Chromar designs, assembles and tests lenses for satellites, aircraft and long-range imaging, backed by 45 years of optical design and more than 260 original designs.
Proof from orbit, the air and the ground.
Flight-proven
Built and qualified for space. Two units launched on SpaceX Transporter-14 in 2025. The same catadioptric family is in series production and forms the basis of the Kuiper series.
In development
The first of four long-focal-length catadioptrics for high-altitude platforms and small satellites, from 950 mm to 2,500 mm. Target availability Q1 2027.
Flight-proven
More than 100 in orbit. Supplied as optics and mechanics with a four-stage external baffle.
Built
25× optical zoom with a 1° narrow field at 1080p in a 46 × 58 × 149.5 mm body.
Chromar optics serve space, high-altitude platforms (HAPS) and UAVs, airborne and naval systems, military vehicles and artillery, security and long-range surveillance, mining, industry, medicine and forestry, as well as commercial and enthusiast users.
Multi-spectral designs cover UV, visible, NIR, SWIR and MWIR. Most are diffraction limited, or close to it, over the field and spectral range they are designed for; they are athermalised, built to handle shock and impact, and kept compact and light.
Every stage under one roof, or any one stage on its own.
System analysis and specification, then the lens: configuration, prescription, thermal and tolerance analysis.
Mechanical design for alignment, athermal behaviour and stray-light control, and new concept development.
Assembly and alignment in laminar-flow cabinets for a dust-free environment.
Environmental and space qualification campaigns, run with specialist test partners.
Every lens is MTF-tested on our own equipment and shipped with its measured curve.
From missile seeker optics and tank sights to helmet tracking for fighter aircraft and cameras in orbit. Our heritage
Tymen Nagel (Snr) begins optical design.
Chromar is founded.
Sumbandila satellite launches with a Chromar-designed main camera.
Tymen Ryk Nagel (Jnr) takes ownership of Chromar.
Two C250 f/4 lenses launch on SpaceX Transporter-14.
More than 260 original designs. Kuiper series in development.
C950 Pluto, the first Kuiper lens, targeted for Q1.
Tell us the focal length, f-number, spectral band, sensor and operating environment. We will tell you whether an existing design fits, or what a new one involves.
