In view of the small space of flying cabin, a compact middle-wave infrared camera is designed for optical-electricity tracking and pointing system used on the airborne platform. Firstly, requisite performances of infrared camera is put forward on the basis of applying requirements of airborne platform. Then, optics system including two-time imaging and double reflecting is designed and optimized. A fine focusing mechanism is developed for temperature focusing and distance emendation. A trunk supporting base is designed and its structural rigidity is analyzed by finite element method. Finally, focus, visual angle, noise equivalent temperature difference (NETD) and modulation transfer function (MTF) of infrared camera are tested by optical-electricity testing platform after finely manufacturing, assembling and adjusting. The results show that focus and visual angle agree with design parameters, the measurement NETD is 22 mK, MTF is higher than 0.58 in Nyquist frequency of CCD which approaches diffraction limit level. Therefore, the designed infrared camera with high sensitivity and good imaging quality can satisfy application requirements of airborne platform.