Teledyne FLIR OEM has announced a new partnership with Japanese drone manufacturer ACSL, which has officially joined the Thermal by FLIR programme. The collaboration will bring Teledyne FLIR’s Hadron 640R dual thermal and visible camera system into ACSL’s next-generation payloads.
The joint effort is intended to strengthen capabilities for public safety, emergency response, industrial inspection, and surveying in the United States, while also addressing the rising demand for NDAA-compliant, security-oriented drone platforms.
SAMO Payload Integration
ACSL has unveiled the SAMO payload, a system that combines a 64-megapixel visual sensor with the Hadron 640R thermal module. It also incorporates FLIR’s Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging (MSX) technology, which enhances thermal video by overlaying sharp visible-light details for clearer, real-time imaging in the field.
Cynthia Huang, CEO of ACSL Inc., said the partnership marks a strategic step in providing U.S. operators with ready-to-deploy, advanced UAS solutions. She noted that the SAMO payload, together with ACSL’s new TAITEN controller and upgraded SOTEN drone, is designed to deliver faster, smarter, and more reliable operations.
SOTEN Drone Features
The SOTEN drone is lightweight, foldable, and manufactured to ISO15408 certification standards in Japan. It offers 25 minutes of flight time, IP43-rated weather resistance, and swappable payload options for rapid adaptability. Its NDAA compliance positions it as a secure choice for public sector and safety-focused missions.
Teledyne FLIR OEM’s View
Mike Walters, vice president of product development at Teledyne FLIR OEM, emphasized that ACSL’s approach offers a reliable NDAA-compliant option for U.S. operators. He said the partnership will continue to evolve with the development of advanced payloads using Teledyne FLIR’s latest imaging modules and Prism ISP technology.
Thermal by FLIR Programme
The Thermal by FLIR programme provides technical support, access to FLIR’s newest thermal cameras, and marketing opportunities to manufacturers. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of thermal imaging across multiple industries. ACSL is the latest participant to leverage the programme to expand drone applications.
Industry Launch in Las Vegas
ACSL will showcase the SOTEN drone and SAMO payload at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas from 2–4 September 2025 at booth 917. Attendees will be able to see the integrated systems and explore their use cases across safety, response, and industrial fields.
Value for Emergency Services
For fire and rescue professionals, the integration of advanced thermal imaging into drones is becoming essential for search and rescue, hazard assessment, and operational decision-making. This collaboration introduces a secure, U.S.-compliant platform that meets the needs of safety-critical missions.
