Ophir Provides High-Performance Infrared Zoom Lenses for UAVs

Ophir Optronics Solutions, a leading designer and manufacturer of ruggedized, high-performance MWIR and LWIR lens assemblies for UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and drones, has partnered with Unmanned Systems Technology (“UST”) to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

The ‘Gold’ profile highlights how their low-SWaP (size, weight and power) infrared zoom lenses are ideal for UAV/UAS thermal imaging payloads and forward-looking IR (FLIR) cameras, meeting the needs of a wide variety of demanding applications in defense, HLS, security & surveillance and other emerging markets.

The SupIR 50-1350mm f/5.5 is a continuous zoom MWIR lens featuring a 27x motorized zoom ratio and a detection range of more than 25km. Designed for stabilized UAV payloads and gimbals, the folded zoom lens provides high-resolution vision and identification capabilities and maintains focus and tight line of sight (LOS) retention through the entire zoom range.

Featuring a unique folded optic design for reduced footprint, the lens is compatible with HD 1280X1024 format 15μm pixel pitch detectors. It is ideal for both commercial and defense applications where details that may not be visible to the human eye need to be captured, such as airport security, border patrol, and gas leak detection.

The Ophir SupIR 28-850mm f/5.5 is a continuous zoom MWIR lens designed to provide high-resolution imaging for UAV payloads in dynamic and challenging environments. With a unique compact folded design, and a high-durability coating for extended operational lifetime, it is ideal for a wide range of UAV thermal imaging applications.

With a long focal length and excellent zoom ratio capabilities, the lens provides a detection range of more than 24km, and is compatible with HD 1280X1024 format 15μm pixel pitch detectors.

The LightIR 20-275mm f/5.5 is Ophir’s smallest and lightest continuous zoom MWIR lens, with a weight of just 264 g. Featuring a unique optomechanical design, it provides long-range detection capabilities with a range of up to ~15 km.

Delivering the highest thermal imaging performance for UAVs and drones, the lens is ideal for incorporation into stabilized payloads and gimbals. It can be provided with high-durability or low-reflection hard carbon AR coatings.

The LightIR 16-180mm f/3.6 is a lightweight and compact continuous zoom MWIR lens for SWaP-limited applications such as tactical UAV gimbals. Optimized for smaller-size 10 µm pitch 640×480 VGA FPA detectors, it provides an ideal combination of size, weight, and range capabilities for advanced drone thermal imaging systems, and can detect vehicles at ranges of over 13 km.

The unique, highly efficient folded optics design provides long optical lengths, near diffraction-limit performance in harsh environments. Delivering sharp focus over the entire zoom range, the lens addresses critical challenges such as line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization and athermalization.

The LightIR 15-75mm f/1.2 is a motorized focus lens optimized for 10–12 micron pixel size uncooled LWIR cameras. With a weight of only 320 g, it is ideal for UAV gimbals and other SWaP-critical applications, and can detect vehicles at distances of greater than 7 km.

The long range zoom lens features passive athermalization with excellent imaging performance in the -32 to +70°C temperature range, and can be provided with high-durability or hard-carbon AR coatings.

To find out more about Ophir Optronics Solutions and their MWIR and LWIR lens assemblies for UAVs, please visit their profile page: https://www.unmannedsystemstechnology.com/company/ophir-optronics-solutions/