Aerospace Detection
IRLENS designs and manufactures MWIR and LWIR infrared lenses for aerospace applications, including UAV gimbals, airborne electro-optical pods, aircraft night-vision systems, long-range thermal imaging, meteorological observation and remote sensing payloads.
Our aerospace infrared lens solutions include fixed-focus, motorized-focus, dual-FOV and continuous zoom configurations for cooled and uncooled infrared detectors. Optical parameters, mechanical interfaces, lens dimensions, weight and coatings can be adapted to the detector and installation requirements of each system.
Whether you are evaluating a standard infrared lens, developing a new airborne thermal imaging payload or preparing an approved design for volume production, IRLENS can support optical design, mechanical development, prototype manufacturing, testing, small-batch production and repeat supply.
Discuss Your Aerospace Optical Requirements
Infrared imaging allows airborne and space-based systems to detect thermal radiation rather than relying only on visible light. This makes infrared lenses suitable for night-time observation, thermal monitoring, long-range surveillance, remote sensing and scientific imaging.
The performance of an aerospace infrared imaging system depends on more than focal length alone. The lens must be selected according to the spectral band, detector format, pixel pitch, field of view, target distance, installation space, weight limit and operating environment.
IRLENS works with thermal camera manufacturers, UAV payload developers, EO/IR system integrators, remote sensing equipment manufacturers and aerospace research organizations to provide standard and custom infrared optics for different platforms.
Airborne night-vision systems use thermal differences in the observed scene to provide imagery when visible illumination is limited. Depending on the detector and system configuration, infrared imaging can support night-time navigation, aerial inspection, emergency response, search and rescue and situational awareness.
An airborne thermal imaging lens may require a wide field of view for navigation and scene observation, or a longer focal length for observing objects at greater distances. For platforms exposed to changing temperatures, an athermalized infrared lens can help reduce focus shift without frequent manual adjustment.
IRLENS can provide LWIR fixed-focus, motorized-focus and zoom lens configurations for integration into aircraft-mounted cameras, UAV payloads and other airborne thermal imaging systems.
UAV and drone payloads often have strict limits on lens weight, diameter, length and power consumption. The infrared lens must fit within the available gimbal space while maintaining the required field of view and image quality.
Compact UAV infrared lenses can be developed for:
Thermal inspection drones
Search-and-rescue UAVs
Environmental monitoring platforms
Perimeter observation systems
Fire detection and forest monitoring
Power line and infrastructure inspection
Mapping and surveying payloads
Depending on the mission, a small UAV may use a lightweight LWIR fixed-focus lens, while a larger stabilized gimbal may require a motorized-focus, dual-FOV or continuous zoom infrared lens.
IRLENS can evaluate the detector specifications, maximum lens envelope, mounting interface and payload weight limit before recommending a standard lens or developing a custom optical and mechanical solution.
Electro-optical and infrared pods combine cameras, infrared detectors, stabilization mechanisms, control electronics and image-processing systems into a complete observation payload.
The infrared lens collects thermal radiation and forms an image on the detector. Its focal length, F-number, optical transmission, focus mechanism and line-of-sight consistency can directly affect the performance of the complete EO/IR system.
For airborne EO/IR pods, IRLENS can provide:
MWIR continuous zoom lenses for cooled detectors
LWIR continuous zoom lenses
Dual-FOV and multiple-FOV infrared lenses
Long-focal-length fixed-focus lenses
Motorized-focus infrared lenses
Custom folded optical systems
Customized mechanical interfaces
Wide-field settings can be used for searching and general observation, while narrow-field settings support the observation of smaller or more distant targets.
The appropriate zoom range and detector combination should be selected according to the required search, detection, recognition and identification performance.
Long-range thermal imaging systems usually require a narrower field of view, longer focal length and more precise optical alignment than compact observation cameras.
Cooled MWIR lenses are commonly considered for high-performance long-range systems, particularly when the application requires high sensitivity, a long focal length or continuous zoom capability. LWIR lenses may also be used depending on the target, detector, atmospheric conditions and overall system design.
IRLENS offers infrared lens families covering short-, medium- and long-focal-length configurations. The existing portfolio includes fixed-focus and continuous zoom solutions, while custom development is available when the required focal length, F-number, detector format or mechanical envelope is not covered by a standard model.
For continuous zoom systems, the engineering evaluation may include:
Field-of-view range
Zoom ratio
Focus repeatability
Optical-axis consistency
Image quality across the zoom range
Mechanical movement and control method
System size and weight
Detector and cold-shield matching
Infrared optical systems can support atmospheric and meteorological observation by capturing thermal radiation from clouds, the atmosphere and the Earth’s surface.
Depending on the spectral band and sensor configuration, aerospace infrared lenses may be integrated into instruments used for:
Cloud and atmospheric observation
Surface temperature monitoring
Weather research
Environmental monitoring
Wildfire observation
Climate and Earth science studies
The selected wavelength, optical materials, coatings and detector sensitivity must be matched to the required measurement band.
IRLENS can develop custom infrared optics according to the detector, target wavelength and installation structure of the observation instrument.
Airborne and space-based remote sensing systems collect information about land, vegetation, water, geological features and infrastructure.
Infrared imaging can complement visible imaging by revealing thermal differences and wavelength-dependent characteristics that may not be visible to the human eye.
Infrared lenses for remote sensing may be used in:
Agricultural and vegetation monitoring
Geological and mineral observation
Land-use mapping
Water and coastal monitoring
Infrastructure inspection
Environmental research
Thermal anomaly detection
Aerial surveying
Remote sensing payloads may require a fixed focal length for stable mapping geometry or a custom optical assembly designed around a specific detector and field of view.
Distortion, relative illumination, optical transmission, mechanical stability and detector alignment should be considered during the design stage.
Infrared optical instruments can also be used to observe the thermal radiation and spectral characteristics of satellites, asteroids, comets and other objects.
These applications usually involve highly specific requirements for wavelength, focal length, optical transmission, detector matching, stray-light control and mechanical stability.
Rather than selecting a general-purpose lens, developers should provide complete optical and system parameters for an engineering review.
IRLENS can support custom optical design, mechanical structure development, infrared component processing, coating, assembly and inspection for suitable scientific and space-observation projects.
We provide:
Solutions for high precision and environmentally challenging applications.Answering customers' strict demands worldwide. Enabling today's most advanced aerospace and defence solution deployments.Whatever your requirements, our experts are ready to provide you with a precise, fully-tailored solution.
We provide a range of lightweight IR camera lenses designed to meet the needs of challenging aerial defense applications. With focal lengths from 1mm to 1100mm and MTF close to the diffraction limit, these ruggedized lenses feature accurate line-of-sight (LOS) performance.
Our R&D engineering team collaborates with defense customers to develop, design, and deliver optimized optics with unparalleled optical performance quality.
| Application | Recommended Lens Configuration | Main Selection Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Small UAV thermal payload | Compact LWIR fixed-focus or motorized lens | Weight, dimensions, field of view and power consumption |
| Stabilized drone gimbal | Motorized, dual-FOV or continuous zoom lens | Gimbal space, zoom range and optical-axis consistency |
| Airborne night vision | Wide-angle LWIR or athermalized lens | Scene coverage, temperature stability and detector matching |
| EO/IR observation pod | MWIR or LWIR continuous zoom lens | Search and narrow-field observation requirements |
| Long-range aerial imaging | Long-focal-length cooled MWIR lens | Target distance, sensitivity, aperture and zoom ratio |
| Remote sensing payload | Custom fixed-focus MWIR or LWIR optics | Distortion, detector format and image coverage |
| Meteorological instrument | Band-specific custom infrared lens | Spectral range, transmission and measurement requirements |
| Optical system testing | Off-axis collimator | Focal length, aperture and test configuration |
The final recommendation should be based on the complete imaging system rather than the application name alone.
Both MWIR and LWIR lenses can be used in aerospace imaging, but they serve different detector configurations and performance requirements.
| Selection Factor | MWIR Lens | LWIR Lens |
| Typical spectral range | 3–5 μm | 8–14 μm |
| Common detector configuration | Primarily cooled detectors | Commonly uncooled, with cooled options also available |
| Typical system type | High-performance and long-range EO/IR systems | Compact UAV, night-vision and general thermal imaging systems |
| Available lens formats | Fixed focus and continuous zoom | Fixed focus, motorized, athermalized, dual-FOV and zoom |
| Main considerations | Sensitivity, cold-shield matching and system complexity | Size, cost, thermal stability and mass-production integration |
A cooled MWIR lens may be suitable for long-range observation and high-performance airborne EO/IR systems.
An LWIR lens may be preferred for compact uncooled thermal cameras, UAV gimbals and applications where size, system complexity and production cost are important.
The correct spectral band should be selected according to target characteristics, operating environment, detector availability, atmospheric transmission and expected imaging distance.
IRLENS can supply or develop the following infrared lens configurations for aerospace applications.
Continuous zoom lenses allow the system to change smoothly between a wide field of view and a narrow field of view.
They are suitable for airborne observation pods, long-range surveillance systems and stabilized gimbals requiring both search and detailed observation functions.
Dual-FOV and multiple-FOV lenses provide predefined field-of-view positions.
They can be considered when the system requires fast switching between observation modes without the mechanical complexity of a full continuous zoom system.
Athermalized infrared lenses are designed to reduce focus change over a specified temperature range.
They are suitable for outdoor, airborne and unattended imaging systems exposed to changing ambient temperatures.
Motorized-focus lenses allow remote focus adjustment through the equipment control system.
They can be integrated into UAV payloads, aircraft-mounted cameras and other systems where direct manual adjustment is not practical.
For miniature gimbals and weight-sensitive payloads, the optical and mechanical design can be evaluated to reduce the lens envelope and mass while meeting the required detector coverage and optical performance.
Where the available installation length is limited, folded optics may be considered to redirect the optical path and fit the required focal length into the available equipment space.
Off-axis collimators can be used for infrared system alignment, imaging evaluation and laboratory testing.
Specifications should be selected according to the system aperture, focal length, waveband and test requirements.
The infrared lens must be designed or selected for the detector resolution, pixel pitch and active area.
An incorrect match may lead to insufficient image coverage, reduced resolution or unnecessary lens size.
Please provide:
Detector manufacturer and model
Detector resolution
Pixel pitch
Active image area
Cooled or uncooled configuration
Cold-shield parameters, where applicable
The required focal length depends on the detector size and desired field of view.
Long-distance observation normally requires a narrower field of view, while navigation and general scene observation require wider coverage.
Providing the target size, observation distance and required task—search, detection, recognition or identification—helps the engineering team evaluate a suitable focal length or zoom range.
For UAVs and airborne gimbals, lens dimensions and weight can affect payload capacity, stabilization and system balance.
Please provide the maximum permitted diameter, total length and weight during the initial evaluation.
Temperature changes can affect lens materials, mechanical parts and focal position.
Athermalized design, motorized focus compensation or other focus-control methods may be considered according to the operating temperature range.
Mounting threads, flanges, back focal distance, electrical connections and motor-control requirements should be confirmed before prototype production.
Customized housings and interfaces are available for suitable OEM projects.
Aerospace and airborne equipment may be exposed to vibration, shock, dust, moisture and temperature cycling.
Environmental requirements should be defined by the customer during the design stage so that the lens structure, materials and testing plan can be evaluated accordingly.
Available coating technologies include anti-reflection coatings, diamond-like carbon coatings and other hard protective coatings for suitable infrared optical materials and applications.
The coating should be selected according to the spectral band, external environment, required transmission and surface durability.
Final availability depends on the substrate and project requirements.
When a standard infrared lens does not meet the required field of view, detector format, mechanical envelope or environmental conditions, IRLENS can develop a custom MWIR or LWIR lens.
Review the application, detector, spectral band, focal length, F-number, field of view, dimensions, weight and environmental requirements.
Assess the optical structure, lens materials, coating, focus method, mechanical interface and manufacturability.
Optimize focal length, curvature, thickness, image quality, distortion, illumination and other required optical parameters.
Develop the lens housing, mounting structure and precision mechanical components according to the installation requirements.
Produce prototype lenses for imaging evaluation and system integration.
Inspect optical components and mechanical parts, complete lens assembly and evaluate imaging and focus performance according to the agreed specifications.
Support pilot production after the prototype has been approved.
Provide repeat manufacturing and batch supply for approved OEM and system-integration projects.
Aerospace infrared lens projects often begin with one or several engineering samples.
The sample stage allows the equipment manufacturer to verify image quality, field of view, focus, detector compatibility, mounting and system control.
After the optical and mechanical configuration has been approved, the same design can proceed to small-batch production and regular volume supply.
IRLENS combines optical design, mechanical processing, infrared component manufacturing, coating, inspection, assembly and testing.
The company’s stated annual infrared lens production capacity is up to 50,000 pieces, supporting both custom development and volume-production requirements.
MWIR and LWIR lens development under one supplier
Fixed-focus, motorized, athermalized, dual-FOV and continuous zoom options
Optical design and mechanical structure development
Spherical, aspherical, diffractive and off-axis optical component processing
AR, DLC, hard protective, reflective and filter coating capabilities
Precision mechanical parts manufacturing
Optical component inspection
Lens assembly, adjustment and imaging evaluation
Prototype, small-batch and volume-production support
Customized interfaces for detector and payload integration
Rather than simply supplying a lens from a catalogue, IRLENS can work with equipment manufacturers and system integrators to evaluate the complete optical and mechanical requirements of the imaging system.
To help us recommend an existing model or evaluate a custom aerospace infrared lens, please provide as much of the following information as possible.
| Required Information | Details |
| Application | UAV, EO/IR pod, night vision, remote sensing or another system |
| Spectral band | MWIR 3–5 μm, LWIR 8–14 μm or another specified band |
| Detector model | Manufacturer and model number |
| Detector resolution | For example, 640 × 512 or 1280 × 1024 |
| Pixel pitch | For example, 12 μm, 15 μm or 17 μm |
| Detector type | Cooled or uncooled |
| Focal length | Fixed focal length or required zoom range |
| Field of view | Horizontal, vertical or diagonal FOV |
| F-number | Required optical aperture |
| Focus type | Fixed, manual or motorized |
| Target information | Target dimensions and observation distance |
| Installation space | Maximum diameter and length |
| Weight limit | Maximum permitted lens weight |
| Mechanical interface | Mounting thread, flange and back focal distance |
| Operating temperature | Minimum and maximum temperature |
| Environmental requirements | Vibration, shock, humidity, dust and other conditions |
| Project stage | Concept, prototype, testing, pilot production or mass production |
| Required quantity | Sample quantity, initial order and estimated annual demand |
Send your detector specifications, target distance and installation requirements to IRLENS.
Our engineering team will evaluate whether an existing infrared lens can be used or whether a custom optical solution is required.
Send Your Detector Specifications
Request a Custom Aerospace Lens Evaluation
Yes. Please provide the detector model, resolution, pixel pitch, active area, spectral band and cooled or uncooled configuration.
For cooled detectors, cold-shield information may also be required.
The selection depends on the UAV payload limit, detector, field of view, target distance and required imaging function.
Compact fixed-focus or athermalized LWIR lenses are suitable for many small UAV systems, while larger gimbals may use motorized, dual-FOV or continuous zoom lenses.
Yes. The housing, mounting thread, flange, overall length, outer diameter and other mechanical details can be evaluated according to the available installation space and OEM requirements.
IRLENS offers cooled MWIR continuous zoom lens configurations and can evaluate custom zoom requirements based on the detector, focal-length range, F-number, target distance and installation limitations.
Small-form-factor and lightweight designs can be evaluated for miniature gimbals and airborne payloads.
The achievable weight depends on the focal length, aperture, detector format, zoom mechanism and required mechanical strength.
Testing requirements should be provided during the project evaluation.
IRLENS can review the required temperature, vibration, shock and other conditions and determine the appropriate design and validation plan.
Specific compliance claims should be based on the agreed test standard and actual test results.
Prototype and sample evaluation can be supported.
Once the sample has passed the customer’s imaging and integration tests, the project can proceed to small-batch or volume production.
A standard lens uses an existing optical and mechanical configuration and may shorten the evaluation process.
A custom lens is developed when the detector, field of view, focal length, dimensions, weight, focus method or interface cannot be satisfied by an existing model.
At minimum, provide the spectral band, detector model, resolution, pixel pitch, focal length or field of view, target distance, focus method, installation dimensions and required quantity.
More complete parameters will allow a more accurate technical evaluation.
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