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AlphaAir 6

Flagship Airborne LiDAR + Imaging System

The CHCNAV AlphaAir 6 (AA6) is a lightweight airborne LiDAR system built for efficient aerial surveying in complex, high-relief terrain. Next-generation prism scanning technology pairs with a high-grade inertial navigation system to deliver ranging performance up to 2,100 m at typical operating altitudes of 100 to 600 m AGL. Fifth-generation waveform processing increases point cloud density and data completeness, while a lightweight integrated design and open interface support extend flight endurance and platform compatibility.

PERFORMANCE DEEP DIVE

What the upgrades mean in the field

The AA6 replaces its predecessor's core laser and waveform processing pipeline, with measurable gains in range, density, and imaging flexibility.

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Next-Generation Laser + High-Grade IMU

The AA6 integrates an upgraded core laser with a maximum ranging capability of up to 2,100 m, roughly three times that of the previous-generation AlphaAir system, and supports typical flight operations from 100 to 600 m AGL. Paired with a high-grade IMU featuring 0.3°/h bias stability, it maintains reliable point cloud accuracy in complex, high-relief terrain.

2,100 m Max Range @80% Reflectivity
0.3°/h IMU Bias Stability
100–600 m Typical Operating AGL

High Point Cloud Density

Fifth-generation RWP real-time waveform processing with seven multi-period capabilities drives point cloud density up to 1,000,000 pts/s (220 pts/m²) at 120 m AGL, and 200,000 pts/s (13 pts/m²) at 400 m AGL. The real-time multi-period algorithm supports on-the-fly point cloud generation even at high pulse repetition rates.

220 pts/m² Density @ 120 m AGL
13 pts/m² Density @ 400 m AGL
7 zones Multi-Period Capability

100 / 25 MP Imaging

A 4/3-inch CMOS sensor with a 12 mm focal length and 74° field of view supports both 25 MP (6144 × 4096) and 100 MP (12288 × 8192) capture modes. 100 MP mode favors finer detail and higher flight altitudes for a given GSD; 25 MP mode offers a better signal-to-noise ratio, lower storage use, and shorter minimum trigger interval for missions below 150 m AGL.

100 MP 12288 × 8192, Above 150 m AGL
25 MP 6144 × 4096, Below 150 m AGL
0.5–1 s Min. Trigger Interval

Ultra-Lightweight Design

At 1.35 kg, the AA6 supports up to 50 minutes of effective flight time and up to 15 km² of coverage per mission when deployed on the CHCNAV X500, with a 400 m flight altitude, 20% lateral overlap, and 20 m/s flight speed.

1.35 kg Instrument Weight
50 min Flight Time on X500
15 km² Coverage Per Mission

Open Platform Compatibility

Open interface protocols allow the AA6 to integrate with mainstream multirotor UAV, fixed-wing UAV, and manned aircraft platforms, expanding the range of mission profiles a single sensor can support across a fleet.

Multirotor Native X500 Integration
Fixed-Wing Open Interface Support
Manned Aircraft Compatible

 

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PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY

Open interface, broad UAV support

The AA6 is designed and factory-tuned for the CHCNAV X500, and its open interface protocols extend compatibility to other multirotor, fixed-wing, and manned aircraft platforms.

Recommended Platform

CHCNAV X500

Purpose-built multirotor drone for AA6 and AA6D deployment, tuned for maximum coverage and endurance.

  • Flight Time with AA6  |  Up to 50 min
  • Coverage per Mission  |  Up to 15 km²
  • Mission Profile  |  400 m AGL, 20% overlap, 20 m/s
Open Interface Support

Multirotor, Fixed-Wing & Manned Aircraft

Open interface protocols allow integration beyond the X500 for teams standardizing on other airframes.

  • Multirotor UAV   |  Supported
  • Fixed-Wing UAV  |  Supported
  • Manned Aircraft  |  Supported

Add long-range airborne LiDAR to your survey fleet