Hevi Optronics Announces Second Generation PTU-M

PTU-M Gen 2: More Power, More Payload 

Date: May 21, 2025
Category: New Products | Surveillance & Defense

HEVI Optronics has introduced the PTU-M Gen 2, an upgraded medium-class, gyro-stabilized pan-tilt unit. Compared with the prior PTU-M, Gen 2 increases payload capacity to up to 50 kg, adds higher torque for heavy optics under dynamic loads, improves stabilization performance, and brings up to 800 W of onboard power for sensors and accessories. These gains directly benefit platforms that use the PTU-M—most notably HeviTrack-M—by enabling larger optics stacks, steadier imagery in wind and vehicle motion, and cleaner integrations with fewer external power boxes. 

What’s new in PTU-M Gen 2

• Higher payload envelope: Rated up to 50 kg (vs. the earlier PTU-M’s 40 kg class), giving headroom for long-range EO/MWIR pairs, LRFs, and auxiliary modules. 

• More torque, better stabilization: Additional drive torque plus refined stabilization for tighter line-of-sight (LOS) control with narrow-FOV lenses. 

• Integrated power: ~800 W onboard power available in the unit, simplifying cabling and eliminating separate power distribution for many builds.
  
  

Core PTU-M platform capabilities (baseline carried forward)

• Brushless drives + zero-backlash reducers for precise pointing and repeatability.

• Continuous 360° azimuth and typical −45° to +45° elevation, enabling uninterrupted panoramic missions.

• Optional gyro-stabilization for long-range imaging.

• Internal Gigabit Ethernet switch/router, EMI-filtered 24/48 VDC input, and pass-through I/O for payloads.

• Quick-release ecosystem (QR baseplate and quick-mount hardware) for rapid installation and swap-outs.
  
  

What this means for HeviTrack-M

Your note that HeviTrack-M uses PTU-M Gen 2 means many Gen-2 gains translate directly to the system:

• Bigger glass, steadier video: The extra payload and torque allow heavier catadioptric or long-range MWIR modules without compromising stabilization—critical when running ultra-narrow FOVs for coastline, border, or counter-UAS missions. hevioptronics.com

• Cleaner integrations: With 800 W onboard power, integrators can power EO, MWIR, SWIR and LRF modules from the PTU itself, reducing external power boxes, harness weight, and failure points. hevioptronics.com

• Workflow and uptime gains: HeviTrack-M’s modular, field-swappable sensor architecture pairs well with the PTU’s quick-mount ecosystem—faster service, faster reconfiguration, less downtime. hevioptronics.com+1

Example configurations that benefit

• Long-range coastal surveillance: HD EO super-telephoto + cooled MWIR + high-energy LRF on a single head—maintaining stability in gusts and vehicle motion.

• Border and CUAS observation: Rapid slew rates and stronger holding torque improve track continuity on fast, small targets with narrow-FOV sensors.

• Mobile mast and marine mounts: The added torque and stabilization margin counteract mast whip and wave-induced motion, preserving usable imagery at longer focal lengths.

Compatibility & integration notes

• Ecosystem hardware: HEVI’s QR baseplates and quick-mounts support rapid install/remove and field service; existing PTU-M mounting schemes remain supported.

• Networking & power: Internal GbE and EMI-filtered 24/48 VDC inputs simplify tie-in to existing vehicle/shore power and C2 networks. 

• Media & demos: HEVI’s public media shows PTU-M/HeviTrack assemblies and quick-assembly workflows you can embed in the post. 

For HeviTrack-M builds and field upgrades, contact Vertex Imaging Solutions for configuration, lead times, and demo scheduling.