At Modern Day Marine 2026, Teledyne FLIR Defense announced a significant step forward in the evolution of interoperable unmanned systems, expanding its Third-Party Payload Integration Program with the certification of the Emesent Hovermap LiDAR payload.
The integration introduces advanced GPS-denied 3D mapping capabilities across a wide range of platforms, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), ground robots, and radiation detection devices, reinforcing a broader trend toward multi-domain operational awareness.
Mapping where GPS fails: SLAM-based operational advantage
A key limitation in many operational environments—such as tunnels, dense urban areas, and contaminated CBRN spaces—is the absence or degradation of GNSS signals. The joint solution by Emesent and Teledyne FLIR directly addresses this constraint. Hovermap leverages LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) to generate accurate, real-time 3D models without reliance on GPS or external infrastructure. This enables autonomous navigation and spatial awareness in conditions traditionally considered inaccessible or high-risk. The result is a robust mapping capability designed for mission-critical scenarios, where situational awareness must be maintained even in fully denied environments.
Multi-platform integration: from air to ground to CBRN detection
The certified payload demonstrates a high level of interoperability across Teledyne FLIR’s ecosystem:
- On SkyRanger R70 and R80D SkyRaider, Hovermap enables aerial mapping in GPS-denied contexts
- Integrated with the SUGV 325, it provides persistent 3D situational awareness in confined environments
- Combined with the MUVE R430, it introduces a new dimension: geo-referenced radiation mapping in real time
This last integration is particularly relevant for CBRN operations, allowing operators not only to reconstruct the geometry of a space but also to visualize radiological threat distribution directly within the 3D environment.
Toward fused spatial intelligence for CBRN scenarios
The integration of LiDAR mapping with radiation sensing marks a transition toward fused spatial intelligence, where environmental data layers are combined into a single operational picture. As highlighted by Stefan Hrabar, the ability to simultaneously understand spatial structure and hazard distribution—without exposing personnel—represents a substantial shift in operational workflows. Similarly, Tung Ng emphasized how this approach reflects a broader technological direction: enabling operators to access previously unavailable, integrated situational awareness through certified payload ecosystems.
Open architecture and certified integration
The Hovermap certification also reflects the maturity of Teledyne FLIR Defense’s open-architecture development model, where third-party payloads are validated across multiple dimensions:
- Mechanical integration
- Electrical interfaces
- Software compatibility
- Flight and operational performance
This approach supports the development of mission-tailored configurations, reducing deployment time and increasing reliability in field operations.
Future developments: autonomy and multi-sensor fusion
Beyond current capabilities, the partnership lays the groundwork for further advancements:
- Autonomous navigation in complex environments
- Expansion of multi-sensor fusion beyond radiation
- Integration with broader CBRN detection modalities
These developments point toward increasingly autonomous, data-driven unmanned systems, capable of operating in highly complex and hazardous environments.
Field deployment and demonstration
The integrated systems are being showcased at Modern Day Marine 2026, hosted at Marine Corps Base Quantico, highlighting their readiness for real-world deployment across defense, public safety, and critical infrastructure applications.
About the companies
Emesent develops autonomous mapping solutions based on LiDAR SLAM, with over 1,000 systems deployed globally across defense, mining, and infrastructure sectors:
Teledyne FLIR Defense is a global leader in thermal imaging, unmanned systems, and advanced sensing technologies, supporting military, security, and public safety missions worldwide:
https://www.teledyne.com/en-us
