CHCNAV launches AlphaAir 6 airborne lidar with 2,100-meter range for UAV surveys
CHCNAV has launched the AlphaAir 6, a new airborne lidar system built for UAV mapping in complex and high-relief terrain.
The system targets drone laser scanning, aerial surveying and mapping missions that demand wide coverage and consistent data quality. CHCNAV said the AlphaAir 6 combines prism scanning technology with a high-grade inertial navigation system and offers a maximum ranging capability of up to 2,100 meters. It is designed to capture data efficiently at typical flight altitudes of 400 to 600 meters above ground level, a range commonly used in topographic and corridor mapping work.
The company said an upgraded laser engine and a high-grade IMU with 0.3°/h bias stability improve trajectory accuracy and point cloud quality. That setup removes the need for pre-mission IMU calibration, which could shorten field preparation and simplify repeat operations. CHCNAV said the AlphaAir 6 also uses fifth-generation real-time waveform processing and advanced multi-period technology to deliver denser and more precise lidar returns across vegetation, steep terrain and built-up areas. Even at a pulse repetition rate of 2 million pulses per second, the system continues to provide real-time point cloud output, giving operators immediate in-flight visibility into data capture.
AlphaAir 6 will be offered in single-camera and dual-camera versions. Both use large-format CMOS sensors for high-resolution imagery. The dual-camera model adds an ultra-wide field of view to expand image coverage and improve mapping efficiency. CHCNAV said the integrated unit weighs 1.35 kg, reducing payload demands on UAV platforms and helping extend flight endurance. Open interface protocols are designed to support integration with mainstream multirotor and fixed-wing UAVs.
The launch underscores growing demand for lighter long-range lidar payloads that can speed up aerial survey workflows without sacrificing data quality. For mapping firms and survey teams working in large, remote or uneven terrain, a system that cuts setup time, supports real-time output and fits multiple UAV types could expand mission flexibility and improve field productivity.