MKS Inc. has unveiled the Ophir KAMU series, a new line of long-range thermal imaging cameras designed to streamline the deployment of advanced surveillance and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS).
This fully integrated solution combines high-resolution SXGA cooled detectors with continuous-zoom mid-wave infrared (MWIR) f/4 optics. Supporting focal lengths ranging from 300 mm to 1200 mm, the series is engineered for extended long-range missions and extreme stand-off detection. The 1200 mm configuration is capable of detecting standard military vehicles at approximately 28 km, while micro-drones as small as 20×20 cm can be identified at distances of 1.7 km or greater.
By utilizing a constant f/4 aperture across the entire zoom range, the cameras maintain precise boresight and image focus. This design ensures consistent thermal performance and stable line-of-sight accuracy, allowing operators to achieve wider coverage with fewer assets. The system features a video-processing pipeline that includes non-uniformity correction, bad-pixel repair, and adaptive gain control to ensure image clarity in diverse environments.
Dr. Kobi Lasri, General Manager, Ophir Optics Products, said, “In long‑range thermal imaging, optics determine outcomes. The Ophir KAMU MWIR camera places MKS’ continuous‑zoom optics at the center—paired with SXGA resolution and an integration‑ready architecture—to deliver consistent thermal performance, near‑diffraction‑limited imaging, and reliable long‑range discrimination across airborne, maritime, and ground ISR.”
To facilitate rapid integration for original equipment manufacturers, the KAMU series offers multiple digital outputs, including H.264/H.265 over Ethernet, HD-SDI, and HDMI. Command-and-control is handled via Ethernet and RS-422 interfaces. The hardware is available in both open-frame and ruggedized MIL-STD-810 qualified configurations. The ruggedized versions include an IP67-sealed front element, EMI-protected D38999 connectors, and a nitrogen-backfilled interior to prevent fogging in harsh climates.
MKS, a global provider of enabling technologies, leverages a lens-centric design approach backed by decades of optical manufacturing experience. This method prioritizes the optics as the primary performance driver, which the company states reduces engineering risk and ensures field-proven reliability for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) applications. The Ophir MWIR f/4 camera series is currently available for order.
