CHC Navigation Launches AlphaAir 15 Pro Airborne LiDAR System for Large-Scale Geospatial Mapping

Global geospatial solutions provider CHC Navigation has officially unveiled the AlphaAir 15 Pro, an advanced airborne LiDAR system engineered for large-scale geospatial mapping and high-density point cloud acquisition.

Extended Range and High-Efficiency Operations

The AlphaAir 15 Pro is equipped with an extended-range laser core capable of measuring distances up to 3,200 metres, enabling survey teams to conduct aerial data collection at higher flight altitudes while improving overall operational efficiency across large project areas.

Designed for demanding environments including mountains, valleys, forested areas, and transportation corridors, the system operates at typical flight altitudes of 500 to 1,200 metres above ground level (AGL). This capability reduces the number of flight lines required while maintaining consistent point cloud quality over complex terrain.

High-Precision Positioning and Orientation

Accurate airborne laser scanning depends on reliable trajectory data. The AlphaAir 15 Pro integrates a high-performance positioning and orientation solution featuring a 600 Hz IMU update rate, achieving post-processed attitude accuracy of 0.005° RMS for pitch and roll, and 0.010° RMS for heading. This ensures geolocation consistency across large-area aerial survey missions.

High-Density Point Cloud and Vegetation Penetration

The system supports a measurement rate of up to 2.4 million points per second and employs a focused beam design combined with enhanced pulse energy to improve vegetation penetration beneath dense forest canopies. An advanced multi-return processing algorithm supports continuous point cloud acquisition across up to 12 returns.

Compact Form Factor Compatible with Multiple Platforms

The AlphaAir 15 Pro features a compact body measuring 245 × 131 × 159 mm and weighs just 2.6 kg without a camera. It is compatible with large fixed-wing UAVs and manned aircraft, offering a high degree of operational flexibility.

When configured with an optional streamlined airborne pod, the system can achieve an area coverage rate of up to 60 km² per hour at a flight altitude of 600 metres AGL, significantly accelerating large-area LiDAR data acquisition.

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