Lightware GRF-500 Lidar

SKU: MBS-SES-01
GTIN: 0658917504922
Category: LiDAR
Manufacturers:

Range: 0.2 to 500 m
Laser safety: Class 1M (905 nm)

€ 524,95

incl. 19% VAT , plus

Available immediately
Delivery time: 1 - 3 Workdays (DE - int. shipments may differ)

The LightWare GRF-500 is an ultralight gimbal-integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) with a range of 0.2 to 500 m. Weighing just 10.7 g and consuming around 0.6 W, it is the lightest 500 m LiDAR in its class and ideal for EO/IR gimbal payloads on UAVs in surveillance, search-and-rescue, conservation, and security applications.

The GRF-500 operates on the time-of-flight principle with a 905 nm laser source (Class 1M, eye-safe) and delivers reliable distance readings in variable outdoor lighting, wind, and noisy environments. With an update rate of 0.5 to 10 Hz, a resolution of 10 cm, and a typical accuracy of ±50 cm (1 σ), it is well suited for real-time sensor fusion with camera and thermal imaging systems.

Thanks to its IP67 front face, compact form factor (32 × 34 × 21 mm), and serial UART plus I²C interfaces, the sensor integrates easily into existing drone and gimbal platforms. It is also NDAA Section 848 compliant and Blue UAS-ready.

Technical Data

Performance

Range	0.2 to 500 m (5 Hz, 40 % albedo, 23 km visibility, 4 × 4 m target)
Update rate	0.5 to 10 Hz (customizable for application)
Resolution	10 cm
Accuracy	±50 cm (1 σ)
False alarm rate	< 1 %
Target discrimination	20 m separation between same-type targets; up to 5 targets

Optical & Laser

Laser safety	Class 1M (905 nm)
Optical aperture	12.7 mm
Beam divergence	< 0.5°
Mechanical boresight	±1.5° with respect to mechanical interface

Electrical & Interfaces

Supply voltage	4.5 to 5.5 V DC
Current draw	120 mA typical (250 mA surge at startup)
Power consumption	approx. 0.6 W
Communication	Serial UART and I²C (3.3 V TTL, 5 V tolerant)

Mechanical & Environmental

Dimensions	32 × 34 × 21 mm
Weight	10.7 g (excluding cables)
Operating temperature	−20 °C to +60 °C
Front face ingress rating	IP67
Approvals / compliance	FDA Accession 2422320-000 (12/2024), NDAA Section 848, Blue UAS ready, RoHS3, REACH, CE (scheduled)

Product Features

Ultralight: only 10.7 g – the lightest 500 m LRF on the market
Long range: reliable measurement up to 500 m for UAV missions
Low power consumption: approx. 0.6 W for maximum flight time
Gimbal-friendly: compact form factor and IP67 front face
Multi-target detection: up to 5 targets with 20 m discrimination
NDAA-compliant and Blue UAS-ready for regulated deployments
Eye-safe 905 nm laser source (Class 1M)

Typical Applications

EO/IR gimbal payloads for sensor fusion with camera/thermal imaging
UAV-based surveillance, security, and border monitoring
Search-and-rescue and first response operations
Conservation and anti-poaching missions
Law enforcement and government UAV deployments
Industrial inspection and surveying

Note: The GRF-500 is shipped without a communication cable. Configuration via the free LightWare Studio software requires a suitable USB cable. Pixhawk adapters, breakout boards, and additional accessories are available separately.

Manufacturer Information Lightware
https://www.lightware.co.za