- Author
- Crowson, F. | Gagnon, B. | Cockerham, S.
- Title
- Evaluation of Commercially Available Thermal Imaging Cameras for Navy Shipboard Firefighting.
- Coporate
- Department of the Navy, Washington, DC
- Report
- SS99-001, February 1999, 64 p.
- Keywords
- ships | cameras | fire fighting | evaluation | fire tests | electric batteries
- Abstract
- This purpose of this evaluation was to test several commercially available thermal imaging cameras that could meet, or exceed, requirements for a "next generation" replacement of the English Electric Valve (EEV) P4428 Navy Firefighters Thermal lmager (NFTI) presently used by the Navy. This goal was achieved in part since only one camera evaluated passed all of the tests conducted to date. Radio frequency interference, electro-magnetic interference, and vibration testing has not been conducted. The Integrated Security Group (ISG) K90 Talisman thermal imaging camera met or surpassed every test requirement during these initial assessments. This camera was lightweight and comfortable to use. The image provided was the highest resolution and easily viewable. Battery life was longer for the ISG camera than any other camera tested. Although one of the two ISG cameras had a seal failure during the submergence test and visibly allowed saltwater penetration; the other ISG camera passed the submergence test with no degradation. The camera that initially failed submergence testing returned to full operations after a day of drying and a two-hour start up time that allowed "cook oft" of internal moisture. An improved internal seal would ensure that the ISG Talisman thermal imaging camera would meet submergence requirements for a Navy shipboard firefighter's thermal imager and would likely be a suitable replacement for the NFTI. The ISG exhibited far superior performance characteristics in all tests to date, allowing Navy firefighters to locate and suppress fires more quickly, while adding an additional margin of safety. The retail cost of the ISG K-90 Talisman is comparable to the EEV P4428 NFTI. All other cameras tested failed at least three of the 24 tests conducted. Most of the cameras failed to meet the requirement for storage weight and size, and the requirement to withstand continuous and repeated exposure to the temperatures and humidity associated with the environment firefighters experience on Navy ships.