Phase One has officially introduced the iXM-FS130, a next generation large format aerial mapping camera engineered to achieve true 1 cm ground sample distance from fixed wing aircraft without sacrificing speed, altitude, overlap, or operational efficiency. The model targets professional survey and geospatial operators who require inspection grade detail at high airspeeds and consistent production workflows.
Fusion Shutter Technology Enables Motion Free High Speed Imaging
The iXM-FS130 is built around Phase One’s Fusion Shutter technology, combining a global electronic shutter with a mechanical leaf shutter in a single system. This architecture allows exposure times as short as 1/16,000 s while suppressing parasitic light sensitivity and motion artifacts that typically occur at extreme shutter speeds.
In operational terms, the camera supports motion free image capture at airspeeds exceeding 120 knots while maintaining true 1 cm GSD. Continuous capture rates reach up to 4 frames per second with previews enabled, allowing efficient coverage of large areas and reducing the risk of re flights caused by blur or inconsistent image quality.
128 Megapixel Sensor Built for Sub Centimeter Mapping
At the sensor level, the iXM-FS130 features a 128 megapixel large format sensor with a resolution of 13,468 × 9,564 pixels and a 53 × 40 mm imaging area. Pixel size is 3.45 µm, optimized for high resolution aerial photogrammetry. The camera is available in RGB and achromatic configurations, delivering up to 80 dB dynamic range for demanding lighting conditions.
Maximum ISO sensitivity is rated at ISO 200 for RGB and ISO 800 for achromatic variants, supporting flexible mission planning across a wide range of ambient light scenarios. The system is designed specifically for fixed wing aircraft, where speed and altitude traditionally limit achievable ground resolution.
IIQ X Compression Reduces Data Volumes by Up to 90 Percent
High resolution aerial imaging typically creates massive data volumes that slow down post processing and delivery. To address this, the iXM-FS130 supports Phase One’s IIQ X RAW compression format. According to the manufacturer, IIQ X reduces file sizes by up to 90 percent compared with 16 bit TIFF outputs while preserving radiometric depth and geometric accuracy.
This compression is fully compatible with leading photogrammetry and geospatial processing software, enabling faster data transfer from aircraft to ground stations and shorter turnaround times from flight to final deliverables.
Flexible System Integration and Multi Sensor Capability
The camera is built on the established iXM platform and uses the Phase One RS and RSM lens mount, supporting focal lengths from 35 mm to 300 mm. Specifications remain constant across all supported lenses, simplifying system calibration and fleet standardization.
Connectivity options include USB 3.0 and 10G Ethernet over fiber or copper, with synchronization accuracy down to 50 microseconds in multi camera configurations. Internal storage is handled via CFexpress cards, and the camera supports external triggering and system level integration through the Phase One SDK.
An optional four band configuration adds dual sensors and lenses, enabling simultaneous RGB and NIR capture. This configuration supports outputs such as RGBI, CIR, NDVI, and NIR, with an NIR spectral range of 720 to 1000 nm. The RGB to NIR ratio is 1:1, making the system suitable for vegetation analysis and environmental monitoring alongside traditional mapping.
Designed for Demanding Aerial Mapping Missions
The iXM-FS130 targets applications where inspection grade detail and operational efficiency must coexist. Large scale regional mapping benefits from the ability to capture 1 cm GSD without reducing airspeed. Corridor mapping and infrastructure inspection gain higher confidence in defect detection along roads, railways, pipelines, and power lines. Dense urban modeling benefits from improved facade, rooftop, and street level detail, supporting higher fidelity 3D reconstruction. Defense and high value geospatial missions gain repeatable, time sensitive data capture with minimal operational compromise.
The camera weighs 647 g excluding the lens, measures 90 × 90 × 67 mm, and is rated for operating temperatures from minus 10 to 40 °C. Environmental protection is certified to IP53, with FCC Class A, CE, and RoHS approvals.
Availability and Market Position
Phase One plans to showcase the iXM-FS130 at GeoWeek 2026, with global availability expected shortly afterward. The camera is already operational within integrated aerial mapping systems, positioning it as a production ready solution rather than a prototype or limited release platform.
About Phase One
Phase One is a Denmark based imaging technology company specializing in high resolution camera systems for aerial mapping, industrial inspection, and cultural heritage digitization. The company’s iXM aerial camera platform is deployed worldwide across commercial surveying, government, and defense applications, supporting mapping operations in more than 50 countries with a strong focus on image quality, system integration, and long term platform compatibility.
Source: www.phaseone.com
