High-Speed Midwave Infrared Cameras Enable Military Test Range Tracking System

Operating beyond the visible light spectrum, forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras use a thermographic imager (camera) that senses infrared radiation, or heat signatures. Advanced FLIR thermal imaging systems capture and display infrared wavelengths that are radiating energy. Infrared thermography consists of three specific wavelengths, including short-wave infrared (SWIR), midwave infrared (MWIR), and long wavelength infrared (LWIR).

MWIR imaging cameras have long been the preferred solution for clear thermal imaging at distances greater than one kilometer (km) for defense, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), counter-UAS, security, and other long-range surveillance applications. To meet these imaging requirements, advanced MWIR camera systems are commonly integrated with infrared telescopes that feature a continuous zoom (CZ) lens assembly. Developing custom cameras and CZ lenses can be costly in terms of time and resources, and it can become complicated.