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49370-28 – WESCAM MX-15 Fully Digital HD Multi-Sensor Imaging System
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
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The L3Harris WESCAM 49370-28 is a state-of-the-art MX-15 Fully Digital, High-Definition (HD) Multi-Sensor, Multi-Spectral imaging system. Engineered as a single Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), this gyro-stabilized gimbal is the global standard for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The 49370-28 variant integrates advanced electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) sensors into a 4-axis stabilized turret, providing unparalleled image clarity, range performance, and target identification capabilities for maritime, border, and tactical overwatch operations.
By housing the sensors, high-speed image processing hardware, and inertial measurement units (IMUs) within a single 15-inch spherical housing, the MX-15 minimizes aircraft integration complexity. The system utilizes an all-digital architecture to eliminate analog signal degradation, ensuring that high-definition video is delivered with zero latency to flight deck displays and remote downlinks. This unit is essential for operators requiring long-range standoff capabilities and high-resolution forensic evidence gathering in both day and night conditions.
Key Features
4-Axis Active Stabilization: Utilizes high-bandwidth internal gimbals to counteract aircraft vibration and maneuver-induced jitter, maintaining a "rock-steady" line of sight even at maximum focal lengths.
Fully Digital HD Signal Path: Provides 1080p high-definition video across all sensors, utilizing advanced metadata embedding (MISB compliant) for precise coordinate overlay and mapping integration.
Multi-Spectral Sensor Suite: Typically configured with a High-Def Daylight TV camera, a High-Def Thermal Imager (MWIR), and specialized low-light or "short-wave" infrared (SWIR) sensors for haze penetration.
Integrated Laser Payload: Equipped with eye-safe Laser Rangefinder (LRF) and Laser Illuminator/Pointer capabilities for precise target geolocation and hand-off to ground assets.
Advanced Internal IMU: Features a high-grade Inertial Measurement Unit mounted directly on the optical bench, enabling high-accuracy target geo-pointing and "slaving" to moving map systems.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 49370-28
Manufacturer: L3Harris WESCAM
Component Type: EO/IR Multi-Sensor Imaging System (Gimbal)
Turret Size: 15.5 inches (39.4 cm) diameter
Weight: Approx. 100 lbs (45 kg) (Configuration dependent)
Stabilization: < 5 microradians (Typical)
Field of Regard: 360° Continuous Azimuth; +90° to -120° Elevation
Communication: ARINC 429, RS-232/422, Ethernet, and MIL-STD-1553
Video Output: HD-SDI, SMPTE 292M, Digital and Analog options
Power Requirements: 28V DC (MIL-STD-704F compliant)
Aircraft Compatibility
Rotary-Wing: Airbus H125/AS350, Bell 407/412, UH-60 Black Hawk, AW139.
Fixed-Wing: Beechcraft King Air 200/350, Cessna 208 Caravan, P-3 Orion, C-130 Hercules.
UAV/UAS: Large-scale unmanned platforms (Group 4/5).
Note: Installation typically requires a FAA/EASA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) and an approved Airfilm or Meeker mount interface.
Applications
The 49370-28 is a multi-role tool used for High-Endurance Surveillance. Specific applications include:
Law Enforcement: Airborne tactical pursuit, search and rescue (SAR), and suspect tracking.
Maritime Patrol: Detection of small surface vessels and oil spill monitoring through haze and darkness.
Infrastructure Inspection: High-resolution thermal scanning of power lines and pipelines.
Tactical ISR: Real-time battlefield situational awareness and laser target designation.
Included In This System
The 49370-28 is a multi-role tool used for High-Endurance Surveillance. Specific components include:
WESCAM MX-15 - Precision stabilized gimbal with inertial measurement unit (IMU) inside
Integrated electronics unit, HD digital and analog video output
Multisensor payload (IR/EO)
1) Thermal imager, cooled MWIR, SD 640 x 512 pixel, step-zoom
2) High sensitivity color daylight imager, 1920 x 1080 pixel, continuous zoom.
Advanced image processing on all sensors
Hand Controller Unit (HCU), backlit, NVG compatible, with 1.8m (6') cord, bracket and shipping case
Transit Case end Service Stand
Balun and Mating Connector (Qty 2) to support interface to HD Video Display
Operator manual
Default paint color: grey
HDIR-MX15 - Thermal imager, cooled MWIR, HD 1280 x 1024 pixel, 6 field-of-view step-zoom Thermal lmager, cooled MWIR, HD 1280 x 1024 pixel, 6 field-of-view step-zoom.
Replaces SD thermal imager
LLC-MX15 - Lowlight imager, monochromatic, near IA sensitivity.
HE-MX15 - Heat exchanger
Recommended for hot climates, stationary installations, restricted airflow installation
EON-THD-DCSW-SVFP - Electro Optic Narrow Dual channel spotter, color and short-wave IA (SWIR), step zoom
High sensitivity color imager, HD 1920 1080 pixel
VIS/SWIR imager, 640 x 480 pixel
LRF-MXI - Laser Range Finder, eyesafe
MX-GEO-GPS-INT - Hardware Upgrades MX-GEO with internal GPS
Enables Auto and Auto-Aid steering modes
Enables GeoPolnting, GeoLocaton, and GeoFocus
Includes embedded GPS receiver and antenna
Supports single or dual bend applications
MX-RCS-IF - Software Interfaces Remote control subsystem (RCS) interface
Control turret by a host computer I mission system
Supported on one of RS-422, Ethernet, or MIL-STD-1553b port
MX-METADATA-KLV - Metadata, embedded, key length variable (KLV) format
Embedded in SMPTE202 video stream
GTCK-HDl-10m - MX-15HDi SYSTEM GROUND TEST CABLE KIT (10 meter) Includes the following system cables:
Power Cable
Signal Cable
Video Cable
Notes:
Only one balun included
GPS cable not included
Why Choose 49370-28?
The MX-15 49370-28 is preferred for its proven MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and its "single-LRU" architecture, which reduces the weight and failure points associated with external junction boxes. Unlike consumer-grade gimbals, the MX-15 is hardened against the extreme vibrations of rotorcraft and the thermal cycling of high-altitude flight. Its Multi-Spectral capabilities allow operators to see through atmospheric obscuration (smoke, fog, and dust) that would render standard EO sensors ineffective.
The 49370-28 utilizes a nested gimbal architecture to achieve its industry-leading stabilization. The outer "coarse" gimbals handle large-scale aircraft maneuvers, while internal "fine" gimbals—driven by high-torque voice-coil actuators—correct for high-frequency vibrations. This system relies on Inertial Line-of-Sight (LOS) Stabilization, where the optical axis is decoupled from the airframe's angular motion via closed-loop feedback from the internal fiber-optic gyros. The Multi-Spectral capability is achieved through a common-aperture or co-boresighted optical bench, ensuring that the EO, MWIR, and SWIR sensors are all looking at the exact same pixel coordinate. This allows for image fusion, a process where thermal and daylight data are algorithmically overlaid to provide high-contrast imagery in low-visibility environments.
Note: This is a highly sensitive, ITAR-regulated (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) component. Export or transfer may require U.S. State Department approval. Prior to installation, ensure the aircraft mount is rated for the 100 lb dynamic load and that the vibration isolation pucks are in good condition. Maintenance and calibration must be performed by L3Harris authorized service centers. Installation must be performed in accordance with the aircraft's specific STC.
Documentation
No public-facing internal wiring schematics or sensor calibration data sheets are available due to security protocols; refer to the OEM Technical Manual.
