Fewer flights. Less labor. More airtime. Sierra-Olympia’s Ultra-lightweight airborne thermal imaging cameras are taking infrared to new heights. Low-SWaP is engineered into all of our custom airborne projects.
From the Vayu HD, the world’s first full HD 1920×1200 uncooled microbolometer camera, to the Ventus Compact, an ultra-low profile MWIR optimized for airborne video surveillance, Sierra-Olympia is at the forefront of cutting-edge, low-SWaP thermal imaging devices. Custom-built for integration into everything from small tactical drones to larger fixed-wing aircraft, our airborne cameras provide reliable, actionable data and video. For high performance at high altitude, look no further than Sierra-Olympia.
5X. 12X. 16X. AT HIGH ALTITUDES OR LONG SLANT RANGES, ZOOM IS MISSION-CRITICAL FOR AIRBORNE SURVEILLANCE — AND SIERRA-OLYMPIA’S THERMAL CAMERA CORES DELIVER, WITHOUT WEIGHING YOU DOWN.
Crewed and Uncrewed Systems
With over 5,000 integrated systems delivered, Sierra-Olympia has the experience and expertise to provide a turnkey solution for your airborne surveillance needs—whether you’re flying crewed or uncrewed aircraft. Our systems can be fitted to multi-rotor drones, small tactical uncrewed aircraft systems (STUAS), or larger, remotely piloted aircraft. Alternatively, our camera cores can be integrated with crewed aircraft, like utility and attack helicopters and fixed-wing surveillance planes.
Sierra-Olympia’s onboard video encoder allows detailed metadata—including aircraft location, sensor orientation, and slant range—to stream alongside real-time IP video, giving you confidence through situational awareness.

Airborne Applications
Sierra-Olympia’s ITAR-free airborne surveillance cameras are battle-tested in the most demanding environments, making them among the best infrared options for airborne military or civilian operations. Lightweight and rugged, our imaging systems deliver outstanding performance and long-wave infrared sensitivity for critical target detection, identification and classification from standoff distances.
Applications include:
- Hollywood productions
- Gas Leak Detection
- Search and Rescue missions (ISR)
- Police and Fire Departments
- Wildlife counting
- Forest fire fighting & hotspot Detection
- Industrial building inspection
- Solar panel fault detection
- Powerline and Pipeline Inspection

“SIERRA-OLYMPIA IS DRAWING ON MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO PRODUCE CUSTOM SOLUTIONS THAT COME WITH INDUSTRY-LEADING SUPPORT. IF YOU’RE WONDERING ‘WHO MAKES THE BEST AIRBORNE THERMAL CAMERAS?’, THE ANSWER IS CLEAR.”
– Diane (Mechanical Engineer)

Image Stabilization that Goes Beyond Gimbals
Sierra-Olympia’s onboard stabilizing software helps you achieve the clearest and most readable image possible. With scene tracking, vehicle tracking, and moving target indication, our technology keeps your shot steady—even in the face of atmospheric turbulence and engine vibration.
