High Performance Infrared Zoom Lenses for UAVs and Drones: Low-SWaP, Extended-Range, Ruggedized Lenses

Ophir Optronics Solutions LTD., part of MKS Instruments, stands out as a premier innovator and producer of compact, rugged, high-performance MWIR, LWIR, and SWIR lens assemblies tailored for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and drones. Our compact and efficient infrared zoom lenses are perfectly suited for UAV/UAS thermal imaging systems and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras,addressing a diverse range of demanding applications in defense,homeland security,surveillance,and other emerging sectors.

Our infrared optical components have been integrated into advanced electro-optical systems developed by top-tier global defense manufacturers, demonstrating reliability in the most demanding aerospace and defense environments.

Military-Grade UAV Lenses for Infrared Imaging

Durable lenses for thermal imaging systems

We offer a selection of lightweight, military-grade infrared camera lenses designed for rigorous aerial defense applications. With focal lengths ranging from 1.8mm to 1350mm and MTF approaching the diffraction limit, these robust lenses ensure precise line-of-sight (LOS) performance, achieving detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) ranges of up to 28km.

Ophir facilities are certified to AS9100 Rev. D and ISO 9001-2015 standards, ensuring that our military-grade infrared camera lenses comply with the following specifications:

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Extended Range Cooled MWIR Infrared Camera Lenses for UAVs

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Low-SWaP MWIR & LWIR Infrared Camera Lenses for drones

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Counter-UAS Solutions

IR thermal imaging lenses for CUAS

Ophir offers a diverse range of high-performance continuous zoom infrared lenses, perfectly suited for integration into counter-UAS systems. With proven field performance, these long-range lenses enable the detection, identification, and tracking of multiple drone threats.

Providing sharp, clear imagery across the entire zoom range, our precision lenses empower counter-drone system integrators to leverage early radar detection, significantly reducing false positives even with small, fast-moving targets.

LWIR Specifications

• Aperture f/1.5
• Pixel pitch 12μ
• Focal length ranges 25-225, 40-300mm
• Drone detection ranges 1.8 – 9.7 km (dependent on target size)
• Drone identification ranges 0.3 – 2.2 km (dependent on target size)

MWIR Specifications for SXGA/HD cameras

• Aperture f/4
• Pixel pitch 10μ
• Focal length ranges 21-420mm, 35/110/450mm, 30-600mm, 35-690mm, 45-900mm, 60-1200mm
• Drone detection ranges 3.5 – 23.8 km (dependent on target size)
• Drone identification ranges 0.6 – 8.4 km (dependent on target size)

MWIR Specifications for VGA Cameras

• Aperture f/5.5
• Pixel pitch 15μ
• Focal length ranges 30-385, 50-700, 28-850, 80-1200, 50-1350mm
• Drone detection ranges 2.7 – 22.7 km (dependent on target size)
• Drone identification ranges 0.4 – 8.0 km (dependent on target size)

Learn more: IR Thermal Imaging Lenses For C-UAS Systems

Extended Range Cooled MWIR Infrared Camera Lenses for C-UAS

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Focus Area: Security & Surveillance

Infrared imaging technology plays a vital role in various UAV security and surveillance applications, and the development of high-performance IR zoom lenses for DRI (detection, recognition, and identification) presents numerous challenges. MKS Ophir’s innovative SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR solutions are expertly crafted to address these challenges.

Technological Advancements – Continuous development of new sensors with smaller pixels and enhanced resolution is underway.IR imaging developers must work to prevent “optics-limitation,” where system performance is primarily restricted by the optics rather than the sensor.

Ophir’s extensive capabilities enable us to meet even the most stringent resolution and optical performance demands for DRI lenses. We can utilize virtually any desired surface shape or type to ensure our products achieve high MTF targets, minimize chromatic aberrations, and maintain remarkable performance throughout the entire zoom range. Our high-precision manufacturing techniques guarantee excellent quality and reproducibility in production.

SWaP-C Optimization – The optimization of size,weight,power,and cost (swap-C) has become increasingly crucial as UAV and drone usage rises. By employing a variety of advanced IR materials, we can reduce total part counts and utilize a single zoom lens rather of multiple single-focal length lenses, thereby minimizing the overall system footprint while still ensuring high performance.

Environmental Resilience – By utilizing advanced materials and hard carbon (HC/DLC) and high-durability (HD) coatings, we can produce lenses that endure the harsh environmental conditions often encountered during security and surveillance operations. Our products are designed to withstand a wide range of factors, including extreme temperatures, rain, fog, dust, saltwater spray, shock, and vibration.

Multispectral Functionality – Imaging systems for security and surveillance frequently require operation across multiple spectral bands simultaneously, as no single band yields optimal results under every condition. SWIR is ideal for very long-range daytime observation, while MWIR is effective for long-range observation both day and night. Both MWIR and SWIR excel in harsh environmental conditions such as smoke,dust,heavy haze,and high humidity.Additionally, LWIR is the preferred spectral range for observing burning targets and sun glints. Ophir provides solutions to meet any combination of these requirements.