The UAV near-infrared hyperspectral imagers are third-generation UAV hyperspectral imagers designed as a series of small, lightweight, UAV-borne micro-hyperspectral imagers. The imager system consists of a six-rotor high-stability drone, high-stability gimbal, hyperspectral imager, large-capacity storage system, wireless image system, GPS navigation system, ground receiving workstation, ground control system, and other components.

The UAV hyperspectral imager adopts a push-broom imaging method. One configuration provides a spectral range of 900–1700 nm, with 512 spectral bands and 640 spatial bands. Another configuration provides a spectral range of 1700–2500 nm, with 256 spectral bands and 320 spatial bands.

The UAV hyperspectral imager can be used to measure the spectral information of plants, water bodies, soil, and other surface objects in real time, and obtain hyperspectral images. By analyzing the spectral images, relationships with the physical and chemical properties of plants and other objects can be established. The system can be used for plant classification, research on plant growth conditions, and other applications.

The entire system features a compact design, while the main host of the imaging spectrometer provides high spectral resolution. It also adopts an external push-broom imaging method.

The system can form an independent measurement system together with a field rotating platform and an indoor linear scanning platform. It can also be mounted on a drone for aerial remote sensing operations.