PTU pan and tilt positioners
- Technology
- Pan and tilt positioners / Tripods
- Partner
- Teledyne FLIR
The FLIR PTU (Pan-Tilt Unit) range is a family of high-precision motion control platforms designed for positioning and stabilising electro-optical sensors, cameras, antennas, and other payloads in demanding surveillance, defence, industrial, and research applications. Engineered for accurate angular control and repeatable positioning, these units provide reliable two-axis movement with a wide spectrum of payload capacities, speed profiles, and interface options.
From lightweight OEM platforms through to heavy-duty, high-torque systems, the range supports scalable integration into both mobile and fixed installations. Advanced control electronics, high-resolution encoders, and flexible communication interfaces enable seamless integration into embedded systems, vehicle platforms, and networked sensor networks.
Across the portfolio, the PTUs are designed to deliver precise targeting, smooth motion control, and dependable operation in mission-critical environments where accuracy and repeatability directly impact system performance.
To complement FLIR’s pan and tilt positioners, inertial stabilisation modules, Geo-pointing modules, positioning/ joystick controllers, and SDK software are available depending on the model.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- High-precision positioning with angular resolution down to sub-0.01° levels for accurate sensor targeting
- Wide payload scalability supporting lightweight EO sensors through to heavy radar and multi-sensor assemblies
- High-speed motion control options for tracking fast-moving or dynamic targets
- Dual-axis pan and tilt architecture for complete hemispherical coverage
- Ruggedised designs suitable for harsh environments and mission-critical deployments
- Flexible system integration with support for serial, Ethernet, and network-based control interfaces (variant dependent)
- Repeatable motion performance ensuring consistent pointing accuracy across operational cycles
- Optimised balance of speed and stability across the product family for different application needs
- OEM-friendly architecture enabling integration into custom gimbals, turrets, and sensor systems
- Support for advanced applications including EO/IR imaging, radar pointing, surveillance, robotics, and autonomous systems
What’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
| Model | Payload capacity | Pan speed | Pan resolution | Tilt speed | Tilt resolution | Key notes / interface |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PTU-5 | up to 2.2 kg (5 lb) | ~up to 300°/sec (light payload dependent) | 0.005° | ~up to 300°/sec | 0.005° | Lightweight top-mount PTU for compact sensors |
PTU-D48E | up to 4.5 kg (10 lb top / ~15 lb system dependent) | up to ~100°/sec class | 0.006° | up to ~100°/sec | 0.003° | Entry E-series, side-mount capable |
PTU-D100EX | up to 11.4 kg (25 lb) | up to ~100°/sec class | 0.0075° | up to ~100°/sec | 0.0075° | Mid-range rugged PTU for EO/IR payloads |
PTU-D300E | up to 15.9 kg top / 31.8 kg side (70 lb class system) | variable, up to high-speed class | 0.0064° | variable | 0.0064° | High-load precision PTU with slip ring and Ethernet |
PTU-D300E-HS | up to 18.1 kg top / 40 lb side | high-speed optimised | 0.00625° | high-speed optimised | 0.00625° | High-speed variant for tracking / dynamic targets |
PTU-D300E-GigE | up to ~15.9 kg / 70 lb class system | standard / configurable | 0.0064° | standard / configurable | 0.0064° | Ethernet (GigE) integration for networked control |
PTU-D300E-ISM | up to 15.9 kg / 70 lb class system | standard E-series | 0.0064° (family class) | standard | 0.0064° | Industrial/mission system variant, ruggedised config |
