The HD-SDI Airknight is one the finest aviation video recorders on the market. With its purpose built for civilian and military applications, it is rugged, versatile and as powerful as they come.

Our Rugged Aviation Video Recorder

AirKnight™ HD-SDI Aviation Video Recorder for is a rugged in-flight video recorder (DVR) and broadcast quality content delivery system. It records, encodes and streams broadcast grade video using H.264 High, Main and Base Profiles.

What is H.264 and why is it important?

The H.264 is one of the most widely used video compression algorithms. It is highly efficient for streaming and recording, creates smaller files (than its predecessors) and used across various industries to encode, stream and record video.

H.264 is also known as MPEG-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding or MPEG-4 AVC. It is one of the most efficient and widely used compression formats for encoding, recording and streaming applications since around 2014-2015.

The H.264 encoding generates smaller file sizes yet retains high video quality. Bad Wolf Technologies Air Knight HD platform supports MPEG-4 AVC High, Main and Base Profiles making it an excellent choice for UAV and Drone streaming applications, mission recording, surveillance. 

Broadcast Media Server H.264 platform.

Encode, record and stream broadcast quality video content while adhering to the 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, HDMI, RS170 and CVBS PAL & NTSC video standards. Multiple profiles provide solutions for streaming video content, broadcast and high-quality recording. Efficiency, small video stream and high video quality is the reason H.264 is popular with Media Servers.

Multipurpose

The AirKnight is compatible with FLIR sensors, Garmin MFD, GPS sensors, RS170/CVBS and HD-SDI cameras and more.
Some of the applications include flight testing, aerial firefighting, air ambulance, SAR search and rescue, UAV and drone use, Special Mission Aircraft, border patrol, aerial law enforcement, defense / military and everything in between.

SWaP / small footprint, high video quality, recording and streaming, reliability. This makes the AirKnight™ HD family “the” premium HD-SDI (full HD) and RS170 / CVBS video recording platform and a safe and easy pick for an aviation video recorder.

Broadcast video quality in the air.

High Definition video and audio, solid state storage, reliability in harsh environments and ease of use make the AirKnight HD Aviation Video Recorder well suited for manned, unmanned and autonomous aircraft operations.

Highlights.

  • High Definition 1080p60 (full HD) aviation video recorder for aircraft and rotorcraft (helicopter) operation.
  • 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, HDMI or CVBS (NTSC & PAL) H.264 video encoding.
  • Supports (H.264) MPEG-4 Part 10 Advanced Video Coding with High, Main and Base Profiles.
  • 3G-SDI (1080p60)
  • HD-SDI (1080p30)
  • HDMI (v 1.4 1080p)
  • CVBS (NTSC & PAL).
  • RS170 (for military applications)
  • Stream over the LAN or the internet
  • Record to USB 2.0, USB 3.0 and 3.1 flash media, external storage such as SSD or HDD, or SD media.
  • GPS DATA logging
  • USER DATA logging
  • On-screen GPS Data Video Overlay
  • On-screen User Data Video Overlay (via RS-232)
  • Record all audio communications
  • Compatible with the optional PCM (Power Control Module)  Power Management System and uninterruptible power supply


SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

AirKnight High Definition Video Recorder for Aviation is Proudly made in the USA.

Record Audio and Video in full HD!

Single, Dual, and Quad Channel Options

  • AirKnight-HD – Single Channel full HD SDI 1080p60 Digital Video Recorder (BW-AKHD DATASHEET)
  • AirKnight-HD-MIL – hardened Single Channel full HD SDI 1080p60 Digital Video Recorder (DATASHEET) for industrial & defense use
  • AirKnight-HD2 – Dual Channel full HD SDI 1080p60 Digital Video Recorder (BW-AKHD2)
  • AirKnight-HD4S – Single Channel full HD SDI 1080p60 Digital Video Recording with a built in Quad Switcher (BW-AKHD-4S)

Each version has the option for bottom mounting, side mounting, or Dzus rail mounting.  GPS option is also available with all versions.

Record one channel to a SD card, USB 2.0 or 3.0 media drive, external SSD or HDD devices.  Add up to 4 (four) cameras using the Multiview HD which allows you to input four cameras and record them in a quad view. Also compatible with the DoubleVision which will allow you to add a second camera.

GPS Overlay and Data Recording

With the GPS option, record and overlay geospatial data including: time/date, coordinates, altitude, heading and speed.  Included with the GPS option is your choice of a Garmin 18x LVC 5Hz, or 1Hz GPS receiver or you can use most standard GPS units through the RS-232 input on the AirKnight.

GPS Data Recording

GPS data will be recorded a KML, GPX and several other formats.  These files can be viewed directly in Google Earth, or software which synchronizes your video and data.  These files also work with most third party Geospatial software applications.

Overlay GPS Data

In addition to a separate data file, you can also overlay GPS data and other text on top of the video.  Using the web user interface, individual data points can be turned on or off and positioned anywhere on the video.  Text size options range from 8pt to 40pt (pixels) in height.  Multiple font and color options are available.

Coordinates

Degrees, Minutes, Seconds

Degrees, Minutes

Degrees

Speed

Knots (KT)

Miles per Hour (MPH)

Kilometers per Hour (KPH)

Altitude (AMSL)

Feet (F)

Meters (M)

Heading (Degrees)

Overlay Custom Text (Character Generator)

A built in high definition character generator allows you to overlay custom text on the video.  Users can enter the text in the web user interface or send real time text information via RS-232.  Up to three independent lines of data can be sent at nearly any baud rate. The text  is simply sent in an ASCII format string of multiple data lines. Each data line is separated by commas whereas entire string is terminated with (Carriage Return & Line Feed).  Font type, size, color and position may be customized in the web interface for each text line.

Record to USB 2.0, USB 3.0, SSD, HDD or SD Media removable storage media

Record straight to off-the-shelf USB or SD cards and external USB storage devices.

Record Headset Audio

Video is only part of the experience. Record all headset audio throughout your flight with our Aviation Headset adapter cable or directly connect to your audio panel using open leads. The Aviation Headset cables plug into your audio panel and any general headset on the market.  U174 helicopter headset cables are also available.

High Quality, Small Files

The AirKnight HD recorders use the same AVC/H.264 High Profile compression as BluRay.  Our AirKnight-HD recorders offer the highest HD 1080p60/30 quality with maximum efficiency. This allows you to have files sizes that are easy to store, edit, playback, and upload. Universal file containers allow for easy editing and playback on a PC or Mac.

By keeping the data rate between 8Mb/s and 16Mb/s, quality to file size ratio is maximized, meaning its the highest quality, yet easy to use.

Sync Time and Overlay

Synchronize system time to an NTP server or use GPS time to overlay on the video.

Record Stop/Start Switch

Trim down your post flight editing time by starting and stopping recordings with an external record switch. Mount the record Start/Stop Switch in the cockpit, allowing you to mount the recorder in the cargo bay.  An LED indicator on the record start/stop switch, lights up to indicate there is power to the unit and will flash, indicating recording.

A record LED is also built into the front of the unit allowing you to mount the recorder in the cockpit and use the record switch on the front panel.

Network User Interface

Access more advanced settings via the network user interface.

.AVI or .MP4 file format

CBR and VBR

.H264 AVC and MJPEG Compression

Baseline, Main or High Profile Compression

Bit Rates

GOP Size

Video Down-scaling

Pre and Post Alarm

Custom File Size

Video Motion Detection

Live Streaming

Custom Text Overlay

Audio Gain Level

Overwrite When Full (Yes/No)

Connections

Connect (1) HD-SDI or (1) HDMI* or (1) NTSC/PAL video source directly into the AirKnight HD base recorder.  All standard resolutions up to 1080p60 are supported.  The AirKnight HD recorders use BNC HD-SDI connectors, making it simple to connect and HD-SDI camera.

*HDMI will not recognize protected content

Aviation Grade Heavy Duty Tefzel Cabling

Aviation grade jacket rated to FAR 25 standards provides maximum protection and performance.

Military Grade Connectors option

Connect your cameras with rugged and weather-proof industrial grade connectors. Mil-spec connectors for power also available (BW-AKHD-MIL).

LIVE VIEWING

Connect straight to your Garmin G500 or G1000 display, or use one of our HDSDI monitors

GREAT WARRANTY WITH EXCELLENT SUPPORT!

Our “no hassle” two year warranty covers your AirKnight front to back.  At Bad Wolf Technologies, we take pride in our customer support. Just call us at (414) 639-9085 or email: sales@badwolftech 24×7!