MKS Ophir, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance IR thermal imaging lenses, has been awarded the Innovation Award at IDEX 2025 for its groundbreaking FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 MWIR lens.
MKS Ophir’s FoldIR 25-275mm f/5.5 MWIR lens, the latest addition to the FoldIR family of lightweight optics, is specifically engineered to meet the demanding requirements of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The medium wave infrared continuous zoom lens is designed to optimize performance with the latest low-SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) 15μm VGA MWIR detectors, marking a significant advancement in aerial thermal imaging capabilities. Notably, it is tailored for integration into 5” (127mm) gimbals common on drones and UAVs.
Key features that contributed to the award-winning design include:
- Ultra-Lightweight
Weighing only 302g (660g with detector), minimizing payload impact. - Compact Form Factor
Dimensions of 107mm x 101.5mm x 96mm, ensuring seamless integration into small gimbals. - Optimized for 15μm VGA MWIR Detectors
Delivering exceptional image quality and performance. - Extended Detection Range
Exceeding 14.5km, enabling long-range surveillance and reconnaissance.
The FoldIR family of lenses represents a significant leap forward in providing cutting-edge solutions for the rapidly evolving unmanned systems market. By focusing on low-SWaP designs, MKS Ophir is enabling developers to create more capable and efficient drones for a wide range of applications.
MKS Ophir, an MKS brand, is renowned for its expertise in designing and manufacturing high-performance IR thermal imaging lenses and optical elements for SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR applications, including long-range, low-SWaP products. This recognition at IDEX 2025 reinforces the company’s position as a leader in the field of advanced optical solutions for unmanned systems.
