Israeli company Microcon Vision has unveiled MICRO-D, a compact electro-optical sensor designed for small aerial vehicles. Weighing 1.9 kilograms, the system combines seven sensors and functional channels with a 30 mJ laser designator, enabling small platforms to perform reconnaissance, target tracking, and laser designation. According to the company, initial orders have already been received, with first deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
MICRO-D is designed for small unmanned and other lightweight aerial vehicles. The system combines electro-optical and infrared reconnaissance capabilities with laser target designation in a compact payload.
According to the manufacturer, the payload is particularly suited to platforms operating at low altitudes, including missions conducted below the cloud layer. The system is designed to detect and track targets and designate them for engagement by compatible precision-guided weapons.
This allows a small aerial platform, according to the company, to cover several stages of the sensor-to-shooter chain — from target detection and identification through to target designation for weapons employment.
Seven Sensors and Functional Channels
MICRO-D integrates seven sensors and functional channels into a single payload. These include capabilities for daylight and thermal imaging, target tracking, and laser target designation. The laser designator complies with the STANAG 3733 standard. It enables the platform to designate targets for laser-guided munitions.
MICRO-D can also provide multiple video feeds simultaneously. The system additionally features a stabilized line of sight, an airborne ISR tracker, and inertial navigation capabilities. AI functions can be integrated as an option. These include motion detection in video imagery and automatic target recognition.
30 mJ Laser Designator
The integrated laser designator delivers 30 millijoules of energy. Combined with the electro-optical and infrared sensor suite, it is intended to enable even small aerial vehicles to designate targets for precision-guided munitions.
Microcon Vision CEO and co-founder Chen Almog said the system responds to the growing proliferation of small tactical platforms. Capabilities that were previously available primarily on larger systems are now being transferred to smaller aerial vehicles.
According to the company, the initial orders already received reflect demand for this type of capability. Microcon identifies the United States as a particularly important market, where it works with its subsidiary and partner, CONTROP USA.
MICRO-D: 1.9 Kilograms for Small Platforms
MICRO-D weighs just 1.9 kilograms. The payload is mounted on a two-axis gyro-stabilized gimbal and can be integrated into a host platform via Ethernet.
Microcon provides a Software Development Kit (SDK) to support integration. An optional MAVLink interface is also available.
Author: Arie Egozi, Israel Correspondent
Click here to read the latest issue of ESD.
