FLIR Systems, a leading commercial company specialising in the design and production of thermal imaging cameras, components and imaging sensors, has announced the addition of the new FLIR K55 to its suite of thermal imaging firefighting cameras.

The K55 incorporates FLIR’s revolutionary Flexible Scene Enhancement (FSX) technology which produces ultra-crisp thermal imagery and is also equipped with on-board video recording, which is ideal for evidence gathering and training purposes, said a company statement.

The newest member of FLIR’s K-Series family will allow firefighters to see even better in total darkness or in smoke-filled rooms, it added.

The K55 with FSX displays its ultra-sharp 320x 240 pixel thermal images on a large bright 4” LCD display, allowing firefights to navigate safely and make accurate decisions when attacking fires and searching for victims. Image details like edges and corners are enhanced and combined with the original image to create an image with more detail than ever.

The FLIR K55 has on-board video recording, making it an excellent tool for documenting what happens inside the fire and providing a valuable training aid for later review. The K55 also features on-board image storage for up to 200 thermal JPEGs, which can be reviewed later from the camera’s archive or exported via USB for reports.

The K55’s simple three-button user interface lets the firefighter access all of the camera’s controls, even while wearing heavy gloves. The different colour modes allow the firefighter to adapt the FLIR K55 to the most demanding situation.

The K-Series is also designed to operate in tough operating conditions; it withstands a drop from two metres on a concrete floor, is water resistant (IP67), and fully operational up to +260°C / +500°F.  

Andy Teich, president and CEO of FLIR Systems, said: “With the K55, FLIR is continuing to provide innovative and affordable advances in thermal imaging technology for firefighting and public safety applications.”

 “This is another example of how our vertical integration, image processing expertise, and commercially developed, military qualified products can make a real difference to first responders around the world,” he added.

The K55 will be affordable enough for agencies to equip every fire truck with a thermal imaging camera.

The new FLIR K55 will be introduced at the Intersec Exhibition in Dubai and is available for purchase through established distribution networks beginning March 1, it added. – TradeArabia News Service