Trillium Engineering
Trillium Engineering designs and manufactures stabilized gimbaled EO/IR imaging systems (HD25 through HD95 series) for Group 1-3 UAS, sold primarily to U.S. and allied defense primes and military end users via OEM platform integration and direct sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersHood River, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Trillium Engineering does
Trillium Engineering, founded in 2013 in Hood River, Oregon, designs and manufactures stabilized gimbaled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, spanning Group 1 through Group 3 UAS. The product portfolio ranges from the sub-400-gram HD25 micro-gimbal through the HD40, HD45, HD59, HD80, and HD95 families, with multi-spectral sensor options (EO, NIR, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR), STANAG-compliant laser designators, and onboard GPS/INS for geolocation. Supporting software includes the SkyLink ground-control interface with Target Location Estimate (TLE) filtering, the GD-Loc computer-vision pipeline for CAT-1 geolocation in GPS-denied environments, and the NyxCore edge-AI platform built on Lantronix/Qualcomm Dragonwing silicon and SightX Merlin detection software.
The business model is hardware-driven one-time sales of gimbaled imaging systems sold directly through a sales-led motion and OEM-embedded into defense prime platforms (Raytheon, Textron, Lockheed Martin, AeroVironment, Anduril, Shield AI). Customers include U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps programs (FTUAS, Project Convergence, LRR, Mi2), international militaries (Danish DALO, Ukraine via Quantum-Systems), and civil/public-safety end users (San Bernardino County Fire, ArgenTech). Pricing is opaque and custom per contract. Revenue is generated primarily through OEM platform integration, supplemented by accessories, spare parts, and software updates bundled into hardware sales. Distribution expanded internationally in June 2025 via a strategic partnership with Safran Electronics & Defense covering Europe and India.
The company received a majority investment from J.F. Lehman & Company in 2021, relocated to a 26,000 sq ft facility in April 2024 (75% expansion), holds ISO 9001 certification and AUVSI Green UAS certification, and has shipped over 2,000 gimbals globally. Leadership includes CEO Mark Mirelez (ex-BEI Precision), CFO Carly McFarland, CTO N. Andrew Browning, and three VPs covering business development, product development, and operations; the three original founders remain involved following the PE transaction.
Trillium Engineering firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Trillium Engineering
- Legal name
- TRILLIUM ENGINEERING LLC.
- Website
- https://trilliumeng.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Trillium Engineering designs and manufactures stabilized gimbaled EO/IR imaging systems (HD25 through HD95 series) for Group 1-3 UAS, sold primarily to U.S. and allied defense primes and military end users via OEM platform integration and direct sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Trillium Engineering industry classification
Industry- Product category
- UAS Gimbaled EO/IR Imaging Systems
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- UAS Payloads (EO/IR, LiDAR, SAR, SIGINT) & Gimbals (IMABAIAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors & Targeting Systems (IMABAGAC), Military Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) & Autonomous Aerial Platforms (IMABAMAC)
Keywords
Where Trillium Engineering is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hood River
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Trillium Engineering business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Gimbaled Camera Systems: Trillium generates revenue primarily through the sale of gimbaled imaging systems including HD25, HD40, HD45, HD55, HD59, HD80, and HD95 series. These are one-time hardware purchases with varying sensor configurations (EO, IR, LWIR, MWIR, SWIR), laser options, and capabilities. Products are sold directly to defense contractors, aircraft manufacturers, and government/military end users through sales representatives.
- Software and Firmware: SkyLink ground control software and field-upgradable firmware provided at no additional cost with gimbal purchases. Software updates include new features, improvements, and bug fixes delivered over the product lifecycle.
- Accessories and Spare Parts: Development kits and other accessories available for purchase separately, including interface cables, desktop power supplies, and GPS antennas.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Custom enterprise/government pricing through sales |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
Trillium Engineering product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Trillium Engineering designs, manufactures, and sells stabilized gimbaled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, including the HD25, HD40, HD45, HD55, HD59, HD80, and HD95 series. Products span Group 1, 2, and 3 UAS categories and integrate multi-spectral imaging (EO, LWIR, MWIR, SWIR), onboard GPS/INS geolocation, electronic stabilization, target tracking, and the SkyLink ground control software for ISR, reconnaissance, maritime, and civil applications.
Product overview
Trillium Engineering designs and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of gimbaled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The product line spans Group 1, 2, and 3 UAS categories and includes the HD25 (micro/compact 2.5-inch), HD40 (4-inch dual-vision), HD45 (4.5-inch continuous zoom), HD55 (6-inch mid-size), HD59 (6-inch multi-sensor), HD80 (8-inch high-performance), and HD95 (10-inch largest/FTUAS-optimized) series. Supporting software includes SkyLink ground control interface with Splash-To-Target and TLE capabilities, GD-Loc GPS-denied geolocation, Clarity-HD advanced processing, and NyxCore edge AI platform. Products serve government, commercial, and civil sectors for ISR, reconnaissance, targeting, maritime surveillance, and wildfire monitoring applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- HD25 Series Ultra-compact 2.5-inch class EO/IR gimbaled camera system for Group 1 micro UAS, including HD25-XV (EO only), HD25-LV (EO/LWIR), and HD25-LV-C (streamlined dual sensor) variants weighing 350-390 grams. Designed for launched effects, loitering munitions, and attritable platforms.
- HD40-LVV High-performance 4-inch class dual visible camera system providing 180x zoom with HD LWIR for 360-degree situational awareness. Weighs 750 grams with real-time geolocation accurate to within 6 meters and open architecture supporting customer-directed AI/ML, for medium and long-range reconnaissance missions.
- HD45-LV-R Ultralight 4.5-inch continuous zoom LWIR gimbal weighing 885 grams, featuring global shutter EO and continuous zoom IR, designed for Group 2 UAS conducting long-range and medium-range reconnaissance missions.
- HD59 Series Mid-sized 6-inch class dual LWIR and dual EO system providing 180x visible zoom for comprehensive situational awareness in daylight and nighttime operations. Includes LLVV, MLVV, and MLVS variants weighing 1550-1950 grams, with optional laser suite.
- HD80 Series Family of 8-inch class stabilized EO/IR camera systems for Group 2 and 3 UAS, including VV (dual visible 112x zoom), MV (EO/MWIR), MV-600 (extended MWIR), and MVS (MWIR/Visible/SWIR) variants with weights 4300-5350 grams and onboard GPS/INS providing 0.5 degree typical accuracy.
- HD80-AIM Artificial Intelligence-Maritime gimbal combining SkyLink-AIM software with AI for wide-area search, surveillance, and vessel identification. Features 640x512 cooled MWIR with 10x zoom and 1080p visible with 36x zoom, with automated target detection and identification.
- HD95-MVS Largest 10-inch class gimbal engineered for U.S. Army Future Vertical Lift requirements, weighing 7600 grams with 192x visible zoom, 40x MWIR zoom, 1-degree FOV SWIR, STANAG 3733 compliant 50mJ laser target designator, and onboard h.265 compression with MISB-compliant KLV metadata output.
- Clarity-HD Advanced edge-compute processing solution providing enhanced AI processing capabilities for mission critical airborne applications, integrated with Trillium gimbal systems for real-time onboard analytics.
- SkyLink Ground Control Software Integrated gimbal user interface software providing intuitive control, automatic gimbal discovery, video telemetry overlay, target tracking, 3D mapping with target breadcrumbs, frame-by-frame review, post-mission analysis, Splash-To-Target functionality, and Target Location Estimate (TLE) for precision targeting.
Quantifiable outcome
- GD-Loc achieves within 6 meter target location accuracy in GPS-denied environments
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Trillium Engineering
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Trillium Engineering technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability12 records
Feature7 records
Trillium Engineering partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- LantronixcoreLantronix provides NDAA/TAA-compliant Edge AI solution using Open-Q 5165RB System on Module powered by Qualcomm Dragonwing processors for Trillium's GD-Loc and NyxCore products. Enables real-time AI processing, object detection, and precision targeting for defense and commercial drone applications.
- Safran Electronics & DefensecoreStrategic partnership expands Trillium's global reach specifically in Europe and India. Safran will represent Trillium's entire product line, manage demonstrations and integrations within its territory. Complements Safran's existing ARTIS line of larger gimbals (16-25 inches) with Trillium's smaller gimbals.
- LeidossupportingLeidos supported Trillium's GD-Loc demonstration to the U.S. Army in GPS-denied environments. 28 successful flights captured target data points with target location error of less than 6 meters.
- SightXcoreIntegration of SightX's Merlin AI software into Trillium gimbals for advanced multi-object acquisition engine for mission-critical airborne applications. Enables object detection, tracking, and classification in both visible and infrared spectrums with human 'on the loop' rather than 'in the loop'.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Trillium Engineering competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- L3Harris Technologies (WESCAM): WESCAM is the leading supplier of stabilized EO/IR gimbal systems for military and law enforcement manned and unmanned platforms across all UAS groups. Directly comparable to Trillium across Group 1-3 UAS applications, with broader portfolio and deeper prime integration.
- Controp Precision Technologies: Controp supplies EO/IR stabilized payloads (M-STAMP, T-STAMP, Speed-ER) for small and tactical UAS used by Israeli and allied forces. Direct comparable in the compact gimbaled imaging segment where Trillium operates.
- Safran Electronics & Defense (ARTIS): Safran produces the ARTIS line of larger stabilized gimbals (16-25 inch) and is now Trillium's distribution partner for Europe and India. Comparable through product overlap in EO/IR stabilized payloads for UAS, although Safran focuses on the larger end of the market.
- Leonardo DRS: Leonardo DRS supplies EO/IR sensors, stabilized gimbals, and targeting systems to U.S. and allied militaries. Comparable product portfolio to Trillium in airborne ISR and targeting applications for tactical UAS.
- Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT): AVT (now part of Ideal Innovations) specializes in CM62U, Lorex, and other small-UAS EO/IR gimbals plus counter-UAS solutions. Directly competes with Trillium in the Group 1-2 small-UAS gimbal market with similar customer overlap in DoD and allied militaries.
- Teledyne FLIR Defense: FLIR (now Teledyne) supplies EO/IR imaging payloads, gimbals (Star SAFIRE, Recon, Black Hornet), and small-UAS sensors across defense and commercial markets. Direct competitor in the small-UAS gimbal segment and a frequent alternative bidder on DoD programs.
- Elbit Systems (Elop): Elbit's Elop division manufactures miniaturized EO/IR payloads, gimbals, and laser designators for UAS platforms including Hermes and THOR. Competes with Trillium across Group 1-3 small UAS and is a meaningful alternative on DoD and allied tenders.
Emerging players
- Shield AI (V-BAT, Martin UAV): Shield AI acquired Martin UAV and integrates Trillium HD80 gimbals on V-BAT VTOL UAS. Adjacent platform competitor but also a current customer/channel partner; relevant for understanding vertical-integration dynamics in tactical UAS.
Broad incumbents
- Hensoldt Optronics: Hensoldt produces SERO, ARGOS, and other stabilized EO/IR systems for military UAS and helicopters across European and NATO markets. Comparable technology and customer base, with broader product range and stronger European footprint.
- IAI Tamam Division: Israel Aerospace Industries' Tamam division produces stabilized EO/IR payloads (MiniPOP, POP, MOSP) for UAS, helicopters, and maritime platforms. Broader portfolio than Trillium but competes head-to-head on tactical UAS payloads worldwide.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Trillium Engineering social profiles
Digital presenceTrillium Engineering compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Trillium Engineering financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Trillium Engineering leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Trillium Engineering funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Trillium Engineering M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Trillium Engineering
What does Trillium Engineering do?
Trillium Engineering designs, manufactures, and sells stabilized gimbaled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, including the HD25, HD40, HD45, HD55, HD59, HD80, and HD95 series. Products span Group 1, 2, and 3 UAS categories and integrate multi-spectral imaging (EO, LWIR, MWIR, SWIR), onboard GPS/INS geolocation, electronic stabilization, target tracking, and the SkyLink ground control software for ISR, reconnaissance, maritime, and civil applications.
Is Trillium Engineering a public or private company?
Trillium Engineering is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Trillium Engineering founded?
Trillium Engineering was founded in 2013. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Trillium Engineering based?
Trillium Engineering is headquartered in Hood River, United States, in the North America region.
How does Trillium Engineering make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Gimbaled Camera Systems are the primary driver. The others are software and Firmware and accessories and Spare Parts.
Who are Trillium Engineering's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are L3Harris Technologies (WESCAM), Controp Precision Technologies, Safran Electronics & Defense (ARTIS), Leonardo DRS, Ascent Vision Technologies (AVT), Teledyne FLIR Defense and Elbit Systems (Elop). Shield AI (V-BAT, Martin UAV) is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Hensoldt Optronics and IAI Tamam Division.
Does Trillium Engineering have an API?
No public API is recorded for Trillium Engineering.
What industry is Trillium Engineering in?
Trillium Engineering's product category is UAS Gimbaled EO/IR Imaging Systems. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAIAI, UAS Payloads (EO/IR, LiDAR, SAR, SIGINT) & Gimbals, with a secondary code of IMABAGAC, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors & Targeting Systems. Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.