Abstract: To address the issue where staring infrared systems compromise resolution when achieving a wide field of view for target search, this paper presents a design scheme for a mid-wave infrared scanning continuous zoom optical system. Based on the principles of optical zoom and telescopic imaging theory, a design module of scanning continuous zoom optical system is constructed. The system primarily consists of three parts: a telescopic zoom system, scanning galvanometer and imaging optical path system, operating within the wavelength range of 3.7~4.8 μm, F-number of 2.0. The telescopic zoom system achieves a 10× continuous focal length variation by axially moving the zoom lens group. A movable focusing group is incorporated to compensate for image plane drift caused by temperature variations. The scanning galvanometer performs optical scanning to correct object plane drift induced by platform movement. The imaging optical path system focuses the parallel beam emitted from the telescopic zoom system onto the image plant. The full-field modulation transfer function(MTF) of the scanning system exceeds 0.55 at the characteristic frequency of 25 lp/mm, demonstrating high sensitivity, high resolution, and a compact structure. This design meets the practical application requirements of airborne electro-optical reconnaissance equipment.