as a Platinum Honoree, its highest award for innovation in defense and aerospace.

When production halts unexpectedly, it disrupts the entire supply chain, causing delays in product delivery and potential loss of customer trust. Financially, the costs can be substantial, including lost revenue, overtime pay for workers, and expenses for emergency repairs. Additionally, frequent downtime can damage equipment, reducing its potential lifespan and increasing maintenance costs. Thermal imaging Thermal imaging, also known as Thermography is a powerful tool for preventative maintenance in manufacturing. It involves using infrared cameras to detect heat patterns and anomalies in equipment. By identifying areas of excessive heat, which often indicate potential failures, thermography allows maintenance teams to address issues before they lead to costly unscheduled downtime. Non-invasive Thermography enhances the reliability and efficiency of machinery, extending its lifespan One of the key benefits of thermography is its non-invasive nature. Thermal imaging is performed while equipment is operating, minimizing disruptions to production. This proactive approach helps in identifying problems, such as electrical faults, mechanical wear, and insulation failures at an early stage. Consequently, it enhances the reliability and efficiency of machinery, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Data-driven approach Moreover, thermography provides valuable data that can be used to track the condition of equipment over time. This data-driven approach enables more informed decision-making and better planning of maintenance activities. Overall, thermography is an essential component of a robust preventative maintenance strategy, ensuring operational continuity and safety. Thermal imaging cameras and sensors Teledyne FLIR is a major company specializing in the design and production of thermal imaging cameras and sensors. Renowned for their innovative technology, FLIR's products are used across various industries, including manufacturing, security, and environmental monitoring. FLIRs cameras The information can provide information to predict the maintenance required, prevent failure FLIR cameras are sophisticated instruments that can appear daunting to the untrained user, with specialist applications requiring a deep knowledge of thermography to provide valuable insights. On the other hand, FLIRs thermal imaging cameras can simply be viewed as tools to do a job, and that job is to inform maintenance teams about the condition of critical assets. The information can provide information to predict the maintenance required, prevent failure, and avoid unscheduled downtime. Training provided While training can be provided by organizations such as the Infrared Training Centre, or online via the FLIR Academy; FLIR offers multiple features to support both experienced and inexperienced thermographers in monitoring their equipment. For example:- the FLIR Exx-series and Txxx-series of cameras can be set up by an experienced user to follow an ‘inspection route’, then less experienced or even beginners can follow the same route, with the camera guiding its operator to take accurate and usable images, pre-selecting the settings and parameters as required. Wirelessly synced images for inspection All are designed to provide insights into the condition of equipment around a factory, production plant At the end of the inspection, the thermal images can be synced wirelessly to a pre-prepared report, allowing easy analysis and interpretation. This might all sound complicated, but it is just a process that once set up, supports inexperienced thermographers to capture data in a meaningful way. All are designed to provide insights into the condition of equipment around a factory, production plant, or manufacturing facility. Monitor equipment conditions If the maintenance teams are forever ‘fire fighting’, on high alert, or waiting to react urgently to equipment failures, then it’s time to invest some more time and energy to get ahead of unplanned downtime and monitor the condition of the equipment. One of the best ways to do this is through thermal imaging which can be as affordable as companies need it to be, with training, or guided inspection tools readily available to meet the requirements of the technicians and engineers responsible for maintaining equipment uptime.

The high-performance OLCT 100-XP-MS range of flammable gas detectors from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection incorporates cutting-edge MEMS (Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems) sensor technology. MEMS technology Delivering the market’s most accurate readings for over 14 of the most common combustible gases and gas mixes, including hydrogen, methane, propane, and butane, MEMS technology adds to the capabilities provided by conventional sensors. Users also enjoy notable advantages regarding ‘poison’ immunity and operating life, particularly in environments that sometimes prove challenging for catalytic sensors. use of Hydrogen Catalytic sensors require bump testing, for example, to check they remain free from sensor poisoning Traditionally, industry professionals select a flammable gas detector housing a catalytic sensor calibrated for a specific gas, or an infrared (IR) sensor. Although these conventional solutions are still highly beneficial, they are not always optimal. Catalytic sensors require bump testing, for example, to check they remain free from sensor poisoning, while IR technology is unable to detect hydrogen. The use of Hydrogen is rising as the focus to find a cleaner alternative to natural gas continues across the industry, in turn driving the need for high-capability hydrogen detection solutions. gas detection MEMS technology takes gas detection to an even higher level of capability, providing precise readings in % LEL correlated with the specific gas or blended gas/vapor clouds present in the environment. By offering catalytic oxidation, IR, and MEMS sensor technologies in a single device, the OLCT100-XP-MS represents a holistic solution that provides a revolution in flammable gas detection, regardless of environmental or operational constraints. multi-gas protection OLCT100-XP-MS also offers multi-gas protection in applications that include lithium-ion BESS Ideal for use in energy sectors, including petrochemical and oil and gas, the new OLCT100-XP-MS also offers multi-gas protection in applications that include lithium-ion BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), industrial manufacturing, wastewater treatment, and fire response.“Our flammable gas detector with thermal conductivity technology supported by MEMS sensor provides accurate, automatic readings without correction factors, along with automatic gas classification,” says Régis Prévost, Product Line Manager, Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection. False alarm reduction Régis Prévost adds, “Delivering unprecedented reliability and accuracy, the device reduces false alarms thanks to integral compensation for environmental parameters that include temperature, pressure, and humidity.” In some environments, extreme pressure, temperature, and humidity can damage or even poison other sensor types, compromising performance and incurring unwanted costs. In contrast, MEMS sensor technology is poison-immune, operating reliably with an integral self-test for failsafe operations and complete peace of mind. OLCT100-XP-MS “With its robust design and highly engineered construction, our low-maintenance OLCT100-XP-MS comes with a two-year warranty,” says Régis Prévost, adding “Indeed, such is our confidence in this innovative flammable gas detector that users can expect many years of reliable and accurate operation in the most demanding industry applications.”

Firefighters are flocking to Indianapolis for FDIC International. Much of the week-long event is dedicated to classroom instruction and hands-on training. Connecting and networking In addition to learning, firefighters are connecting and networking on a scale unprecedented since the pandemic. There is also a spirit of gratitude to first responders for keeping communities safe. For the first time, FDIC International is co-locating with the JEMS Conference and Expo for the EMS market. Equipment manufacturers emphasize new technology in a large exhibit hall at FDIC International, where firefighters can see and touch the latest products, from protective clothing to hand-held devices to large fire apparatus. The event even spills into the outdoors, where displays comprise large aerial equipment and activities include skill competitions. Interact directly with firefighters It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters" Exhibitors embrace the opportunity to interface directly with firefighters. “It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters,” said Jason Traynor, MSA Safety’s General Manager of Global Fire Service Products.” “They can meet with us directly, get a sense of who MSA is, how we operate, the kind of people we employ. Coming to the show is about that connection with the people who have to do the work and have committed themselves to a selfless career.” G1 SCBA and LUNAR “It’s about the time we get to spend with the people, and introducing new technologies is also important." The MCA Safety exhibit emphasizes the company’s focus on human-centered design and products that work together in a connected firefighter platform. They include the G1 SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and the LUNAR-connected handheld device, which complements the SCBA with search-and-rescue and thermal imaging capabilities. The two are connected and can send data back and forth. If either goes into alarm, LUNAR becomes a beacon that can help firefighters locate a partner based on the signal strength of the beacon. In effect, the combination provides objective data to aid decision-making in an emergency. Fotokite tethered drone, software MCA is highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness MCA is also highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness (with visual or thermal imaging) and connectivity to understand the fire scene better. MCA’s software helps departments monitor people, processes, and products for a deeper understanding of the work they do. The broader ecosystem enables them to view firefighting more holistically. Gas Laser National Gas Leak Detector The FDIC show is the first since the pandemic to occur at its regularly scheduled time. One exhibitor estimates attendance is about triple what he saw at the show last August, almost back to 100% of the pre-pandemic level. In addition to firefighter attendees, who were willing to brave the threat of COVID, many distributors and sales reps are returning to the show. Teletype Gas Measurement Instruments had two orders pending just one hour after the exhibition opened, said Alan Skinner, Regional Manager. Teledyne’s Gas Laser Natural Gas Leak Detector is a handheld device that can quickly scan common venting points from a safe distance. AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera Several exhibitors at the show mention the usefulness of feedback from users and show attendees in guiding product design. Seek Thermal employed information about real problems in the field when designing its AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera, introduced at the show. The simple, durable product is easy to control; there are only two buttons, so no confusion in an emergency. Situational awareness A smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making The AttackPRO complements Seek Thermal’s smaller and familiar RevealFirePROX camera, an affordable personal thermal imaging camera for everyone in a department. The smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making and is a “fire attack tool,” said Brent LaSala, Director, Global Marketing at Seek Thermal. Comfortable clothing Clothing for firefighters makes up a big part of the show floor, and the trend is toward more comfortable clothing with a better range of motion. 5.11 Tactical is approaching the challenge with flexible fabrics, including a poly-cotton blend, and adjusted fit. The trend extends to the company’s lighter-weight jackets, outerwear, and duty uniforms, which seek to combine an “old-school” aesthetic with better comfort, said Aaron Shick, Sr. Manager, Strategic Accounts and Channels, 5.11 Tactical. fully electric fire truck Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck Rosenbauer America showed off a fully electric fire truck, which will go into service next month at the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck from the ground up. Rosenbauer worked closely with the Los Angeles Department to address the specific challenges and obstacles of how the new truck fits into the city’s needs. Revolutionary Technology electric truck The Rosenbauer RTX (Revolutionary Technology) electric truck can travel 60 miles before it needs a charge and can operate 30 to 90 minutes at a fire scene before needing a charge; the average fire call is about 25 minutes. If the battery depletes to 20%, a diesel generator kicks in and can power the truck for several hours for an extreme fire. The truck is also 8,000 pounds lighter than a conventional apparatus. The 13kW Volvo Penta drivetrain is powerful, reliable, and noise- and emissions-free. Training and operating procedures “Anything that a traditional apparatus needs to do, this truck does, and more,” said Mark Fusco, VP of Sales & Marketing, Rosenbauer America. In Berlin, Germany, a similar truck has been operating for several months in an initial trial. It ran 440 calls and only needed to engage its generator to recharge two times. “In deploying this truck, departments will need to consider various factors such as training and operating procedures,” says Fusco. NFPA-approved truck “You can fit more loose equipment on this truck because there is more usable space. This is an NFPA-approved truck, and it is exceeding expectations.” Two more Rosenbauer electric trucks are being demonstrated in fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, and another truck is coming next year.

New technologies for the fire service were a predominant topic at TheBigRedGuide.com in 2021, based on the most-visited articles at the site during the past year. Looking back at the top articles of the year -- as measured by those that received the most "clicks" -- provides a decent summary of emerging technologies in the fire service. The list of articles also highlights some of the biggest challenges in the fire service, including wildfires and emerging fire risks. Timely and important issues in the fire marketplace dominated TheBigRedGuide.com’s list of most clicked-on articles in 2021. Let’s look back at the Top 10 articles posted at thebigredguide.com in 2021 that generated the most page views. They are listed in order here with a brief excerpt. What Impact Has COVID-19 Had on the Fire Industry? Firefighters have coped admirably against a backdrop of expanded roles and considerable staff absences As a front-line, critical service, the fire service felt a considerable impact from COVID-19. Firefighters have coped admirably against a backdrop of expanded roles and considerable staff absences. Some brigades have seen absence levels of up to 40%, forcing them to re-train some staff from non-operational roles as emergency responders. It has meant a broader range of service offerings, with brigades offering wider community support, from vaccinations to vital support elements such as delivering food and medicine and driving ambulances. What Fire Technologies Will Have the Greatest Impact In 2021? Exciting developments in firefighting equipment, media, and Information Technology (IT), centered on improving safety and protecting people and the environment, will be highlighted in 2021. Increasing use of electric and hybrid technologies in cars and trucks will continue to challenge Fire and Rescue Services, as they seek safer ways to effectively control fires in these vehicles. The refinement of ultra-high pressure (UHP) firefighting equipment will interest municipal and aviation fire services, as it allows effective firefighting to occur from outside a burning structure, protecting firefighters while using significantly less water volume, extinguishing the fire but minimizing water and environmental damage. A Look at Emerging Technologies in The Fire Protection Industry The ability to innovate in the fire industry can quite literally be a matter of life and death. Smart Connected Things (SCoT) within fire protection systems offer more accurate, efficient inspections and testing, which on its own can save lives. The systems are now being used by both building owners and service providers to determine fire protection system conditions as well as helping to perform some critical testing functions remotely. Fire protection brands have made huge leaps forward in their quest to develop smoke detectors that meet with the UL 268 Safety Standards for 2020. “TruSense Technology” is designed to differentiate between fast and smoldering flames and common false alarms. Water mist suppression systems can fight fires using significantly less water than a traditional system. How Drone Technology Helps London Fire Brigade with Incident Command Drones act as a loudspeaker to give instructions or reassurance and shine a bright spotlight in dark conditions The drones are permitted to fly up to 400 ft above ground level or higher in an emergency and can fly as fast as 50 mph. They also can act as a loudspeaker to give instructions or reassurance and shine a bright spotlight in dark or low-light conditions. The Brigade has eight pilots trained and operates a 24/7 service. The team is working closely with its blue light partners, including the Metropolitan Police Service, several search and rescue teams, and a host of fire services surrounding the capital, as well as advising other upcoming drone teams around the United Kingdom. Charging Of E-Bikes And E-Scooters Represents Residential Fire Hazard The fire hazards of e-bikes and e-scooters stem from their use of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can erupt into flames. Complicating the problem is the use of unauthorized or third-party batteries that may not be safe. E-bike conversion kits are available to convert standard bikes into e-bikes, but they include only the motors and control gears. Batteries must be sourced separately, often over the internet and by cost-conscious buyers, who may not consider safety issues. Cheaper batteries may be faulty. Fire Protection for Paper and Pulp Plants Production of paper increased by more than 450% in the last decades and the demand for paperboard in the world is expected to grow significantly, driven by e-commerce and big retailers increasing their presence in the online sales universe. This sustained growth in production capacity and paper consumption presents several fire risks to companies and exposes communities that develop around paper mills to the impact of disasters caused by these fire risks. Cloud-based and communication force firefighter teams to have access to high-performing wireless connectivity What Are Emerging Technologies in Wildfire Prevention and Protection? Internet connectivity is not an obvious emerging technology in the wildfire prevention and protection industry; however, today’s cloud-based databases, applications, and communication infrastructure force firefighter teams to have access to fault-tolerant and high-performing wireless connectivity options. Broadband Bonding is the technology that combines 2 or more off-the-shelf cellular sim cards to create fast and reliable Internet connectivity on the go. Teledyne’s Handheld Laser Detects Explosive Methane From 100 Feet Away For firefighters, the tool provides situational awareness, saves time, and ensures safety from a distance. Knowing the presence of methane gas enables a firefighter to deal with an emergency gas leak and to avoid a deadly explosion. The Gas Laser from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection can shoot a laser beam through a window, a gap in a door, or another common venting point to provide an instant reading of the amount of methane in an area up to 100 feet away. Thermal imaging cameras allow to locate and remove casualties faster and significantly improve survivability How Does Thermal Imaging Serve the Needs of Firefighters? For firefighters on the frontline, thermal imaging cameras allow them to locate and remove casualties faster and thus, significantly improve their survivability. The knock-on effect of this also removes firefighters from hazardous areas quicker. Finally, being able to “see” in dark smoke-filled environments allows firefighters to see hazards that they might previously discover only once in physical contact with the hazard. Modern Firefighting Calls for Modern Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) According to research at Underwriter Laboratories (UL), modern homes contain larger quantities of petroleum-based products and plastics that burn faster and hotter versus traditional and more natural materials. The result is more rapid and hotter fire growth with exponential increases in heat generation, smoke production, and toxicity. When a call comes in, firefighters rely on their turnout gear (TOG) for protection, but serious burn injury can occur right through the TOG. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) conducted a study that concluded station wear contributes to overall thermal protection. However, depending upon the station wear’s fiber content and material fabrication, it may also contribute to possible burn injuries.

Thermal imaging is an advantageous tool for firefighters on the frontline. As thermal cameras have become more compact and affordable, their availability has expanded, along with their usefulness. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does thermal imaging serve the needs of firefighters and how is it changing?