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.

  • Vayu HD

    One of our best-rated thermal cameras for airborne missions, Vayu HD is a long-wave infrared (LWIR) camera core that can deliver full HD imagery at 60 frames per second with a high pixel count to enable more effective digital zoom (16X). With advanced image correction capabilities, The Vayu HD packs a large format in a small size simultaneously attaining a large FOV and impressive spatial resolution.

    Vayu HD Product Page
    Vayu HD, 1920 x 1200, 25mm lens – 860 grams

  • Ventus Compact

    Specifically designed for UAV/UAS integration, the 640 x 512 resolution Ventus Compact provides all the features of our larger Ventus camera cores in a power-efficient, low-profile package. The smallest version weighs just 500 grams. More powerful lens include a 20-275 mm continuous zoom optic, one-touch autofocus and a variety of video output formats for streaming to ground control stations.

    Ventus Compact Product Page
    Ventus Compact, 640 x 512, 500 grams

  • Vinden LRB 75 mm

    When outfitted with a 75mm lens, the Vinden LRB camera core achieves high-performance zoom in a low-SWaP package. The 640 x 512 resolution imager weighs only 434 grams, making it perfect for long-range, high-altitude airborne thermal surveillance. The camera core’s feature-rich, user-friendly control board provides onboard image processing and video storage, as well as electronic image stabilization.

    Vinden LRB Product Page
    Vinden LRB 75
    Vinden LRB 75 mm, 640 x 512 434 grams

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.