WAVA CML1: One Stabilized Payload for Visible, Thermal and Distance Data
Industrial UAV missions increasingly require more than a single camera. A survey team may need a wide field of view for situational awareness, a telephoto camera for detailed inspection, thermal imaging for heat anomalies and distance measurement for location or target-reference data. Installing separate payloads can increase aircraft weight, integration work and operator workload.
The WAVA CML1 Drone Gimbal combines these functions in one multi-sensor payload. It integrates a 50.3MP one-inch-type visible camera, a 48MP telephoto camera, a FLIR Boson+ 640×512 thermal camera and a 905nm laser rangefinder. A three-axis stabilization system with stated precision of ±0.02° is designed to support stable imaging while the aircraft is operating in the field.
The CML1 is positioned for industrial UAV and OEM applications rather than casual aerial photography. Its value comes from combining multiple data sources in one payload architecture: wide-area observation, detailed visual inspection, thermal analysis and distance measurement.
Integration note: Camera resolution, digital zoom and sensor specifications do not by themselves guarantee ground sampling distance, target-identification performance or measurement accuracy in every flight condition. Validate the complete payload, aircraft, software, optics, lighting, temperature and mission workflow before deployment.
A Four-Function Payload Architecture
1. 50MP Wide-Angle Visible Camera
The CML1’s main visible camera uses a one-inch-type sensor specified as 50.3MP with 1.6µm pixels. It provides a stated 72.6° horizontal field of view and an F1.9 aperture. The camera supports 50MP images at 8192×6144 and 12MP images at 4096×3072, with JPEG and DNG image formats.
The wide-angle camera is suitable for establishing scene context, capturing inspection overview images and supporting survey or documentation workflows. The 4K video mode supports 3840×2160 at 60 or 30 frames per second, while FHD video supports 1920×1080 at 60 or 30 frames per second.
2. 48MP Telephoto Camera
The telephoto camera uses a specified 1/2-inch 48MP sensor with 0.8µm pixels, a 14° horizontal field of view and an F2.4 aperture. It supports 48MP images at 8000×6000 and 12MP images at 4000×3000, with JPEG and DNG formats.
The narrower field of view can help operators inspect distant structures, equipment, conductors, rooftops or other points of interest without moving the aircraft as close to the target. Actual identification distance depends on altitude, atmospheric conditions, target size, motion, focus, image quality and the operator’s workflow.
3. 640×512 Thermal Camera
The thermal channel is specified with a FLIR Boson+ 640×512 sensor, a 32° horizontal field of view and an F1.0 aperture. It supports 640×512 thermal video at 60 frames per second and RJPEG image output.
The CML1 supports side-by-side, picture-by-picture, superimpose and mix display modes for visible and thermal information. Thermal color modes include White Hot, Black Hot, Rainbow, RainHC, Ironbow, Lava, Arctic, Glowbow, Graded Fire and Hottest.
The thermal channel can support inspection workflows where temperature contrast or heat patterns are relevant. However, the supplied specification does not by itself confirm radiometric measurement capability, calibrated temperature accuracy, lens temperature range or a specific thermal detection distance. Confirm these items in the final configuration and technical documentation before using the CML1 for quantitative thermal assessment.
4. 905nm Laser Rangefinder
The CML1 includes a 905nm laser specified as Class 1 under IEC 60825-1. The stated distance measurement range is 2–2,400m with measurement accuracy of 0.5m.
A rangefinder can help provide distance context during inspection, mapping, observation or target-reference workflows. Actual range and accuracy depend on target reflectivity, atmospheric conditions, angle of incidence, platform movement, optical alignment and the final system implementation. Use the laser according to the final safety documentation and applicable operating procedures.
WAVA CML1 Technical Specifications
Hardware and Gimbal System
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Specification
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CML1 value
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Dimensions
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W80.6 × H107 × D91 mm
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Approximate dimensions in inches
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3.2 × 4.2 × 3.6 in
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Weight
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290 g; supplied specification also lists 9.2 oz, confirm final production weight
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Housing material
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Aluminum
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Input voltage
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19–27 V, customizable; confirm final configuration
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Stabilization
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3-axis
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Stated stabilization precision
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±0.02°
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Pan/Yaw movement
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±90°
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Tilt movement
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–90° to +10°
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Roll movement
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±45°
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Stated wind resistance
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Level 6, maximum 14m/s
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Main Visible Camera
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Specification
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Main camera value
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Sensor
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1-inch-type, specified as 1/0.98 in, 50.3MP IMX989
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Pixel size
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1.6µm
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Horizontal FOV
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72.6°
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Aperture
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F1.9
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Image sizes
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8192×6144 at 50MP; 4096×3072 at 12MP
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Digital crop reference
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819×614 crop in 50MP mode; confirm final meaning in datasheet
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Image formats
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JPEG, DNG
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Video
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4K 3840×2160 at 60/30fps; FHD 1920×1080 at 60/30fps
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Telephoto Camera
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Specification
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Telephoto value
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Sensor
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1/2-inch, 48MP IMX586
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Pixel size
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0.8µm
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Horizontal FOV
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14°
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Aperture
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F2.4
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Image sizes
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8000×6000 at 48MP; 4000×3000 at 12MP
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Digital crop reference
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800×600 crop in 48MP mode; confirm final meaning in datasheet
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Image formats
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JPEG, DNG
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Video
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4K 3840×2160 at 60/30fps; FHD 1920×1080 at 60/30fps
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Thermal and Laser Systems
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Specification
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Thermal / laser value
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Thermal sensor
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FLIR Boson+ 640×512
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Thermal FOV
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32° HFOV
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Thermal aperture
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F1.0
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Thermal video
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640×512 at 60fps
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Thermal image format
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RJPEG
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Laser wavelength
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905nm
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Laser safety classification
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Class 1, IEC 60825-1 stated
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Laser measurement range
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2–2,400m stated
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Laser measurement accuracy
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0.5m stated
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Processing, Recording and Interfaces
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Specification
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CML1 value
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AI processing
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AI Engine, 15 Tera Operations stated
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Live video stream
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H.264/H.265, 1920×1080 at 30fps
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Video formats
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MP4 with H.264/H.265 encoding
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IR display modes
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Side-by-side, picture-by-picture, superimpose, mix
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IR color modes
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White Hot, Black Hot, Rainbow, RainHC, Ironbow, Lava, Arctic, Glowbow, Graded Fire, Hottest
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SD card
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exFAT, 64GB or larger, V30, 100MB/s stated
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Interfaces
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CAN, UART, SBUS, PPM, Ethernet 10/100Mbps, USB 3.0, HDMI
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Operating temperature
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–10°C to +50°C
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Stated certification / rating
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FCC, IP44
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How the CML1 Supports Industrial UAV Missions
Infrastructure Inspection
Power lines, substations, towers, roofs, bridges and industrial facilities often require both visual and thermal information. The wide-angle camera can document the overall scene, while the telephoto channel can provide a narrower view of a selected component. Thermal imaging can help operators identify heat patterns that require closer review.
The CML1 should be evaluated with the aircraft’s planned altitude, flight speed, lighting, target size and stabilization performance. For any inspection that depends on temperature values rather than visual heat contrast, confirm whether the final thermal configuration provides the required radiometric data and calibration.
Public Safety and Emergency Response
A multi-sensor payload can support situational awareness when operators need to switch between overview, detailed visible imagery, thermal imagery and distance information. Thermal imaging may be useful in low-light or smoke-affected conditions, while the telephoto camera can support observation from a greater standoff distance.
Mission teams should define image-recording, data-access, privacy, retention and operator-training procedures before using the system in public-safety operations.
Surveying, Mapping and Site Documentation
The 50MP visible camera can capture high-resolution still images for site documentation, while the telephoto camera can provide detailed views of distant features. The laser rangefinder can add distance information to specific operational workflows.
The CML1 should not automatically be described as a survey-grade mapping payload unless the complete system has been validated for georeferencing, calibration, lens distortion, image overlap and the required accuracy class.
Utility, Construction and Industrial Monitoring
Construction and industrial teams can use visible, thermal and distance data to review equipment, progress, access conditions and potential anomalies. The appropriate workflow depends on the target and the required evidence. A visual image may be enough for documentation, while a thermal inspection may require calibrated temperature data and a controlled measurement process.
The CML1’s multiple interfaces—CAN, UART, SBUS, PPM, Ethernet, USB 3.0 and HDMI—also provide options for integration with the aircraft, ground-control system, payload computer or video distribution architecture. The exact interface mapping and SDK/API support should be confirmed before committing to a production integration.
Integration Considerations Before Installing the CML1
The CML1 weighs approximately 290g and uses a stated 19–27V input range. Confirm that the aircraft can support the payload mass, center-of-gravity change, power demand, vibration load and mounting geometry. The aircraft must also provide sufficient clearance for the gimbal’s pan, tilt and roll movement.
The integration review should include the following:
• Confirm the final CML1 dimensions, weight, connector pinout and input-voltage configuration.
• Verify the aircraft payload capacity and available regulated power.
• Confirm the mounting plate, fasteners, vibration isolation and center of gravity.
• Check that the gimbal movement does not contact the airframe, landing gear or other payloads.
• Confirm CAN, UART, SBUS, PPM, Ethernet, USB 3.0 and HDMI compatibility with the intended system.
• Define the live-video path, recording path, control path and telemetry path.
• Verify the storage-card specification and media endurance for the planned recording workload.
• Confirm whether the intended mission requires radiometric thermal data, RJPEG temperature metadata or only thermal video.
• Validate laser operating procedures, target conditions and safety documentation.
• Test visible, thermal and laser alignment at the intended flight altitude and speed.
• Confirm operating temperature, condensation, dust, moisture and transport conditions.
• Review FCC and IP44 documentation for the final production configuration and destination market.
Understanding Zoom, FOV and Image Quality
The CML1 specifications include digital crop references for both visible cameras. Digital crop can enlarge a portion of an image, but it does not create the same optical detail as a longer focal-length lens. Operators should evaluate the target’s pixel coverage, atmospheric clarity, motion blur, focus, stabilization and compression at the actual working distance.
The wide-angle main camera and 14° telephoto camera serve different purposes. The wide camera provides more scene context, while the telephoto channel provides a narrower view. Switching between them should be part of the operator workflow rather than treated as a substitute for mission planning.
CML1 Deployment Checklist
Before approving the WAVA CML1 for flight or production use, confirm the following information:
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Area
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Confirmation required
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Aircraft
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Payload capacity, available power, mounting geometry and center of gravity
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Voltage
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Final 19–27V configuration and regulated power source
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Gimbal
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Movement limits, stabilization performance and vibration isolation
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Main camera
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Final sensor, FOV, focus, image modes and calibration
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Telephoto camera
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FOV, focus, optical performance and target-identification distance
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Thermal
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Boson+ variant, radiometric capability, calibration and RJPEG metadata
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Laser
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Class 1 documentation, range conditions, accuracy conditions and operating procedure
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Video
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Encoding, latency, bitrate, live stream path and recording path
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Interfaces
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Pinout, protocol, SDK/API, telemetry and control compatibility
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Storage
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Card type, capacity, write speed, file system and recording duration
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Environment
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–10°C to +50°C operating range and actual mission conditions
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Protection
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Meaning and test basis of the stated IP44 rating
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Compliance
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FCC documentation and destination-market requirements
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Data
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Image ownership, privacy, storage, access and retention policy
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FAQ:
- What cameras are included in the WAVA CML1?
The CML1 combines a 50.3MP one-inch-type main visible camera, a 48MP telephoto camera and a FLIR Boson+ 640×512 thermal camera. It also includes a 905nm laser rangefinder.
- Is the CML1 a thermal drone gimbal?
Yes. The CML1 includes a specified FLIR Boson+ 640×512 thermal sensor with a 32° horizontal field of view and 640×512 video at 60fps. Confirm the final thermal configuration and whether radiometric data is required for your mission.
- Does the CML1 support a laser rangefinder?
Yes. The supplied specification lists a 905nm laser with Class 1 safety classification under IEC 60825-1, a stated 2–2,400m measurement range and 0.5m stated accuracy. Actual performance depends on target and environmental conditions.
- What is the stabilization precision of the CML1?
The CML1 is specified with three-axis stabilization and stated precision of ±0.02°. Final performance should be tested on the intended aircraft with the final mounting, vibration isolation, flight speed and payload configuration.
- What is the weight of the CML1?
The supplied specification lists approximately 290g and also lists 9.2oz. Because those values are not identical after conversion, confirm the final production weight, cable weight, mounting hardware and accessories before aircraft sizing.
- What voltage does the CML1 require?
The CML1 is specified for 19–27V, with customization available. Confirm the final voltage configuration, connector, pinout and regulated aircraft power before installation.
- What interfaces does the CML1 support?
The supplied specification lists CAN, UART, SBUS, PPM, Ethernet 10/100Mbps, USB 3.0 and HDMI. Confirm the required protocol, SDK/API, pinout and software compatibility for the target UAV system.
- Does the CML1 provide radiometric thermal measurements?
The supplied specification identifies the thermal sensor, RJPEG format and thermal display modes, but it does not explicitly confirm radiometric measurement capability or temperature accuracy. Confirm this with the final datasheet before making quantitative temperature claims.
- Is the CML1 suitable for mapping?
The CML1 may support site documentation, observation and selected survey workflows, but mapping suitability depends on calibration, georeferencing, lens distortion, flight planning, image overlap and required accuracy. Do not describe it as survey-grade without complete system validation.
- What is the operating temperature range?
The stated operating temperature is –10°C to +50°C. This is a payload specification and does not automatically define the safe operating range of the aircraft, battery, storage media or other connected equipment.
Request a CML1 Payload Integration Review
Planning an industrial UAV mission that needs visible, thermal and distance data in one payload? Share your aircraft model, payload capacity, available voltage, mounting interface, target altitude, mission type and required data outputs. TopTorq can help determine whether the WAVA CML1 is suitable for standard supply, configured integration or an OEM payload program.
Related Internal Links
Technical disclaimer: This article is for product education and preliminary payload selection. The WAVA CML1 must be validated with the final aircraft, mount, power system, software, operating environment and mission workflow before flight or production deployment.
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