ASOG Focus Area | Industry Support
Source | ASOG Desk Editor
Airborne Sensor Operators (ASOs) are the vital link between cutting-edge technology and actionable intelligence in the rapidly evolving world of aerial data collection. OFIL Airborne, a global leader in aerial inspection systems, is reshaping how ASOs operate—streamlining workflows, reducing cognitive load, and unlocking unprecedented capabilities in real-time data acquisition.
At the heart of OFIL’s mission is a clear principle: technology should empower the operator, not replace them. That’s why OFIL designs every system with the ASO in mind—ensuring that even the most sophisticated tools remain intuitive, efficient, and mission-ready in the most demanding environments.
From high-resolution UV and IR sensors to 4K, 8K, and full-frame still cameras with long-range zoom, OFIL systems integrate a full sensor suite into compact payloads. This allows ASOs to independently manage complex, multi-modal data collection without requiring multiple operators or post-flight processing teams.
“Our philosophy is simple: empower the operator,” explains Ray Hyland, Director of Airborne Solutions. “We build systems that allow ASOs to focus on what matters—getting the right data, safely and efficiently—without wrestling with complicated interfaces or unreliable hardware.”
What sets OFIL apart is how it leverages AI, not to replace the ASO, but to assist them. For example, the system’s AI can be trained to detect anomalies and issue real-time alerts, acting as a second set of eyes if the ASO is focused on another task or screen. It can also auto-steer the gimbal to track objects of interest, allowing the operator to multi-task and take control only when needed. This AI-human teaming approach enhances mission success without compromising situational awareness.
This ease of use is especially critical in fast-moving scenarios like wildfire response or energy infrastructure inspections. With OFIL’s systems, a single ASO can control gimbals, operate multiple sensors, and generate actionable outputs, such as orthomosaics, fire-intensity maps, or gas leak visuals, right from the aircraft. The system’s efficiency enables ASOs to deliver a finished product at the end of the mission, eliminating the need for additional GIS or IT staff on the ground.
OFIL’s innovations go even further: if an ASO encounters an unfamiliar situation mid-flight, OFIL experts can remotely connect to the system in real time, providing immediate technical support and mentoring. This enhances operational performance and accelerates the learning curve—ASOs don’t need to be trained on every possible scenario beforehand.
Dr. Peter Morawitz, OFIL’s founder and CEO, underscores this operator-centric philosophy: “Our systems turn the ASO into a true mission commander—capable of mapping fires, detecting gas leaks, and inspecting powerlines, all in a single sortie. We’re not just supporting the role of the ASO—we’re elevating it.”
Operational readiness is also reinforced by OFIL’s OFIL’s comprehensive annual service program, which includes a complete system overhaul. With rugged system durability and remote software updates, ASOs can rely on their gear to perform when and where it counts.
By seamlessly integrating LiDAR, radiometric IR, optical gas imaging, and AI-enhanced automation into a unified platform, OFIL is redefining the ASO’s role—not merely as a sensor technician, but as a central decision-maker in airborne operations.
As demand for high-quality aerial data rises, OFIL Airborne remains at the forefront, delivering smarter, operator-focused systems for the professionals who bring the mission to life.