Engineering the Future.
Surveillance Positioners


Pan and Tilt Unit
20 kg

Precision Two-Axis Positioner for Antenna, Electro-Optical and Sensor Payloads in Defence and Coastal Environments

The Pan and Tilt Unit 20 kg is a precision two-axis surveillance positioner designed and supplied by System Controls for antenna, electro-optical and sensor payloads up to 25 kg. Delivering closed loop position control on both azimuth and elevation axes with 100 microrad accuracy, N x 360° azimuth range and velocity settable from 0.001°/s to 100°/s, the PTU is engineered for remote tracking operations via joystick or PC-based GUI. 

About the Product

What is the
Pan & Tilt Unit 20 kg?

The Pan and Tilt Unit 20 kg is a robust, precision two-axis positioner delivering accurate dynamic motion in both azimuth and elevation axes via DC motors with precision gear mechanism. Three layers of safety including soft limits, electrical limits and mechanical limits protect the payload and system across all operating conditions.

Parameter Specification
Azimuth Movement Control
Closed loop position control
Azimuth Scanning Velocity
0.001°/s to 100°/s (settable by command)
Azimuth Range
N x 360° (continuous or non-continuous)
Azimuth Resolution
50 microrad
Azimuth Accuracy
100 microrad
Elevation Movement Control
Closed loop position control
Elevation Scanning Velocity
0.001°/s to 100°/s (settable by command)
Elevation Range
-15° to +90°
Elevation Resolution
50 microrad
Elevation Accuracy
100 microrad
Elevation Brake
Available
Payload Capacity
25 kg max
Payload Mounting
Top / Side / Top and Side
Pedestal Weight
15 kg max
Power Input
20-30V DC, 3A
Interface
RS422 / Ethernet
Control Unit
Hard control panel with joystick or computer
Operating Modes
Standby/Safe, Go-to Point, Joystick/Keypad
Safety
Soft limits, electrical limits, mechanical limits
Controls and Monitoring
PC-based GUI, Windows / Linux
Dimensions
L-220mm, B-240mm, H-400mm
Sealing
IP65
Operating Temperature
-30°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature
-30°C to +70°C
Altitude
10,000 ft above MSL
Humidity
95% at 45°C
Wind Operational
85 kmph
Wind Survival
120 kmph
Salt Fog
Sea shore, 5% NaCl, 100% humidity, wind-borne salt
EMI/EMC
MIL-STD-461E
Vibration, Bump, Shock
MIL-STD-810F
Finish
Painting or powder coating as per customer requirement
Model No
SC-PT20-A-000-000
01

Closed Loop Precision Across Both Axes

Both azimuth and elevation axes use closed loop position control delivering 100 microrad accuracy and 50 microrad resolution. Scanning velocity is command-settable from 0.001°/s to 100°/s, providing the slow precise scan rates needed for area surveillance and the fast slew rates required for target tracking and rapid sensor repositioning across a wide range of mission profiles.

02

Multiple Control Modes for Operational Flexibility

Three operating modes, standby/safe, go-to point and joystick/keypad, are available via RS422 or Ethernet interface with a hard control panel joystick and PC-based GUI running on Windows or Linux. This gives operators the flexibility to command the PTU manually in the field, autonomously from a command system or remotely from a control station, covering the full range of defence surveillance operational scenarios.

03

Flexible Azimuth Rotation with Slip Ring Support

Azimuth rotation is available as N x 360° continuous or non-continuous, with reliable slip rings providing 8 communication channels, 4 video channels and 2 payload power channels at 24VDC at 5A for uninterrupted data link, video link and power supply to the payload during continuous rotation. This makes the PTU directly suitable for rotating surveillance and tracking systems requiring real-time video and data continuity.

04

Three-Layer Safety Architecture

The PTU incorporates three independent layers of safety: software soft limits, electrical limits and mechanical limits. This layered approach protects both the payload and the unit across all operating modes including autonomous go-to point moves, joystick control and standby conditions, meeting the reliability and safety requirements of defence surveillance and tracking system integration.

Common Questions

Need Help? Start Here...

Get expert assistance in selecting the right solution tailored to your performance, integration, and operational needs.

It is a precision two-axis positioner for antenna, electro-optical and sensor payloads up to 25 kg. It delivers closed loop position control, 100 microrad accuracy, N x 360° azimuth rotation and remote tracking via joystick or PC-based GUI on Windows and Linux.

Both axes deliver 100 microrad accuracy with 50 microrad resolution via closed loop position control. Scanning velocity is settable from 0.001°/s to 100°/s by command on both axes.

Azimuth is N x 360° available as continuous or non-continuous. Elevation is minus 15° to plus 90°. An elevation brake is available as standard.

Yes. Azimuth rotation can be N x 360° continuous or non-continuous. For continuous rotation, slip rings provide 8 communication channels, 4 video channels and 2 payload power channels at 24VDC at 5A.

Yes. The PTU is mountable on tripod, mast and other platforms. A heavy duty tripod is available as an accessory as per customer requirement.

RS422 and Ethernet interfaces with hard control panel joystick or PC-based GUI on Windows and Linux. Operating modes: standby/safe, go-to point and joystick/keypad.

Let’s Engineer the Future Together