FLIR has just upped the ante in maritime surveillance with its new M460 and M560 multi-spectral camera systems. These aren’t just thermal cameras—they’re full-blown AI-powered marine imaging systems, packing a thermal sensor, a 4K low-light camera, a 12KM laser rangefinder, and a long-range laser spotlight. This isn’t just about seeing in the dark; it’s about seeing everything, all the time.
The real game-changer here is the AI Target Tracking. Forget the old-school thermal cameras that just showed hot spots. The M460 and M560 use an onboard neural network to identify and classify objects—vessels, buoys, people—then lock onto them with dynamic pan and tilt control. Even in rough seas or crowded waterways, these cameras keep their targets in sight. That’s not just convenience; that’s a lifesaver.
And then there’s the stabilization. FLIR’s three-axis gyro system compensates for pitch, roll, and yaw, ensuring smooth, clear imagery no matter how rough the water gets. This isn’t just about keeping the picture steady—it’s about maintaining accuracy in AI target acquisition. If the AI can’t track it, it can’t help.
The M460 and M560 aren’t just about thermal imaging either. The M460 uses a long-wave IR sensor with a 5x optical zoom, while the M560 steps it up with a mid-wave IR sensor and a 14x zoom. Both feature Color Thermal Vision (CTV), blending thermal and visible imagery to give context—navigation marks stay red and green, vessels and shorelines are easier to spot.
But FLIR didn’t stop at imaging. These cameras come with a tight-beam laser spotlight that can illuminate objects up to 1km away, enhancing the 4K camera’s performance. And if you need to know exactly how far away that target is, the optional laser rangefinder can measure distances up to 12km—even in low visibility.
This isn’t just about giving captains a better view. It’s about giving them a smarter, more reliable tool to navigate, search, and respond. Whether it’s a first responder in rough seas, a commercial vessel in crowded waters, or a superyacht at night, these cameras are designed to handle it all.
The M460 and M560 will make their debut at METSTRADE in Amsterdam this November. If you’re in the business of maritime safety and efficiency, this is one launch you won’t want to miss.