Compendium Dec-Jan

36
Soldier-worn night vision systems and night rifle sights Day for night

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Transcript of Compendium Dec-Jan

Page 1: Compendium Dec-Jan

Soldier-wornnight vision systemsandnight rifle sights

Day for night

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03Compendium Night Vision 2014

To provide soldiers withan optically fused nightvision goggle Flir offers

its M-32C clip-onthermal imager. (Flir)

Lighting Up the Nightfor Infantrymen!

This Compendium will try to analysewhat the market is offering to thebasic soldier - let’s say the standardinfantryman- intermsofsights,goggles

and surveillance and targeting systems,bearing in mind that two technologies areinvolved, namely image intensification andthermal imaging, although the latter goesbeyond night vision as it allows toimprove soldier’s vision also in daylightand difficult conditions.

Numerous factors must be taken intoconsiderationwhen looking forequipment tobe used by the basic infantryman: at a timewhenbudgetsare tight cost isdefinitelyoneofthe most important ones, especially

considering the high number of items thathave to be acquired to equip a basic combatelement -in other words an infantry battalionthat may need between 400 and 500 piecesof each type, namely goggles for movementand sights for shooting, while theobservation/targeting equipment is usuallyprovided only to the unit leader atsquad/platoon level. Fornightvisiongoggles,generally light intensifiers, thecostoriginatesfrom the two factors that are the number oftubes used (one or two), and their quality(generally determined by their generation).Using one tube per eye allows to maintainsomedepthofviewperception,while a singletube despatching the same information toboth eyes gives a totally flat image, which canbe a problem for a soldier, for example toevaluate the distance to the next stone on

Typically with individual equipment, requirements for new items originate from thesmaller units that have the deepest pockets, namely special forces. They are those whoget the high-tech equipment first, then as new technologies generate further iterations ofsimilar equipment, the earlier generations see their costs beginning to decrease andeventually deployed within conventional units. This has been true in many fields,and one of them remarkably is night vision.

Paolo Valpolini For sake of… clarity,we have decided to eliminate as much aspossible misleading if not sometimescontradictory acronyms, initials, apherisesand apocopes that abound in thevocabulary of this particular discipline ofmilitary equipment manufacturing, oftentrespassing the pure laws of mathematicsand logic. Hence things like II, or I2 oreven worse I2 have been returned to theiroriginal meaning which is “imageintensifier”, or “image intensification”,particularly if one considers that, absurdly,I2 pretty much amounts to its own squareroot! Not to mention the fact that onceupon a time, II stood for imaging infrared.Plain language often is the best standard.

(E. H. Biass)

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which he has to step. As for tubes, a latestgeneration American-made type is notusuallyavailable tonon-Americanforces,or toa very, very limited number of countries;somerelaxation in theexport regimehasbeenintroduced recently, which allows exportingtubes with higher figures ofmerit, that is thenumberof linepairpermillimetremultipliedby the signal to noise, the data used inAmerica to control image intensificationequipment. In the past the technological gapbetween the America and Europe wasconsiderable, but it now is virtually closed.

Clip-on thermal imagers, allowing toprovide some sort of fusion betweenintensifiers and thermal imagers (infraredsensors) on goggles have appeared in therecent past, but according to their ownmanufacturers, customers have so far beenlimited to special forces. For the time beingonly the Americans have moved to fusedgoggles, which remains a pretty expensive(andheavy) option.

Many systems consist of head mounts towhichhand-heldobservation intensifiers areattached. Some are even also used in front ofday sights to provide the soldier with a nightvision aiming capability. It is thereforesometimes difficult to precisely categorisethose items. Night sights can in fact come intwoforms, thatof a truenight sightand thatofa clip-on systemcoupled to aday sight. In the

case of sights both light intensifiers andinfrared types can be used, presenting ofcourse adifferent image to the soldier aswellas a different bill to the taxpayer, thermalsensors still beingmuchmoreexpensive thanintensificationdevices.

However, numerous armies have chosenthe thermal solution for their soldiermodernisation programmes, both in theirintegrated or clip-on options. Some haveeven adopted integrated day/night sights,which usually further increases costs. Allsolutions have their pros and cons. Somearmies have abandoned integrated sightsand returned tomodular types not only forcost reasons, but also because handling anassault rifle laden with a relatively heavysight can be a handicap in perfect clearweather. Indeed thenight component locatedin a pouchor rucksackwhennot in use has awhollydifferent impact ona soldier’s fatigue.The total weight of a modular system ishowever higher than that of an integratedsystem. As for pure night sights, theirperformances are often higher than those ofmodular ones. Fusion of intensifiers andinfrareds definitely will be tomorrow’sstandard but for the time being remains aluxury. Indeedas thename implies theuseoftwo sensors, and while digital fusion willimprove performance, the usual spreadingprocess has to take place to although suchtechnology has to gather momentum toreach anpricedrop threshold.

Turning to surveillance systems, these canbe thermals or intensifiers andmonocularorbinocular with integrated compass andrangefinder. Againwewill here examine themost basic items, as high-tier long-rangespecialists’ systems will be dealt with inforthcoming Armada articles. What sometake pride in describing as SWAP for size,cost, and power, is a major issue. While thedevelopmental spiral allows to reduce costs,such items still come at a price andcompromises have tobemade.

04 Compendium Night Vision 2014

This picture perfectly illustrates one way of acquiring stereoscopic vision by twinning twomonoculars on a helmet – in this instance two NVS-14 tubes from Newcon Optik, which has awide base of international customers. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

“Fusion of intensifiersand infrareds definitelywill be tomorrow’sstandard, but for the timebeing remains a luxury.”

In spite of the fact that thisunit provides vision to botheyes, this does not make it a

binocular, but a bi-ocularsince, as can clearly be seen,only one lens feeds both eyes

with the same image.(Department of Defense)

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Image Intensification systemsImage intensification technology is directly linked to the tubes used. Performanceshave improved through the years and are categorised under the “generation”denomination – or “Gen” for short.

Current entry level systems usually arefitted with Gen-2 or Gen-2+microchannel plate tubes that unleash

the snowball electron development effectbefore these electrons finally hit thephosphor screen on which they “print theimage”. Gen-2 tubes feature around twomillion microchannels and multiply thenumber of electrons by a factor of 100to1,000. Gen-2+ tubes see their number ofmicrochannels double to further improveresolution, while higher contrast andreaction levels are obtained by later types ofphosphor films on the screen.

A quantum leap was achieved withgallium-arsenide photocatodes coupled to6-12 million microchannels tubes. Thisis Gen 3. Resolution and service lifeconsistently increased, although to reachthe 10,000 working hour mark a thinaluminium film had to be deposited on thephotocatode to protect the coating fromstray electrons, but this also reduces thenumber of transmitted electrons. Furtherimprovements were made which led to anunofficial Gen-4 designation and wherebythe effect of stray electrons on the

microchannel plate is achieved byautogating – in other words a very fastshuttering of power supply to the tube toavoid saturation.

I EUROPEAN REVOLUTIONAs said earlier, Europe has closed the imageintensifying tube technology gap withAmerica particularly with Photonis, whoseXD-4 andXR-5 autogating tubes are used bymany night vision system manufacturers.The latest addition to the company’sportfolio was unveiled at Eurosatory 2014and is known as the Intens Revolution tube.The key feature of this new tube is itsextended bandwidth.

While other tubesusually collect photonsin the 400 to 900 nm band, the IntensRevolution extends that band to 300 nm,moving in the ultraviolet spectrum, andabove 1,000nm,well in the “red” spectrum.

Not only does this broaden thedetection-recognition-identification range by aPhotonis-estimated 40%, but it also ensuresfull multi-mission capability. Indeed, in adesert night the higher number of photonsis foundon the left hand sideof the spectrum- in the blue-green area - while in the junglemost of the photons fall on the righthandside - the redone. In a special darkroomallows Photonis to demonstrate theperformance of the new tubes to the visitorthat left no room for doubt. Photonis claimsthat its Intens Revolution can operate downtoLevel 6 night, which is less than 100µlx.

Another aspect that can be appreciated isthe reduced blooming effect in a suddenemergence of a light: the smaller the haloaround the source, the better the image.Quantitative terms provided by themanufacturer state that the IntensRevolutionhalo reaches amaximumof 0.7mm, compared to the 1-1.25 mm ofprevious tubes. In addition, resolutionremains higher in high-light situations,something important in urbanenvironmentswhere light conditions vary

constantly and where autogating has toprove its worth. Photonis claims thatresolution never falls under the 57 line pairsper millimetre, which allows the soldier tocontinue to see details.

Intens Revolution tubes have alreadybeen integrated in numerous systems testednot only by special forces and aviators, but

With its extended bandwidth detection capability the new Photonis tube is moving thegoalposts outwards. It now allows one to pick out many laser sources and will probably sparkoff some rethinking in the use of normally invisible lasers. (Photonis)

The now famous Photonis Intens lightintensification tube. These new tubes yield amuch higher gain and allow to see in thedeepest imaginable darkness. (Photonis)

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also by at least one European green army.Night vision systems equipped with the newtube have been used since early 2013 by anumber of units, generating positivefeedback. By how much the adoption ofIntens Revolution tubes increases cost wasnot revealed, but it is clear that this isanother technology that will be adoptedsooner rather than later for conventionalunits, at least in the wealthier countries.

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I NEWCONOPTIKIn the north American continent Canada-based Newcon Optik is active in the optronicbusiness for professionals and the military.All of its recent light intensification productsare proposed with different types of tubes,depending on customers requirements andpocket depth, starting from GalliumArsenide Gen-3 tubes, to Gen-3 autogatingtubes, to Gen-3 autogating black-and-whitephosphorus. The latter was introduced inthe last few years, initially on special forcescommunity request, and later “green”armies, as black-and-white is said to reduceeye fatigue when an operator or a soldier has

to look through it for the whole night, not tosay several nights in a row. Customers alsoconsider black-and-white tubes to providebetter contrast, or at least better perceivedcontrast. The tubes are around 10% moreexpensive than their standard greenphosphorus counterparts. All tubes aredesigned and specified by the company,Newcon Optik products not beingsubmitted to Itar limitations, but to standardCanadian export rules.

The most recent Newcon Optik imageintensifying night riflescope is the DN 493,whichwas introduced in late2013.Comparedto thepreviousDN463 it ismuch lighter,morecompact, and has a number of features thatmakes it more effective, the main one beingthemanual gaincontrol throughanadjusting

Small Arms Night Sights

A Pyser-SGI Muns 600 fitted with a PhotonisXD4 autogated tube and coupled to an opticalsight. The Muns are designed to work with x1to x6 day scopes. (Pyser-SGI)

The DN 493 is the latest addition to the rangeof image intensifying rifle sights producedby Newcon Optik of Canada, whose nightvision items, interestingly, are for the most partItar-free. (Newcon Optik)

The top image shows the rapid autogatingperformance of the new Photonis tube, thatallows to maintain a sharp vision even whenbright spots of light fall in the observed area.Below, this set of pictures illustrates Photonis’sclaims that its latest Intens Halo tubesgenerate less halo effect compared to earliermodels, which also preserves sharp vision inpresence of bright spots. (Photonis)

Starting from the United States, the first passive imageintensifier night sight, the Gen-1 AN/PVS-2,was deployedin 1967 in Vietnam-era, andwas replaced in 1978 by theAN/PVS-4, produced byOptical Electronics Corporation,nowpart of L-3Warrior Systems. The US Army then shiftedto thermal sights, while image intensifying technologydrifted towards other types of applications, mostly nightvision goggles and hand-held systems and other clip-ondevices and sights. It thus hardly comes as a surprise thatnotmany American companies have focussed theirattentions to I2 sights, most products of this category beingfound among European companies portfolios.

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knob close to the eyepiece. With a 1.68aperture its100mmfocal length lensprovidesa 9° field of view and a x4 magnification. Itfeatures an adjustable brightness Mil-Dot litreticle pattern with windage and elevationadjustment in 0.34 MOA steps. Powered bytwo AA batteries it has an operational life of60 hours if the built-in inrared illuminator isnot used. It weighs 900 grams sans batteriesand is 235mmlong, 98mmwide and80mmhigh.TheDN493has alreadyobtained somecommercial successes in theMiddleEast, andis now beginning to gain momentum inWesternEurope.

I PYSER-SGITurning to Europe, Pyser-SGI in Britain hascombined an image intensifier night visionsight with a red dot sight, giving birth to thePNP-MS. In thebasicversionequippedwitha25 mm lens, the sight is a x1 magnificationitem and can be fittedwith different types ofintensification tubes, fromGen-2+up to thelatest Photonis tubes such as the autogatedXR5A. The red dot is a 4 mil type while thefield of view is 40°. Powered by a single AAbatteryoperating time ranges from40 toover100 hours depending on tube and batterytype. Immersible down to 20metres for onehour, the x1 PNP-MS has a weight of 565grams without battery, its dimensions being130 x 77 x 67 mm. Worthy of note, whenfitted with longer focal length lenses itsweight increases only marginally, 50 gramsmore for the x2 versionwith the 50mm lensand 125 grams more for the x3 version withthe 75mmlens.

I MEOPTAWith a history that can be traced by to the1930s,Meopta is thereferencemanufacturerofnight vision systems in the Czech Republic,and currently operates production facilitiesin country aswell as in theUnitedStates.Thelast addition to Meopta’s image intensifying

sights catalogue is the ZN4 Lynx, which isproposedtothebasic infantrymanalthoughitsx4magnificationmakes it ideal fordesignatedmarksmen. It can be fitted either withPhotonis XD-4 orXR5 image intensificationtubes and provides a 10° field of view, withminimal focusdistanceof50metres.Poweredby a single LR6 1.5 V AA battery it has a

minimal operation time of 30 hours, whichincreases to 95 with a Lithium 3.6 V battery(both figures referring to 20°C standardtemperature). The ZN4 Lynx is capable ofdetecting a human target at 500 metres; 280mm long, 101 mm high and 79 mmwide, itweighs1.15kgwithbattery,mountandcover.A first contract has already been obtained inthe Czech Republic where the sight willprovide night capability tomachine gunnersarmedwith the7.62mmMinimi.

I PCOPCO (Przemysłowe Centrum Optyki forIndustrial Optic Centre) which is part of thePGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa for PolishArmaments Group) is the reference Polishnight vision systems producer since 1976. In

late June 2014 it became the coordinatingcompany for the Tytan Polish soldiermodernisationprogramme,whichregroupsatotal of 13 companies. In the imageintensification field PCO ofers the PCS-5MGabro, the latest version of the well-knownsystem that has been inproduction for years,initially with a side mount to attach it toSoviet-era small arms. Currently only theversion equipped with the Picatinny railattachment is being produced, the latestversions being equipped with XD4 or XR5tubes. The 1.3 kg Gabro has a x2.3magnificationanda fieldof viewof 12.5° andrunsonanR6/AA3.6V lithiumbattery.

I SHVABEThe two lighter intensifier night sightsproposed by Shvabe of Russia are the x1PN19K-1 and the x3 PN23. The former isfitted with Gen 2 or Gen 3 tubes, ensuringrespectively a 150 or 200metres recognitionrange under standard illuminationconditions. Its 27 mm focal length lensprovides a 34° field of view, the sight reticlebeing providedwith brightness control. ThePN-19K1 is equippedwith abuilt-in infraredilluminator increasing the systemcapacity atshort range.When the illuminator isused thesingle 1.5 V AA battery ensures 1.5 hours ofoperation, but fivewith illuminator switchedoff. Overall dimensions are 195 x 92 x 90.5mm, for aweight of 820grams.Weight reduction was obtained with the

adoptionof smallerdiameter tubes, thePN23sight being the lighter of the Shvabe sights at670grams.This x3 sight adoptsGen-3 tubes,its 80mmfocal length lensgivinga12° fieldofview, the system itself ensuring a 400-metrerecognition range. Also equipped with aninfrared illuminator, this ensures 15hours ofoperation with the illuminator off and sixhours otherwise.

I MEPROLIGHTIn Israel the intensified light night lifeessentially belongs to Meprolight, which ispart of the SK Group that controls otherdefence-related companies, including IsraelWeapons Industries, which allows it topropose small arms turnkey solutions to itscustomers. Recently Meprolight acquiredthe operations and assets ofNewNogaLightto broaden its portfolio. Meprolight’scatalogue includes optical, electro-opticalsights and devices, uncooled thermalweapon sights, image intensification sightsandgoggles, laser rangefinders, and a varietyof self-illuminatednight sights.

The NVS-27 is a clip-on sight from NewconOptik, which, like most of this Canadiancompany’s intensifier systems, is offered witha choice of green or black-and-white tubes.(Newcon Optik)

In its PNP-MS Pyser-SGI combined an imageintensifying sight with a red dot sight,something quite unique in the night visionfield. (Pyser-SGI)

A x2.3 magnification sight, PCO’sCS-5M Gabro is usually fitted with PhotonisXD4 or XR5 image intensification tubes.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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TheMeproMini-Hunter is a lightweightweapon sight that derives from thecompany’s Rantelmultirolemonocular thatcan accept 18 mm Gen-2+ or Gen-3 tubes.Themain differenceswith theRantel are theadoptionof ax2magnification lens affordingan 18° field of view and that of a passiveballistic reticle. To maintain commonality,the body is the same ruggedised aluminiumbodyas thatof theRantel. It features apassiveballistic reticle, which can be adjusted ± 14mrad, with 0.32 mrad click value. The sightis powered by a single 1.5 V AA battery thatensures a40-hourenduranceat 20°Candhalfthat time at –30°C. Due to its origins theMini-Hunter is particularly resistant toheat,and can be used up to +60°C. A compactsight, 140 mm long, 110 mm high with themountingadaptor, and70mmwide, itweight390 grams without battery, adaptor ordaylight cover.

I SAGEMInFrance the intensifier sight adoptedby theFrenchArmée de Terre for itsmodern soldierprogramme, the Félin, is a category on itsown, as it is one of the very few day/nightsights to have entered service, many othershaving chosen the clip-on concept.Manufacturedbyoneof themajor suppliersofsoldier-related night vision equipment,Sagem (which also happens to be the Félinprogrammemaincontractor), it isnow in fulldistributionandhasbeenused extensively inAfghanistan and Mali. The French Armyapproachwas tohaveday andnight channelsin the same sight, thus two such sights weredeveloped, onewith an image intensificationchannel plus the day channel, and one with

the image intensifier being replaced by athermal imager knownas the Sword.Theirdaychannel isbasedona1,024x768

pixels CCD operating in the 400-700 nmvisiblebandproviding twofieldsofview,wide(7.6°) andnarrow(2.5°), generatedbyadigitalzoom. The image is shown on an 800 x 600colour oled monocular with a 25° field ofview. This is also used to show the imageintensificationchannel, locatedunder thedaychannel,which isbasedona tubewitha1,280x1,024resolution,ane-zoomallowing toshiftfrom an 8° to a narrower 5° field of view.Detectionrangeagainstaman/vehicle target isof8/10kmindaynarrow-fieldofviewand2/4kminwide fieldof view, recognitionbeingof2/4 km and identification 1/2 km, of courseinclearweather,while soldierdetectionrangein night mode is of over 600 metres. Fullywaterproof, the sight weighs less than 1.5 kgand can be powered by a three-hourendurance internalbatteryorbe linked to theFélin main power source. A Bluetooth linkallows wireless communication with thesoldier system, to send the image toahelmet-mounted display to see or shoot around acorner for example (a cable can replace theBluetooth). The sight is now also part of

numerous offers for soldier modernisationsprogrammes in other nations, in whichSagem takes part either as prime or as asubcontractor responsible foroptronics.

I NEWCON OPTIKNewcon Optik of Canada also has aday/night sight in the form of theNVS10MGM that features two x3magnification channels - a day one with an80mmF/3.8 lens andanight channelwithan80mmF/1.6 lens and aGen-3 tube, the fieldof view of both channels being 12°. Poweredby a single AA battery that activates theilluminated tactical reticle as well as theintensifier tubewhenneeded, operating timeis 16hours indaytimeand3.5hours at night.TheNVS10MGMweighs 1.64kg.The other category of intensifier sights is

the clip-ons, in which intensifiers aredesigned to operate together with optic daysights, allowing soldiers to add night visiononlywhenneeded.Among those systemsarededicated clip-on sights as well as multirolemonoculars that can be used as hand-heldsurveillance devices, night vision goggles orsight attachments. The latter will be dealtwith in the appropriate section.

Derived from the Rantel, of which it maintainsthe aluminium body, the Mini-Rantel is fittedwith a zeroing base, here seen split from themonocular main body. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

Both versions of Sagem’s Sowrd Light have a weight of less than 750 grams and have highcommonality with the company Thermal Imager Pocket Scope. (Sagem)

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I FLIR SYSTEMSFlir core business is electro-optics, thisAmerican company being one of the majorproducers of infrared imaging systems for alltypes of use, but image intensification is alsowithin the company’s competences. In thelatter field it proposes amongst others theMilSight T90 TaNS clip-on sight equippedwith Gen-3 tubes with image intensifyinggain ranging from 1,000 to 75,000. The lenshas a focal length of 50 mm and an extremeaperture of 0.9, ensuring maximum lighttransmission, with a x1 magnification and14° field of view. According to Flir, humantarget detection range varies between 640metres in starlight with low contrast, up to1,070 metres in quarter moonlight withoptimum contrast, with facial identificationranges in the same conditions beingrespectively 65 and106metres.Thesight is alignedat factory to less than½

minute of angle, repeatability being withinthe same limit, the sight needing noadjustmentwhen installedon the rifle thanksto its single locking levermount.The T90 TaNS is fitted with Flir’s Shock

Mitigation System, which allows to use it

fromstandardcarbinesandassault riflesup tobig calibre sniper rifles, as it be coupled todays copeswithmagnification ranging fromx1 to x8. The T90 TaNS can operate from–30°C to +60°C, and can remain submersedfor two hours at a two-metre depth. It has aweight of 680 grams without battery, thelatter being either an AA or a CR123, and is142mm longwith amaximumheight aboverail of 77mm.This clip-on sight is in servicewith US forces as well as with at least oneundisclosedEuropean customer.

I NEWCON-OPTIKOneof the latest additions toNewcon-Optik’simage intensification catalogue is the NVS27, introduced in early 2014. A x1 clip-onsight that can be coupled to day optical sightwith magnification ranging from x1 to x20.It can be fitted either with a conventionalgreenphosphorusGen-3 tube, anautogatingtube, or an autogating black-and-whitephosphorus tube, and is fitted with a 78mmfocal length objective with a 1.0 aperture,providing a 12° field of view. The sight is 219mm long, 99mmhigh and 93mmwide, andis powered by a single AA or CR123 batteryensuring 60 hours operational time atstandard temperature. Without battery theNVS 33 ismuchmore flexible, the older onebeing compatible with optical sights withmagnification ranging from x3 to x12. Thecapacity to adapt to a much wider set of daysights required a total redesign in the optics,

the NVS 27 being mounted only in front ofthe optical sight. Capable of sustaining therecoil of long-range sniper rifles, it is suitedto the squad-designatedmarksman, and canalso be installed on assault rifles. NewconOptik has chalked up some contracts sinceearly2014, and theNVS27will be consideredthe focal point of the company’s 2015marketing campaign.

I QIOPTIQIn Britain, QioptiQ being fully involved inthe Fist programme, is providing theBritishArmy with many of its image intensifyingsights. The company offers variousstandards tomeet customers requirements,adapting performances to needs, in-countrysupport being a key criterion as well asthorough personnel training. QioptiQ isincreasingly oriented on European tubes toavoid Itar-related problems. In terms of clip-on systems, the most recent developmentsare related to theMerlin family and come infour different versions.The lightest and the smallest is theMerlin-

C (forCompact), which is in fact amultirolemonocular that can be used hand-held orhelmet-mounted. It canhouseGen-2orGen-3 tubes and is powered by one AA or oneAAA battery. It boasts a x1 magnificationwith a 40° field of view, but can also beequipped with x3, x4 or x5 afocal adaptors.Including batteries it weighs 279 grams. TheMerlin-C does not feature any reticle as it is

This picture shows well themanual gain knobof the Flir Milsight T90 TaNS. Its patentedShockMitigation System allows it to be used onheavymachine guns. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

AMilsight T90 TaNS coupled to a Trijicon Acog.The Flir image intensifier clip-on nightattachment can work with day scopes from x1to x8magnification. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

At less than 280 gramswith battery Merlin C is the clip-on sight for short distance shootingproposed by QioptiQ. (QioptiQ)

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tobeused inconjunctionwitha red-dotCQBreflex sight, the sight being attached to therifle via a standardPicatinny.A dedicated clip-on sight, theMerlin-SR

(for Short Range) is the other systemproposed to the basic soldier and, aswith allMerlin sights, is based on the Photonis 18mm XR5 II auto-gated image intensifier.According to company data the Merlin-SRallows to detect a man at 730 metres in aclear starlit night and at nearly 1.6 km withmoonlight. Powered by a single AA 1.5 Vbattery, it can operate for over 40 hours at20°C. Its quick-releasemount allows it to beinstalledwithout the need for re-zeroing theweapon. Reticles are designed in houseaccording to customers’ requirements.

I PYSER-SGIStill inBritain,Pyser-SGIdeveloped twoclip-on sights, the PNP-MUNS 600 and 900,where the number indicates the maximumrecommended range.We shall here describeonly the shorter range model, which is theone that fits basic soldier needs. The coreusually is a Photonis XD-4 or XR5 tube,autogatedornot, or anOnyxwithblack-and-white phosphorous screen.These are mostly used by military

customers, however export license-free tubesarealsoavailable. Itsx1 lensprovidesa13° field

ofviewandiscompatiblewithdayscopesuptox16 magnification, provided the front lensdiameterdoesnotexceed60mm.Waterproofat 20 metres for one hour, it is 186mm long,75 mm high and 85 mm wide, and requires120 mm of Picatinny rail in front of the dayscope for installation.Built inaluminiumandglass polymer, it weighs 690 grams with twolithiumAAbatteries, battery life being of 40-100hoursdependingontubeandbattery type.Thesetwoclip-onsightshavebeenPyser-SGI’sbest sellers inrecentyearsandare fullycombatproven, although the company does notmentionanyof its customers.

I AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACEAirbus Defence & Space has inherited theoptronic activities of what was formerlyCassidian Optronics, which had in 2012acquired75.1%ofCarlZeissOptronicsshares;the remainingshareswere thenacquired, andeffective on 1 October 2014 CassidianOptronics became a 100% subsidiary ofAirbus Defence and Space, operating underthe new name of Airbus DS Optronics withheadquarters inOberkochen,Germany.All night vision systemsnowcomeunder

thenewbrand, although theymaintain theiroriginal designations. In the imageintensification sights we thus find the NVS600x1magnificationclip-onsystem,which ispart of the standard package provided to theGerman Army units equipped with theInfanterist der Zukunft – Erweiterte System(IdZ-ES) system, the prime contractor ofwhich isRheinmetall.TheNVS 600 is fittedwith Photonis XD4

or XR5 tubes; with the latter, and coupled tothe standard Zeiss Optics ZF 4x30 sightdetection, recognition and identificationranges in clear starlight respectively are ofaround 2.5 km, 1 km and 500 metres, theXD4 tube clearing marginally reducedranges. An integrated maintenance andmanagement system allows to know theworkinghours andon/off cycles,whichhelpsin the logistic department. Powered by oneAA battery it has an operational life of over50 hours, a pulsing image warning of lowbattery status.Theclip-onsight is fittedwithamanual gain control, though an automaticbrightness control is also available. Anoptional a remote control canbeused,whichallows the soldier to trim the gain whilekeeping the shootingposition.Witha55mmdiameter front lens, the NVS 600 features a124.5mmfocal lengthandan8° fieldof view.With batteries and mount it weighs 870grams, dimensionsbeing205x91x78mm.

The NVS 600 is available to part of theinfantry group equipped with the IdZ-ESsuite, but the precise split has not beendisclosed. It has been widely used inAfghanistan by German soldiers and,according to the company, the systems thatreturned to Germany were in perfect order.Beside the German Army the NVS 600 isdeployedwithGermanPoliceForces, severalEuropean armies and police forces, SouthAfrican Security Forces and severalcustomers in theNear andMiddleEast,AsiaandSouthAmerica.

I WILCOIn France, Wilco’s WS545/555 clip-onintensifier sights are both x1 magnificationsystems, but have different exit lensdiameters, the 545 being 25 mm while the555’s 34 mm provides 25% higher contrast.They can be fitted with Gen-2+ and Gen-3tubes, greenorwhite, andare screwedon theday sight through adaptors. Both arepowered by a single CR123A 3V lithiumbattery providing over 60 hours operationaltime at standard temperature, and are fittedwith an IR illuminator. The WS545 weighs630 gramswhile theWS555 is only 20 gramsheavier, respectivedimensionsbeing202x62x80and215x66x80.Acable remote controlis available and so is a wireless version onrequest. Among other options are infraredlaser pointers and a x2 magnificationeyepiece to use the sight as a handheldmonocular for surveillance.

I MEOPTAIn the Czech Republic Meopta’s best-sellerremains theNV-Mag 3, a clip-on intensifierattachment with a x3 magnificationlaunched in 2012 and designed to operatetogetherwith the company’sM-RADorZD-Dot red dot sights.Dependingoncustomer requirements the

image intensification tube can be a Photonis

The MUNS 600 is the image intensificationclip-on sight provided by Pyser-SGI forthe basic soldier, the number reflecting themaximum recommended engagementdistance. (Pyser-SGI)

The NVS 600-IdZ is the image intensificationsight adopted by the Bundeswehr for itssoldier modernisation programme.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

QioptiQ’s Merlin SR, for short range, isproposed for assault rifles and longer rangeweapons. (QioptiQ)

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XD-4 or an XR5. Insertion of spacersbetween theoptics and thePicatinnyadapterallows to set the scope at the correct shooter’seye level. The NV-Mag 3 features a 14° fieldof view and allows to detect a human targetat 400metres. Power supply is provided by asingle AAbattery, either a lithiumFR6 or analkaline LR6, the latter ensuring a 72 hourminimum operation time at 20°C. Meopta’s

clip-on sight has a weight of 0.8 kg withbattery, mount and cover, and is 196 mmlong, 105mmhighand73mmwide.Thanksto its design, the sight still allows to see thereddot in themiddle of the fieldof viewevenif it is mounted off-axis. The NV-Mag 3 hasbeen selected by the Czech Army for itssoldiermodernisation programme (used ontheCZ805 assault rifle).

I SHVABEShvabe of Russia proposes the PDN3,whichis made of the PO1X20 PM day sightcoupled with the PN21KT night visionmonocular, bothwith x1magnification. Thelatter can be equipped with a Gen-2+ orGen-3 tube, provides a 36° field of view, andhas aweight of only 300 grams.Poweredbyasingle1.5VAAbatterywhich

ensures a 10-hour operation time with the

infraredilluminatorswitchedoff, thePN21KTis coupled to the day sightwhichweighs 360grams and has a 13° field of view. The totallength of the two assemblies is 258mm, 150mm of the night sight and 108 mm of thedayone.ThePN21KT is adirect derivative ofthe PN21Knight visionmonocular.

In the Czech Republic one of themostwidely produced items in theMeoptacatalogue is the NV-Mag3 clip on imageintensifying sight. (Meopta)

Shvabe PDN3 imageintensification assembly iscomposed of the PN21KT night visionmonocular clipped on the PO1X20 PMday sight. (Shvabe)

The most widely produced monocular isprobably the AN/PVS-14 MNVD(MonocularNightVisionDevice) inuse

with the US military since the early 2000s,Exelis and L-3 Warrior Systems havingproduced over 15,000 pieces. A 544-gramsystem including the AA battery and thehelmet mount, this x1 magnification modelincorporates an infrared illuminator and canbe fitted with additional lenses. In thestandardconfiguration itprovidesa40° fieldofviewandhas a vision rangeof 150metres, thebatteryensuring20hoursofoperational time.Themonocularon its ownweights 355gramswitheyecupandbattery, andcanbe fittedwithamount for installation on theM4carbine orM16 rifle. Apart from the two above-mentionedcompanies thathaveproduced thesystem for the US military, numerous otherAmerican companies produce systems withnamesendingwith the14 figure.

I NIGHTLINEThe Nightline NL914A has the same specs,while the NL914B is a multibattery versionthat also accepts a 3VCR123A for a 55-hourminimumoperation time.Nightline also has another monocular in

its portfolio, the NL14W, available in Gen-2andGen-3configuration,with characteristicssimilar to the AN/PVS-14 but weighs only255 gramswith a CR123 battery ensuring 40hours of operation. It can be used in all

Multirole Monocular Intensifiers

Exemplifying ease of use, the OIP Loris can be used in conjunction with a day sight – a flip-awayadaptor allowing it to be quickly moved aside if needed. (OIP)

Usually those systems are designed as helmet clip-ons,head mounts or hand-held surveillance items, butalso as clip-on sights when fitted to the weapon via anappropriate mount and used in conjunction withan optical day sight.

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previously described roles. The MUM(Multi-Use Minimonocular) is also verysimilar – only 5 extra grams – the maindifferencebeing in submersibility, onemetrefor 30minutes for theNL14Wand20metresfor 30minutes for theMUM.

I NIVISYSNivisys is another American AN/PVS-14maker under the the PVS-14A designation,but its catalogue also carries othermultirolemonoculars such as the Puma and theMum14, both with Gen-2/3 tubes and aweight of 260 grams, the Mum beingsubmersible to 20metres.AlsoN-VisionOptics produces aPVS-14,

as well as a GT-14, which weighs 60 gramsless than the 380 grams of the previousmonocular.

I NEWCON-OPTIKInCanada the latest addition to theNewcon-Optik range is theNVS14-Mini. Launched inlate 2013 it is about 10% lighter than theoriginal NVS 14 but 10 to 12% moreexpensive. It was thus initially accessible theto less price-sensitive customers such asspecial forces, but is currently bidding forsignificant size tenders for conventionalarmies. At 268 gramswithout the single AAor CR123 battery, which provides 40 hoursof operation, the NVS 14-Mini features a27.5 mm focal length lens with a 1.2aperture, and a 40° field of view. It is fittedwith aGalliumArsenideGen-3 tube, and asmost of the products proposed by theCanadian company it can also be optionallyfittedwith auto gating and black-and-whitephosphorus tubes. The NVS 14-Mini is amultirole monocular, as it can be used ashand-held, a head, a helmet or a weaponmount, in the latter instance coupled to a reddot sight.

I PYSER-SGIBritish Pyser-SGI presence in themulti-rolemonocular field comes with the PNP-M,which was developed in parallel with thePNG-M, a bi-ocular single-tube device. ThePNP-M is fitted with high-definition XD-4and XR5 Photonis high-resolution tubes orwith standard-resolution tubes that do notrequire export license. Tubes are availablewithorwithout autogating,Onyxblack-and-white tubes are also available. A x1magnification system, its 25mmF/1.19 lensprovides a 40° field of view.The body ismade ofmoulded glass filled

polymer body which allows to keep theweight low – 263 grams without the AAbattery ensuring between 40 and 100 hoursof operation, depending on tube and batterytypes, as well as on use or not of the infraredilluminator. In goggle configuration twodevices can be coupled for stereoscopicvision. The PNP-M can also be used hand-held for surveillance, or fittedonaweapon inline with a day sight. A compact system, it is107mmlong,42mmwideand67mmhigh, itcanbe immersed for up to onehour down to20metre ofwater.

I OIP SENSOR SYSTEMSLeveraging experience acquired with itsMunos, OIP Sensor Systems of Belgium hasdeveloped the Loris, the Mk7 being the lastversionof the family.Thedevice ismultiroleasit can be fixed on a face mask, fitted to ahelmetmount, installedonaweapon,orusedas ahand-heldobservation system.Maskandhelmet mounts allow both monocular andbinocular solutions. The Twin UniversalInterface features a rotatingmechanism thatallows each monocular to be flipped upindependently, shifting from binocularobservation to mono and weapon sightapplication, a flip-up switch-off featurebeingintegrated in theLoris.The standard system has a x1

magnification and a 40° field of view,however in option the customer can chosethe 60° field of view version, the 50% extraangle reducing tunnel effect and providing amuch greater vision of the battlefield. TheLoris also features an integrated infraredilluminator to improve short-range work, awarning red dot inside showing that theactive system is switched on. Automaticswitchon/off is provided to save energywhenambient light is sufficient, while manualcontrol gain is available. Loris recognitionrange is estimatedat over 200metres, add-onlenses with x3, x4 or x5magnification being

available to extend that range.TheLoris isnotfitted with a reticle, thus for being used forsight aweapon itmustbeused inconjunctionwith an infrared pointer; when used on theweapon a flip-away adaptor has beendeveloped that fixes on the Picatinny rail toallow quick shift to the optical sight or ironsights. The single alkaline AA batteryprovides over 48 hours of autonomy at 20°C(over 20hourswithnickel-cadmium).

I MILLOGThe largest manufacturer of night visiondevices in theNordicarea,MillogofFinland isa strategic partner of the Finnish armedforces and focuses mostly on nationalrequirements due to the strict exportregulations. It doeshowever export at least tofriendly countries. Its catalogue contains twomulti-function intensifier systems, theVVLite and theVV2000.The former is a lightweight and compact

systemthatcanbeprovidedwith18mmtubesof different classes, Gen-2, Gen-3 and XD-4.The tubes are the only items acquired byMillog,whichhas in-houseoptics, electronicsand mechanical parts production facilities.The VVLite can used as a hand-held pocketscope,or installedonaheadorhelmetmount,orcoupled toareddot sightonaPicatinny fornightaimingpurposes.Adualadaptorallowsto twin two systems for driving for example,while a x3 tele-extender increases the aimingrange when used on a weapon. The VVLiteprovides a 40° field of view. The basic tubeweighs 340 gramswithout battery, is 110mmlong, 47.5 mm wide and 62.3 mm high, the

The OIP Loris light intensification monocularcomes in two versions, one with the standard40° field of view, the other with 60° to provide amuch wider vision of the battlefield. (OIP)

An evolution of Newcon Optik’s NVS-14,the NVS-14 Mini, is 10% lighter, but retainsperformances similar to that of the USAN/PVS-14. (Newcon Optik)

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extender increasing the weight by 350 gramsand decreasing the field of view to 10°. TheVVLite is an evolution of theVV2000, whichhassimilarcharacteristicsequippedwithGen-2, Gen-2+ and Gen-3 tubes, and which isslightly heavier and bigger, the basic systemweighing 500 grams and the system with

extender 830 grams. TheVV2000 is poweredby two AA batteries and thus has twice theendurance. It has a number of accessories,suchas130-gramorganic light-emittingdiodemonitor with an SVGA 800x600 resolutionthatallows thesoldier toseeandshootaroundacorner,a30-gramwirelessvideolinkworkingon 2.4 GHz or a custom frequency, allowingto send the image to a remote operator (theteam commander etc) at a range of between100and1,000metres.All thoseaccessoriesarecompatiblewith theVVlite.

I WILCOWilco’s portfolio includes the WS 375,which provides the typical 40° field of viewwhen fitted with the standard 26 mm F/1.2lens. It features a 20 mW built-in infraredilluminator and is powered by a CR123battery ensuring a 55-hour operation time.At 390 grams it is 119mm long, 56mmwideand 72mmhigh. Fitted with green or whitetubes ranging from Gen-2+ to Gen-3, withautogating and external gain controloptions, it is offered with numerous opticalconfigurations to be used mostly forsurveillance purposes, ranging from x3 tox10magnification.

I VECTRONIXVectronix of Switzerland, but part of Sagem,proposes the Tarsius 16, which can be usedasahand-heldorahelmet-mounteddevice. Itis equippedwith a 16mm tube instead of an18mmtube,which helps reducingweight to245 grams with battery. The latter can be ofthree types, CR123A lithium, AA LR6alkaline or AA HR6 NiMH, autonomy at20°Cbeingof 55hours. In surveillancemodeit canbe fittedwith x3magnification lens.

The Tarsius 16 is themultifunctionalimage intensificationmonocular which ispart of the Vectronix offer, and is fitted witha 16mm tube. (Vectronix)

The VV2000 is amultirolemonoculardeveloped and produced byMillog of Finlandtogether with a series of options that give itmaximum flexibility of use. (Millog)

The latest addition to theMillog catalogue interms of multirolemonoculars is the VVLite,which is more than 30% lighter than itspredecessors. (Millog)

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I THEONTheon of Greece proposes its NX-122Amultipurposemonocularwhich can be usedhead- or helmet-mounted, as well as hand-held or weapon-mounted in conjunctionwith aday sight. It canbe fittedwith a varietyof tubes, Gen-2+, SuperGen, Gen-3, XD4,XR5 (with or without autogating) or Onyx(black-and-white image), and uses the samemountings as the AN/PVS-7 and AN/PVS-14ofAmericanorigin.

It is offeredwith orwithout variable gaincontrol, which has a small impact onweight(from 355 to 340 grams, with battery, coverand the eyecup). It is powered by a 3 VCR123A lithium or a AA battery withvoltage between of 1.2 to 5 V, a CR123providing a life of over 45 hours if theinfrared illuminator is not intensely used.TheNX-122A is 109mm long, 61mmwideand 70 mm high, and is provided with afold-up switch-off mechanism, and can befitted with x3 or x5 magnifiers. Its 27 mmF/1.2 lens provides the standard 40° field ofview, and according to Theon recognitionand identification ranges are respectively250 and 130 metres for a human target and770 and 400 metres for a heavy vehicle, thetype of tube not beingmentioned.The latest evolution of that monocular is

theNX-122Cwhich canbe fittedwithGen-3hence tubes, and maintains most of thecharacteristics of the “A” model. It howeverallows to save some weight, 320 and 315grams with or without manual gain control,an optional long-range laser illuminatorbeingoffered insteadof the earlier integratedtype. A new non-gravity dependant fold-upswitch-off mechanism is adopted thatprovides 100% failsafe operations, the “C”model being designed to allow interfacingwith thermal clip-on sights. When used forsighting anoptionalweaponmountwith flipawaymechanism is offered.TheNX-122C isalso submersible down to a 20-metre depth.

I PCOPolish soldiersoperating inAfghanistanhavereceived the latest version of PCO’s MU-3Kos night vision monocular – the MU-3MKoliber – which is equipped with a 16 mmintensification tube.The choiceof asphericallenses allowed to make it shorter than thepreviousMU-3at 97mm.The MU-3M weighs 250 grams without

battery, over 110 grams less than theoriginalMU-3. Power is courtesy of AA batteries of

differentvoltages (1.5V,1.2Vor3.6V)orbyaD123 3.0 V unit. The MU-3M can beattached to a bridge fixed to the helmet andone or two monoculars can be useddepending on the task. Used as anobservation tool the x1, 40° field-of-viewKoliber can be equipped with x3 or x5adapters. Used in conjunction with the CK-6 sight it allowsnight aimingon small arms.

I OPTICOELECTRONWith over 40 years of experience withoptomechanical and optronic devicesOpticoelectron of Bulgaria is involved in theproductionof systems covering awide rangeof requirements, amongst others somededicated to the soldier. Its MNV-50 scopecanbe equippedwith18mmtubesofGen-2,

Gen-3 and SuperGen types. With its x1magnification and 20° field of view, it allowshas a recognition rangeof over 700metres in1.10-3 Lux conditions and an identificationrange of over 500 metres. Two types ofbatteries canbeused, a lithiumAA3.6Voneensuring a 55-hour endurance. or a 1.5 ValkalineAAfor a13-hour service.TheMNV-50weighs 630 grams and is 205mm long, 55mm wide and 74 mm high. Though notdesigned to be used as a head- or helmet-mounted system, it canbeusedas ahandheldunit or clippedonto a variety of supports.

I ELBITIn Israel, Elbit’s catalogue mostly includeshigh-tier products dedicated to long-rangetarget acquisition,butalsoproducts that fall inthe category examined in thisCompendium.Elbit Systems ITL proposes the Mini

N/SEAS, a monocular that can be used onsingle-ordual-eyemounts, although theone-tube configuration ismostly used in combatconditions while the twin-configuration israther used for driving. A x1 magnificationand 40° field-of-view type, it can be fittedwithvarious image intensifying tubes suchasGen-2+, SuperGen, Gen-3, XD-4 or XR5,

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TheMU-3M Koliber monocular here in a twin-tube gogle configuration is the latest versionof PCO’smonoculars. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

TheMU-3 Kos image intensificationmonocular weighs 360 grams and can beused in a twin-tube configuration weighingless than one kilogram. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

Opticoelectron of Bulgariamarkets theMNV-50 image intensification sight, a 630gram x1magnification systemwith a 20° fieldof view. (Opticoelectron)

The newMU-3MKoliber multi-functionmonocular is more than 30% lightercompared to the earlier Kosmodel.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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Theon in Greecemanufactures the NX122, amulti-rolemonocular here seen in its clip-onversion. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

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with or sans autogating. Equipped with aninfrared illuminator, it is poweredby a single1.5VAAalkalineorby a single 3.6V lithiumbattery, ensuring more than 24 hours ofoperation. The monocular can be mountedon a variety of head or helmet mounts andweighsof 380grams, lengthheight andwidthbeing respectively 115 mm, 71 mm and 40mm.A20-metre submersible version can bemounted on a diving mask. It can also beused on assault rifles, coupled to a reflex orholographic sight.

TheXACT-NV32 is the latestmember ofElbit’s image intensifiers family, whichbesides the Photonis XD-4 andXR5 sensorscan be fitted with the latest Intens tube fromthe samecompany.Ax1magnificationwitha40° field of view, the new monocular hasconsiderable advantages over the MiniN/SEAS both in terms of weight and powerconsumption.Using the samepowersourceas

its predecessor the operating time is morethan doubled to 53 hours with a lithiumbattery at standard temperature, while itsweight is reduced by over 40% to less than210 grams while still carrying an infraredlaser illuminator. The XACT-NV32 is fullycompatiblewith theheadandhelmetmountsusedwith theMiniN/SEAS.

I MEPROLIGHTMeprolight, also fromIsrael, offers theRantelin themulti-missionmonocular field. It is thebase for theMini-Hunter sight seen earlier. Itaccepts the same tubes, but being a x1magnification system it provides a 40° fieldof view.The365-gramresults fromtheuseofan aluminium case to make the system asruggedised aspossible; dimensions are 140x110x70mm.The sight is poweredbya singleAAbatteryproviding40hoursofoperationat20°Cand12hours between0and -30°C.TheRantel can be used as a hand-heldobservation device, x3 and x5 afocal lens

being available for longer rangeobservation,as a head-mounted single-tube scope, or as aclip-on sightwith aweaponmount.

Inherited from the New Noga Lightcatalogue in which it was called NL-92, theMinimon (L) might look like a copy of theRantel, but according to Meprolight this isnot the case as the newly acquired productweighsonly270gramswithoutPicatinnyandbatterywhich allows the company to answerbids in which weight is a priority; moreoverthe sight is also submersible down to 20metres unlike theRantel. Very compact, 120

mm long, 43 mmwide and 66 mm high, itslightness comes from the all-compositeapproach adopted for the body. It accepts 18mmGen-2+orGen-3 tubes and features an f1.2 lenswith a 40° field of view.

An integral infrared diode illuminatorwith a range of around three metresimproves operational capabilities inconfined space and can be used for map

reading at night. The kit is provided with ahead mount assembly that ensures therequired 15mm eye relief and the battery, aCR123, provides a 40-hour endurance(optionally an AA 1,5 V battery poweredsystem is available and so are a flip-uphelmet as well as a head or weapon mount.TheMinimon (L) is compatible with reflexandholographic sights, aswell aswith near-infrared laser aiming and illuminatingsystems. If used as a hand-held observationdevice the Minimon (L) can be equippedwith a x3, x4 or x5 lenses.

The original Meprolightmultirolemonocular is wellruggedised thanks to itsaluminium body. (Meprolight)

The ITL XACT-NV32 is the latest monoculardeveloped by Elbit and featuresnumerous advantages over its predecessor,amongst which amuch longer operatingtime. (Elbit Systems)

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TheMini N/SEAS is themultirolemonoculardeveloped by Elbit Systems ITL and is alsoavailable in a version that can be usedunderwater down to 20metres. (Elbit Systems)

TheMinimon (L) image intensificationmonocular has entered theMeprolightcatalogue after the acquisition of NewNogaLight by the SK Group. (Meprolight)

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As usual US Army issue equipmentstands heads and shoulders above theothers in terms of numbers, the

AN/PVS-7 having been in service since thelate 1980s and produced in at least fourvariants, from“A”to“D”,with themorerecentone fitted with Gen-3 tubes. A x1magnification single-tube system with bi-ocularview, it canbecarriedbya facemaskorahelmetmount.TheAN/PVS-726mmfocallength 1.2 aperture objective provides a 40°field of view and ensures a detection range ofover300metres instarlight,witharecognitionrange of over 200 metres. It features aninfrared illuminator and is powered by twoAAbatteries that provide around 80 hours ofoperational life when the illuminator is notused, andhasaweightof680grams.

The US military placed productioncontracts to four manufacturers, ITTIndustries (now Exelis), Litton Industries,Northrop Grumman and L-3Communications,nowallpartofL-3WarriorSystems.Thesystemisstillpartof theportfolioandhasbeenexported tomanycountries.

Other North-American companiesproduce systems toAN/PVS-7 requirements.Nightline’sNL963B is basedon theAN/PVS-7 and has similar performances, as is the N-VisionOpticsPVS-7.

The Canadian Newcon-Optik NVS 7,depending on the tube used (all Gen-3),becomes the 3XT, the 3AGwith auto-gatingand the3AGBWwithauto-gatingblack-and-white phosphorus tube. It features a built-inlight sensor that automatically switches thetubes off after 30 seconds innormal ambientlight, which considerably helps avoidingburning tusbes. A compact system (150mmlong, 120mmwide and 55mmhigh), the allversions of the Newcon-Optik NVS 7 havebeenexported toover 50 countries and is stillin veryhighdemand.

I PYSER-SGIThe British Pyser-SGI PNG-M bi-ocularsingle-tube systemwas developed in parallelwith the PNP-M multi-role monocular,many building blocks are thus the same,such as optics and tubes. It was designed tokeep the centre of gravity as close as possibleto the rear to minimise neck strain whenused on a face mask or on a helmet, and isfitted with the typical flip-up/flip-downswitch. The PNG-M is 137 mm long, 147mm wide and 51 mm high and weighs 425gramswith theAAbattery ensuring over 40hours of operating time. It is also has apowerful infrared illuminator for short-distance reading.

I THALESIn the late ‘90sThales introduced theLucie, asingle-tube bi-ocular system that can beequipped with Gen-2 or Gen-3 - andoptionally - autogated tubes, which featuredtwo key characteristics: a wide field of view,51° compared to the standard 40°, and a verycompact shape, itsdepthbeingofonly69mm,which in turnbrings thecentreofgravitycloseto thehelmet to reduceneck strain.

The Lucie is fitted with an infraredilluminator, canbe immersed inwater for twohours and can be powered by a single AAbattery of different types (1.5 V or 3.6 Vstandard or 1.2 V rechargeable, the 1.5 Vvarietygiving45hoursofuseat20°C).Ax3.8orx5magnifier can be installed, which reducesthe fieldofviewto9°and10° respectively.TheLucie obtained a considerable success withmore than 50,000 produced and delivered toservices inover10nations.

Night Vision GogglesWhile the previous section included all those monocularsthat can be used as nigh vision goggles, particularly whentwinned, this chapter deals with systems truly born asnight vision goggles. When cost is at stake though, single-tube systems are usually considered.

One of NewconOptik best sellers, the NVS-7, is derived from the AmericanAN/PVS-7 requirements. (NewconOptik)

Pyser-SGI looked verymuch at weight whendeveloping its PNG-M single-tube biocular NVG,the polymer body allowing to reach 263 gramswithout the single AA battery. (Pyser-SGI)

The ThalesMinie-D/IR has been selected bythe German Army for its IdZ-ES soldiermodernisation programmewhich is currentlyin the delivery phase. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

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This design was maintained in itssuccessor, the Minie, which in its basicversion is even lighter at 340 grams withbattery versus 435 grams, but depth slightlyincreased to only 75 mm. The new Minieintroduces also a manually adjustablebrightness gain on the on/off button, whileinterpupillary distance can now be variedbetween 56 and 74 mm. Power sourcesremain the same, but life battery time instandard conditions is increased to50hours.With battlefield digitisation becoming a

reality, Thales further developed its NVG tothe Minie-D standard. This maintains thefeaturesof theMinie, addinga800x600pixelsmicrodisplay with a 42.5° diagonal field ofview that allows to superimposedataorvideofeed onto the night vision image. The 800 x600 pixel video rectangle is shown in themiddle of the circular image andcan containdifferent types of information: if linked to anavigation system via the RS232 port, datasuch as position, distance to waypoint, etc.can be displayed; or if a blue force trackingsystem is attached a map with friends andenemypositions canbe shown.In video mode, RS170, VGA, SVGA or

CCIR inputs are supported, images fromother sensors can be viewed, i.e. those fromthe weapon sight, giving the soldier thecapacity to view or shoot around a corner,without the need to use a dedicated head-mounted display. All this comes with

minimal penalties over the basic version,weight being increased by only 30 grams(plus the cable linking it to external devices),width being also slightly increased, from112 to 125 mm, and depth by only twomillimetres. Power source is now one AA1.5 V battery with same battery life as theMinie, howeverwhen using video a fiveAAbattery pack is required unless theMinie-Dis linked to a soldier system power supply.The Minie-D has been adopted by theFrench Army for its Félin soldiermodernisation programme as well as byother undisclosed customers.

The last improvement step to theMinie isthe Minie-D/IR. As the last two lettersindicate, this adds an infrared module – inother words a thermal imager – to theexisting image intensifyingmode to providein three different modes, namely fullinfrared, thresholdor contours.The infraredmodule covers a 36° field of view, the imagebeingprovidedbya336x256-pixel uncooledmicrobolometer sensor operating in the 7.5– 13.5 µm band. This is shown on an SVGA800 x 600-pixel display, also used to

superimpose data or video images. TheMinie-D/IR thermalmodule is locatedon theright of the unit, stretching its width to 142mm, depth remaining as in the Minie-D,while weight increases to 500 grams. Whennot needed the IR module can bedisconnected, a cover protecting theconnector. Power is still provided by thesingleAAbattery, its life changingdependingon the use of the infraredmodule: 2.5 hourswith, 40hourswithout.The five-batterypackincreases those figures to respectively 18 and150hours.TheMinie-D/IRhasbeenadoptedamong others by Germany, whose armyselected it for the Rheinmetall-led IdZ-ESsoldiermodernisationprogramme,with firstkits officially delivered inMarch2013.While Thales advertises its Minie as the

most compact and lightweight goggleavailable on the market, its Monie isadvertised in the sameway in themonocularfield. While maintaining the same opticalcharacteristics as the Minie, the Monieweighs only 280 grams and is only 69 mmdeep. Directly derived from the biocularversion, it can also be used in binocularconfiguration to provide better depthperception, doublingof course theweight, orassociatedwith a reddot sight on aweapon.

I OIPOIP Sensor Systems of Belgium is wellknown for its night vision systems. Its latestnight vision goggle is the Felis, a bi-ocularsingle-tube item that provides a 51° field ofview and features a built-in infraredilluminator that allows to improve visibilityat close rangewhenneeded.Designed to make the best of the latest

evolutionsof 18mmintensifier, theFelis canbe also used as a handheld observationsystemwhennotused in combinationwith afacemask or a helmetmount. An integratedlight sensorprovides automatic gain control,the Felis featuring a programmable logic to

This image shows ThalesMinie-D/IR with thethermalmodule disassembled, the contactsbeing well visible on themodules.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

This picture clearly shows the two sensors oftheMinie D/IR, the thermalmodule being onthe left in the picture, the image intensificationtube being on its right. (Thales)

TheMonie is an image intensificationmonocular developed by Thales onexperience gathered with theMinie.(Thales/B. Rousseau)

At about half a kilogramwithout batteries andaccessories, the OIP Felis can be equippedwithadditional lenses to extend its range. (OIP)

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adapt it to customers’ needs. Power isprovided by a single AA battery which if ofthe alkaline typehas aworking life of over 48hours at 20°C,which are reduced to 25whenusing a nickel cadmium type with non-autogating tubes and without illuminator; aflip-up/switch-off system ensures reducedbattery consumption. To extend the range,especially when used as a hand-held device,the Felis can be equipped with add-on x3orx4 lenses. In its base configuration thesystem weighs less than 505 grams withoutbattery and accessories, and is 160mm long,122mmwide and80mmhigh.

I OPTICOELECTRONOpticoelectron’s catalogueboastsonegoggle,theOENG-E, a single- tube bi-ocular systemfitted with a Photonis XD-4 tube, withautogating on option. A x1 magnificationgogglewithstandard40° fieldofview, it allowsinter-pupillaryadjustmentbetween58and72mm, and has a weight of 440 grams, a depthof 150 mm, a width of 123 mm and a heightof 61 mm. It is powered by two 1.5 V AA

batteries,which for longer lifeor for increasedlow temperature (-40°C) operation can bereplacedby two3.6V li-ionAAbatteries.

I SHVABEIn Russia Shvabe’s catalogue carries the PN-14K, a single tube biocular that can be fittedwithGen-2+orGen-3 tubes, andwith lensesofdifferent types (x1, x3.6, x5andx8), theoneconsidered for soldier use being the x1. This

has a 27mmfocal length anda1.25 aperture,andprovides a 40° fieldof view.As all Shvabeintensifier systems the PN-14K features aninfrared illuminator powered by the unit’sAA 1.5 V battery that gives a 10-houroperation sans illuminator. When used as ahand-held device the PN-14K weighs 530gramsand is 182mmlong, 124mmwideand64 mm high. With two headmounts weightincrease to 770grams.

The Bulgarian Optoelectron single-tubegoggle is the OENG-G; the company mostlyuses Photonis tubes for its imageintensification systems. (Opticoelectron)

A biocular image intensified night visiongoggle, the Shvabe PN-14K is available withthree different lenses with magnificationsranging from x1 to x5. (Shvabe)

In the United States the AN/PVS-15 hasnot been distributed to the green armythough and remained a special forces

item.The same is so far true for its successor,theAN/PVS-31, unlike theAN/PVS-21, alsoknown as LPNVG (Low Profile NVG),which is in use also in conventional unitsand also deployed with numerous alliednations such as Britain, Canada and Italy.Developed by Special Technical Services –Electro Optics, nowO’Gara Sensor SystemsDivision, its key feature is that the two tubes

are positioned vertically with the objectivelens located in the lower position (roughlyon the soldier’s cheeks), the image beingshown on two see-through lenses located infront of the soldier’s eyes.When the external light is sufficient the

tubes automatically switch off allowing theoperator to have an un-aided field of view of160° x 95° compared to the 40° intensifiedfield of view. Two infrared led illuminatorsare available. The AN/PVS-21 is fitted withports allowing to inject images or text lines

from other sources, effectively making it ahelmetmounteddisplay. Powered by a singleAA battery, it weighs 760 grams, but its lowprofile, it protrudes less than 80 mm,considerably reduces the fatigue andmakes itoptimal for operations in urban terrain. TheAN/PVS-21 can operate at altitudes of10,500 metres over sea level and has beenqualified for high-altitude parachuteoperations.Amonocular version, theModel2740 Low Profile Night Vision Monocular,is also available.

Twin TubesOther single-tube bi-ocularsare available on themarket, although somearmies prefer twin-tubesystems for their betterdepth-of-view perception.They are a pilot’s favourite,but when budgetsare less tight ground unitsmay also get them – andnot only for drivers.

Israel Meprolightoffers the Boxer NVG,

that provides theclassical 40° field of

view and can beequipped with add-onmagnification lenses.

(Meprolight)

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I EXELISExelis, for its part, developed the i-AwareTactical, also known as TM-NVG (TacticalMobility NVG), a twin-tube goggle theprimary channel of which also displaysinformation, pictures and videos, therebyadding the functions of a helmet mounteddisplay. In addition theTM-NVGallows theoperator to capture the image seen, still orvideo, and export it to another user via thenetwork.Definitely ahigh-end system, it hashowever been adopted by two launch

customers, an undisclosed Middle Eastservice and the Italian Army, the latterhaving selected the system for its SoldatoFuturo programme. Exelismanufactures itsown Gen-3 tubes and are thus used here,current relaxation on export rules allowingExelis to propose autogating tubes withhigher figures ofmerit.

Theprimarymonocular of theTM-NVGhas an image intensified field of view of over40° while the SVGA 800 x 600-pixel display(where data and images are shown) has adiagonal field of view of 33°, brightness gainbeing automatically adapted to lightconditions. The sensor that captures imageshas a 960 x 680-pixel array. In videomode itworks at up to 10 frames per second, imagesbeing exported inUSB2.0Highspeed.Videoinput supports different formats such asSVGA/VGA, RS-170, NTSC or PAL. Thesecondary monocular of the is a standardintensified item, theuser being able to installtheprimary tube in front of its preferred eye.Each tube ispoweredbyaAAlithiumbatterygiving a working time of over 15 hours atstandard temperature although time is ofcourse reduced if the imagedisplay is usedorimages are captured. Overall the TM-NVG,with primary and secondary monocular,bridge, helmetmount, shroudwith strap, butsans batteries weighs less than one kilo. Thesystem is designed to ensuremaximum easeof integration into soldier modernisationprogrammes. Exelis is currently bringing an

in-housedeveloped thermal element into theTM-NVG system, to provide an overlay tothe intensified image. The companyexpecting a first order for this enhancedproduct by late 2014.

I SELEXSelexGalileo, nowpart of Selex-ES, has beenpartof the ItalianSoldatoFuturoprogrammesince the very beginning, its mainresponsibility being thedevelopmentofnighvision systems for the soldier. However thetask was not to design and produce stand-alone systems, but to generate a series ofsystems that were fully integratable into thesoldier system. For soldier’s night vision thecompany developed the Nimos, the firstversion of which was based on a CCD low-light level camera the imagewith images sentto andisplay installed in front of the soldier’seye.Although it answered theoriginalArmyspecs, the system was considered outdatedand, as said earlier, the company signed anagreementwith ITTExelis, theUS companyproviding the i-Aware technology that is thenpackaged by Selex ES with the elementsrequired for straight integration into theSoldato Futuro suite. Selex ES is looking atfurther evolutions, such as the fusion ofintensifiedand thermal images that is alreadyunderdevelopmentby itsAmericanpartner.Other novelties include helmet-containedcapacities such asnavigation facilites.

I WILCOThe standard Wilco offer in the NVG field

is the WWS 8. This is a single-tubebiocular using the same tube andlenses as the previously describedWS 375. It is a flexible systemand can thus to cover missionsrequiring x1 magnification and40° field of view of the 26 mmlens, up to x10 magnification of

the 250mm lens. The goggle in thex1 version weighs 490 grams and is

powered by two AA batteries ensuringover 60 hours of operation.

I PCOThe latest addition to the Polish PCOcatalogue is the PNL-2AD/M Szpak,unveiled at MSPO 2014, which is a furtherevolution to the existing two-tubePNL-2ADSokół NVG. The newest versionweighs 590grams without batteries - 110 grams lighterthan the previousmodel. It ismore compactandmaintains the x1magnification and the40° field of view. Itsmain advantage is that it

Developed by STS, now part of the O’Garagroup, the AN/PVS-21 was designedwith the aim of reducing frontal dimensions,and thus uses a peculiar achitecture.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

Close-up view of the Exelis TM-NVG primarymonocular; when used in a binocular set-up,the second monocular is a standard imageintensification device. (Exelis)

The Exelis Tactical Mobility NVG, on the left,allows the soldier to see not only the nightvision image but also photos, messages andvideos injected from other sources.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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is equipped with the state-of-the artPhotonis Intens that provide much betterperformances. Waterproof down to ninemetres, the Sokół is powered by a 3.6 V AAlithium battery or by a rechargeable 1.2 VAA, working time for the former being 15hours at 20°C temperature.

I MEPROLIGHTMeprolight of Israel offers the BoxerNVG, abinocular system with a single 18 mmGen-II+ or Gen-III tube that provides a x1magnificationanda40° fieldofview.At0.5kgwithout batteries and mask and 0.81 kg inoperation, theBoxer features anopticwith26mmfocal lengthand f1.2 aperture, x3, x4andx5 clip-on magnification optics beingavailable. The mask allows to trim theinterpupillary distance between 55 and 72mm, eye relief being of 15 mm. TheMeprolightNVG is powered by two 1.5V orone 3.6 V batteries, allowing for 80 hours ofcontinuousoperations.

Until mid-2014 the PNL-2AD Sokół was thetop twin-tube gogglemanufactured by PCO,fitted with XD4/XR5 tubes or equivalent.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

Unveiled at MSPO 2014, the PNL-2AD/M Szpakis themost advanced NVG proposed by PCO ofPoland, and is equippedwith the newestPhotonis Intens tubes. (Armada/P. Valpolini) According tomanycompanies a further

step in pitch decrease in uncooledsystems should occurwithin the next

five years, with a 12 µm pitch target. Thismeans that the number of pixels on a sensorthe size of a current 640x480 will nearlydouble. Conversely the reduced pitch can beexploited to produce smaller sensors whilemaintaining the current number of pixels,opening a battle of resolution against size,weight and endurance. As usual when new

sensors are available their priceswill initiallybe quite high and therefore used in nichesystemsdedicated to specialist soldiers.Although not strictly related to the

systems described in this Compendium, theworld of cooled sensors is also evolving, oneaimamongothers being the reductionof thepitch from the current 15 µm to 10 µm. Thiswill allow to more than double the numberof pixels for a given sensor size, or converselymore than halve a sensor surface toconsiderably reduce the required coolingpower, with weight advantages even higherthan in theuncooledworld.

I THERMAL SIGHTSAmong thermal imaging weapon sights theAN/PAS-13WTS (Weapon Thermal Sight)is the itemproduced ingreaternumbers, over33,000 among the three models, light,medium and heavy; in service with the USArmy since 1998, theWTS has consistentlyevolvedalong the yearswhilemaintaining itsname. The light element of the trio, theAN/PAS-13 LWTS, was originally based on

Thermal ImagingState-of-the-art uncooled sensors have a 17 µm pitch,although to keep costs low many thermal systems still usefocal plane arrays with a 25-µm pitch. Obviously thesmaller the pitch the higher the number of pixels that canbe fitted into a sensor of a given size, the higher theresolution obtained.

The DRS Technologies version of the AN/PAS-13 Light ThermalWeapon Sight, in servicewith the USmilitary; following themultiple-source concept, two other companies, BAESystems and Raytheon, are also producing it.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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a 320 x 240 uncooled sensor with a 25 µmpitch working in the 8-12 µm wavelength.The evolution in sensors lead to a series ofimproved versions, the later having a 640 x48017µmpitch sensor.The new LWTS features reduced

dimensions (170 x 97 x 66mm versus 290 x120 x 90 mm) and weight (816 grams withbatteries and rail grabber versus 907 grams).The change also had an impact onmagnification,whichoriginallywas x1.55 inwide field of viewmode and x3.1 in narrowmode thanks to a x2 electronic zoom, andnowbecome respectively x1 (14.2° FoV) andx2. The LWTS ensures a 70% probability ofdetecting a human being at 1,100 metres inclear weather (reduced to 360 metres inadverse conditions, but with a 90%probability). Four buttons on the top of thesight allow the soldier to operate it viacontrol menus and switch polarity from“white hot” to “black hot”, and can captureimages in videomode (RS-170) for training,image transfer or remote viewing. Start-uptime is reduced from 20 to five seconds,power being provided by four L91 AAlithium batteries; older models had amission endurance of 10 hours with onebattery change, while in most recent onesthis has been increased to 20 hours at 25°C(but 14 hours at –37°). The LWTSAN/PAS-13(V1) is designed for the M4 carbine, theM16 assault rifle, the M203 underbarrelgrenade launcher and the M136 anti-tankrocket launcher (Saab Dynamics AT-4).FY15 should see the completion ofdeliveries, (scheduled for June) and fulloperational capability.As for theMWTSandHWTS, these are designedmostly for crew-served weapons and rely on 640 x 480sensors. Three providers were selected todelivery the AN/PAS-13 family sights, BAESystems,DRSTechnologies andRaytheon.Looking into the future, theUSArmyhas

just launched a new programme to acquirethe Family of Weapon Sights (FWS), whichwill include individual, crew-served andsniper versions. They will be based onuncooled thermal sensors, the clip-onthermal sight comingwithawireless link thatwill allow the soldier to observe the sightimage and the reticle in his AN/PSQ-20EnhancedNight VisionGoggle III. This willgive the soldier the ability to shoot withoutexposing himself, the Rapid TargetAcquisition feature allowing to considerablyreduce target engagement time, around 50%according to available data. The FWS-I(Individual) will weigh less than 907 grams,

will have an 18° field of view, an acquisitionrange of 960 metres, and seven hours ofoperation time with one battery change, thenumber of AA batteries used to operate thesystem having not yet been decided. InMay2004 the Army Contracting Command atAberdeen Proving Ground, announced thattwo 800 million US$ contracts had beenawarded to BAE Systems Electronic Systemsand DRS Technologies Imaging andTargeting Solutions (ITS) to develop theFWS-I and ENVG III, the two companiescompeting for separateArmyordersover thenext five years. Both competitors will use aUltra-WideBandradio technology toconnectsightandgogglesviaahigh-speed,difficult-to-detect linkprovidedbyTexas-basedAlereon,the linkallowing toget ridof thewirebetweentheweaponsightandgoggle, reducingweightandavoiding snaghazards.

I NIVISYSIn the thermal sight fieldNivisys inAmericaproposes different families of systems, eachone in various versions both in terms ofsensors and lenses. The Taws (ThermalAcquisition Weapon Sight) series can befitted with three different Vanadium Oxidemicrobolometer sensors from Flir Systems.These are 160x120with a 25µmpitch, 320 x240with the same pitch or as optionwith 17µmpitch, and640x480with 17µmpitch, allworking in the 7 – 14 µm band, obviouslywith cost penalty.At the lowerendof the scale is theTaws-16,

the number reflecting the two first digits ofthenumberofhorizontal pixels of the sensor.This is providedonlywitha35mmF/1.4 lensgiving a x2.3magnification and a 7°x 5° fieldof view,with a 695- or 1,328-metredetectionrangeagainstman-sizeorvehicle-size targets.TheTaws series areprovidedeitherwithLCDorOLEDcolour display, a “c” or an “i” suffixbeing added to thename.AllTawssightsequippedwitha35mmlens

(which adds a further M to the designation)

EyeTAR of Israel produces a series of night visionsystems, the TWS45 being the basic thermalsight for the soldier. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

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weigh 590 grams with batteries, theirdimensions being 152 x 68 x 68 mm. The -16cMand-16iMfeatureselectablereticlesanddigital windage and elevation adjustments,polarity, display brightness anddigital zoomcontrols, aswell as a series ofdifferentdisplaymodes.These includeanalertmode (redoverwhite hot/cold), monochrome, and fourdifferent colourmodes, that allowtooptimisethe view depending on situation. A remoteswitch is provided for setting the sight whilemaintaining the shooting position, with thesame direct button function system adoptedon the sight itself. Power is provided by twoCR123 lithiumbatteries ensuring fourhoursofoperation.All those featuresarecommontothe entire Taws family, including an imagecapture system to store stills or videos on aninternal memory, which can then betransferred toanSDcardusing anoptionalkitto that effect.Switching to the 320 x 240 sensor, thus to

the Taws-32, this is provided with threedifferent lenses, 35 mm F/1.4 (M), 60 mmF/1.25 (L) and100mmF/1.4 (E),whichwhenusing a 25 µm pitch sensor providerespectively x1.8, x3.1 and x5.4magnification. Compared to the previouslymentioned figures weight and dimensionsfor the 60mmincrease to 724grams and180x 67 x 74 mm dimensions, 100 mm onesgoing up to 1,167 grams and 249 x 86 x 86mm. We will stick here to the lowermagnification sights, which are those mostused by basic soldiers. TheTaws-32cMand -32iM have an 13°x10° field of view, theiridentification ranges being of 719 and 1,368metres depending on target, physical dataremaining similar to those of the Taws-16.The version with a 17 µm pitch sensor has anarrower fieldof viewat 9° x7°, but increasesranges to 883 and1,679metres respectively.The top system among 35mm systems is

the Taws-64, with the bigger focal planearray; this has a x1.4 magnification and 719and1,368metre ranges, butwith an18° x 13°field of viewandbetter resolution.

I NEWCON-OPTIKNewcon-Optik’s proposal in thermal sightsis the TVS 13M, which can be had with twodifferent typesofuncooled focalplanearray, a384x288pixelswith25µmpitchor a640x480pixels,with 17µmpitch, bothworking in the7-14 µm band but at considerably differentprices.The54mmfocal length lensprovidesax2 magnification and, depending on thearray, a 10° x 8° field of viewor a 12° x 9°; a x2and x4 electronic zoom are available, a x8

capacitybeingprovidedasoption.Detection,recognition and identification ranges on ahuman target are respectively of 1,800, 450and 225 metres. The TVS 13M is fitted witheight preprogrammed reticles and fourballistic profiles, which allows to quicklyadapt it to theweapon inuse,while automaticreticle colour inversion ensures maximumvisibility of the reticle depending on thepolarity or the colour chosen, the sightallowing for sepia, rainboworother options.Each device can keep in memory threezeroingpre-sets,which allowsone toquicklyre-zero theweapon-sight assemblywitha fewconfirmation shots when the sight has beenmoved to other weapons before being putback on the original one. A large variety ofreticle patterns can be developed, theCanadian company being ready to providethem to customers for installation on in-service sights, all the operation beingsoftware-based. A PAL or NTSC videooutput is also available. The sight is poweredby six AA batteries ensuring eight hoursoperational life, the weight being 950 gramswithout batteries, while dimensions are 280x 68 x 78 mm. Launched in 2012, the TVS13Mhasobtainednumerous successeson theinternationalmarket.

I QIOPTIQQioptiQ’s portfolio of thermal sights forsmall arms includes the Dragon family,which itself includes Compact and ShortRange models dedicated to the infantrysoldier– the longer range systemsbeingmoreaimedatmachine gunners and snipers.The lighter of the family – at less than390

grams without batteries and mount – is theDragon-C, which is only 135 mm long, 83mm high and 70 mm wide. Its uncooledsensor comes in a 320 x 240 pixel focal planearray with a 25 µm pitch, the systemoperating in the 8-12 µm band. With a x1magnification sight, it has a 16° horizontalfieldof viewandallows todetect amanat 910metres, or at 1,070 metres with the x2electronic zoom. Its aluminiumcasenotonlyensures “soldierproofness”, but also enhances

its electro-magnetic compatibilityproperties.The sight runs on two AA 1.5 volt lithiumbatteries that provide over five hours ofcontinuous operation, however externalpower can be used. Push-buttons located ontop of the sight allow to control polarity,zoom, brightness, and to carry out systemsetting; an RS232 communication port ispresent,which allows to extract and forwardthe images to other displays or recordingdevices. The Dragon-C is a sight in itself, asit features a series of reticles that can bechosen via the systemmenu, however thesecanalsobe excluded the thermal system thenbeingused either as ahand-held observationdevice, or as a clip-on that canbe installed infront of optical sights up to x4magnification.Due to its compactness and light weight theDragon-C has been chosen by Germany forits Infanterist der Zukunft – ErweiterteSystem(IdZ-ES) programmeas the standardthermal sight for short range engagements,and it is operated in conjunction with theZeissOptics 4x30day sight.Considerably heavier at 730 grams

withoutbatteries andmount, andbigger (245mm long, 121 mm high and 94 mm wide),

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Newcon Optik’sTVS-13M thermal sight can beprovided with different types ofthermal sensor, allowing flexibilityin cost. (Newcon Optik)

Bigger than the compact model, the Dragon SRprovides an optic magnification of x3 which canbe doubled thanks to a digital zoom. (QioptiQ)

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A “desert” version of QioptiQ DragonCompact, in use by the German Army.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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the Dragon-SR features the same sensor asthe Dragon-C, but its optics provide a x3magnification and an 8° field of view. It alsoadds ax2electronic zoom.Detection rangeofa human is 2.3 km in standard mode andvaries only marginally when using the e-zoom. FourAA lithiumbatteries are locatedon the left side of the sight, and ensure overeight hours of continuous operation at 23°C.An optional holographic sight can beinstalled over the thermal one to be used inclose quarter battle. For the British Fistprogramme theDragon-SRhas evolved intothe FTS2, while originally British soldiersgot the FTS1, which was derived from theolderVipir sight.

I PYSER SGIThe latestproduct fromPyserSGI inBritain isthe PNP-MTHDS, a thermal imagingweapon sight designed for small arms up to7.62x51 mm calibre and that the companyclaims to be the smallest and the lightest.Ready for delivery since late 2013, it isavailablewith threedifferent lenseswith focallengths of 17, 25 and 35 mm and respectivemagnificationsofx1, x1.5andx2, and fieldsofview of 36° x 29°, 25° x 19° and 18° x 14.5°.These feed the image to a 640x480 pixelshigh-definitionamorphous siliconuncooledmicrobolometerwith a 17 µmpitch and a 25Hz refresh rate. The image is shown on amonochrome 852x600 pixels SVGA displayprovidinga35° apparent imageonhorizontalangle avoiding the tunnel vision effect; ifneededx2andx4electronic zoommodes areavailable. Five reticles are available plus ano-reticle mode for observation, windage andelevation settingdependingon the lens, one-mil-per-click for the shorter one and0.7 and0.5-mil-per-click for theother ones.

The soldier can chose polarity and setscreen brightness thanks to push buttonsavailable on the right of the scope, where thetwo CR123A lithium batteries that provideup to seven hours of operation are alsolocated. Weight and length depend on theoptics, the 17 mm version being 347 gramsheavywithout batteries, 96mmlong, 74mmhigh and 77 mmwide, weight increasing to377 and 392 grams with longer lenses whilelength goes up to 110 and 122 mm. Theshorter lens version ensures detection of ahuman size target at 625metres, recognitionat 315 metres and identification at 160metres,withoutusing thedigital zoom; thesefigures increase lineary with themagnificationprovidedby the longer lenses.The PNP-MTHDS features a PAL video

output; theMTHDESversionwith integrateddigital video recording capability is 155gramsheavier and its height augments by 19mm. It features a 32 Gb memory which canaccept 40 to 120 hours of recordingsdepending on resolution. The sight can beimmersed at a one meter depth for half anhour. No indications on customers wereprovided, although the company underlinesthat thePNP-MTHDS is an Itar-free item.

I SAGEMVery similar to the previously-mentionedintensifier day sight of theFélinprogramme,Sagem also developed the thermalimaging/day sight known as Sword T/D,which is physically very similar to the earlierone but sees the image intensification tubeswapped in favour of a thermal imager, andhas the day channel under the thermalviewer. The latter is based on a 384 x 288pixels uncooled bolometric sensor thatprovides awide field of viewof 9.4°, reducedto 4.7°with the electronic zoom.This gives a

Pyser’s MTHD multifunctional monocular isheavily based on the MTHDS thermalsight of which it maintains most opticalfeatures. (Pyser-SGI)

Here used as a hand-held device, the PNP-MTHD proposed by Psyer-SGI weighs less than300 grams without batteries in its lighterconfiguration. (Pyser-SGI)

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detection range of man/vehicle targets of2/3.4 km, and a recognition range of700/1,200 metres. Weight is similar to theintensifier version, namely 1.5 kg, and powersupply remains the same. As for theintensifier/day sight, it is also proposed as thebasis for modernisation programmes otherthan the French one.

With the Félin feather in its cap, Sagemlooked at the export market and developed acheaper and lighter system, but only thermalthough, to satisfy the requirements of thosenations that are not looking for an integratedday/night sight. This gave birth to the SwordLight, which uses the same sensor as theSword T/D’s and is available in two models,the Sword Light-25 and the –35, where thenumbers indicate the lens focal length inmillimetres (both have a x2 and x3 digital

zoom). The Sword Light-25 has a x1.1magnification and provides a 22° field ofview, the x3 zoom narrowing it to 7.3°; the 35mm model has a x1.6 magnification and a15.7° field of view, the x3 zoom reducingthis to 5.2°. The difference in focallength obviously changes the detection/reconnaissance/identificationranges, whichfor the Sword Light-25 are 930/310/160metres for a human target and 1,600/550/280metres for a vehicle target, these beingincreased respectively to 1,200/400/200 and2,070/720/370 metres for the 35 mm version.An analog video output allows to exportimages in PAL format. Digital MP4 and USB2.0 port are available as an option, as is aninternal 4 ot 8 Gb memory. The Sword Light ispowered by four AA batteries ensuring anautonomy of over eight hours under standardconditions. The Sagem thermal sight weighs730 grams with the 25 mm lens, the 35 mmone adding a mere 20 grams.

The Sword Light has high commonalitylevel with the Tips (Thermal Imager PocketScope), which compared to the sight, has asthe same different outputs and storage device(up to 1,000 still images or three hours video)as standard fit, with weight marginallyincreased by 100 grams.

I WILCOThe Wilco WS937 thermal sight is availablewith two different levels of definition –standard with a 25 µm-pitch 384 x 288-pixelarray, or high with a 17-µm pitch 640 x 480-sensor. Magnifications lenses of x2, x3 and x4can be used. The x2 option comes with a 50mm F/1.0 lens providing a 12° x 9° field of

view. A digital zoom increases magnificationto x4 and x8. Weight (700 grams) anddimensions (210 x 90 x 65 mm) are resolutionindependent, while two AA lithium batteriesensure eight hours of operation. The imageis by courtesy of an 800 x 600 pixels organicdiode screen, polarity inversion as well asvideo output being available as standard.USB2 output with recording and editingsoftware, Li-Ion battery pack and wirelessvideo transmission are available on request.

I SELEXAnother development aimed at Italy’s SoldatoFuturo programme, the Aspis is in fact morethan a mere night sight field as it has day andnight capacity and a Bluetooth connection tothe soldier system. Based on a 320 x 240uncooled Sensor working in the 8-12 μmband it has a x1 magnification and provides a17.9° x 13.5° field of view. The colour TVsensor also providing a x1 magnification andan 8.8° x 6.6° field of view, images beingshown on an 800 x 600-pixel colour display.The Aspis is 293 mm long, 71 mm wide and133 mm high, and weighs 1,166 gramsincluding AA batteries. Primarily developedfor performance the system has beenproduced in small quantities for testing.

Considered too heavy and cumbersomethough, the Army moved away from a fully

24

The thermal version of Sagem’s Sword T/Ddeveloped for the French Army Felinprogramme. A version with an imageintensification sensor is also available.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

The original requirement of the ItalianSoldato Futuro looked for an integrated sightwith day and thermal channels, fullyintegrated in the overall system, known asAspis and developed by, at the time, SelexGalileo. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

A French soldier armedwith the Famas rifle equippedwith an image intensification Sword TDday/night sight. Adapted versions of these sights are proposed by Sagem for other soldiermodernisation programmes. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

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integrated system to an interim modulardevice. As a result Selex started thedevelopment of a thermal-only sight basedon a 17 µm-pitch uncooled 640 x 480 focalplane array. A x1 magnification sight orhand-held scope, it features a x4 digital zoomand is powered by two CR123 batteriesensuring an autonomy of over four hoursunder standard conditions.

Currently defined as the Mini Sight AC640, its images are reproduced on a 800 x 600organic diode display with proximity sensorsthat switches the screen off when the soldier isnot looking into it, making the unit lessconspicuous. The 350-gram unit has imagerecording capability and a bluetoothconnection to send images to other displays, aC2 set up, or to higher echelons. Selex ESplanning to produce the first items in late2014, and deliver to the Italian Army fortesting in early 2015.

I PCOIn the Polish PCO portfolio SCT Rubin is thethermal sight dedicated to the infantry soldier.First deliveries to the Polish Army were madein 2013 and rushed to Afghanistan to improvenight vision performance downrange. Basedon an uncooled microbolometer 8-12 µm-band 288 x 384-pixel matrix and with its x1sight providing a 7.5° x 5.5° field of view, itfeatures a x2 electronic zoom (humanidentification distance is given as 1.2 km).

The image is shown on an 800 x 600display, the sight having a PAL 768 x 576 videooutput and an RS 485 data interface. TheRubin can be equipped with a helmet displaythat provides the soldier with look/shoot-around-the-corner capability, but can also beused to show him other data (power beingdrawn from the sight, that display weighs lessthan 300 grams). The sight istself is 300 mmlong, 85 mm wide and 110 mm high, andweighs less than 1.3 kilos with its six batteries.These can be either NiCd 1.2 V AA or

standard non-rechargeable AA batteries toprovide 12 hours of continuous operation. Aslightly smaller derivative of the SCT Rubinrunning on a new software has been retainedby the Polish Army for its Tytan soldiermodernisation programme.

I THERMAL VISION TECHNOLOGIESThermal Vision Technologies of the Ukrainehas a comprehensive catalogue of thermalimaging systems, all based on Flir sensors,the Kiev-based company proposing itsproducts with various options to suitdifferent cost levels. Successor of the TSA-5,the Archer TSA-9 is available with differentoptics, the lighter version being the TSA-9/55equipped with a 55 mm focal length and 1.0aperture lens, which tips the scales at 950grams batteries included. The field of viewdepends on the sensor: 6.0° x 4.8° when a 336х 256 uncooled vanadium-oxyde focal planearray is used, or increasing to 11° x 9.0° with a640 х 512 pixels matrix. In both cases sensorshave a 17μm pitch and work in the 7,5-13,5µm frequency band. The TSA-9 sights are allx1 magnification but are equipped with x2and x4 digital zoom and feature differentcolour palettes to improve image quality, theimage appearing on an 800 x 600 organicdiode colour display. The sight allowsdetection of a human sized target at 1,700metres, recognition at 400 metres andidentification at 200 metres. Up to 20different reticles can be memorised, with thepossibility of editing and uploading new ones(for example reticles with automatic reversecontrast to optimise colour against thelandscape). A built-in recording moduleallows to save still images and videos in PAL orNTSC standards, which are then transferredeither by cable via a USB port, or wirelesswith a WiFi connection. The Archer TSA-9/55 is 270 mm long, 68 mm wide and 78 mmhigh, and its body is waterproof to IP67standards. It is powered by six AA batteriescontained in a battery pack for quickreplacement, ensuring an operational life of 8-10 hours under standard conditions.

I OPTICOELECTRONIn the thermal sight field Opticoelectron ofBulgaria developed the Terecon TS 50, asystem designed to be used on weaponsranging from assault rifles to heavy machineguns. It is based on an uncooled 7.5 - 13.5μmspectral band, 17μm pixel pitch 336 × 256VOx microbolometer. Coupled to the 50 mmF/1.2 lens, this x1 sight gives a 6.5° x 5° field ofview, a x2 digital zoom being available. The

Combat proven in Afghanistan with the Polisharmed forces, the SCT Rubin thermal sightsuite also includes also a helmet display forsee/shoot-around-the corner capability.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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I FLIRThermal vision being Flir’s bread and butter,the company proposes a family of clip-onsights with different cost and performancelevels to suit all customers needs. The basiclevel system is the Thermosight T50, which isbased on a 320 x 240 Vanadium Oxydeuncooled microbolometer working in the 7.5-13.5 μm band. The optic provides a 9.33° x 7°field of view, the image being shown on aVGA monochrome display, an RS170 videooutput allowing to send it to other displays.The sight features automatic contrast andbrightness, auto and manual gain, manualnon uniformity compensation, and manualpolarity shifting and x2 and x4 digital zoommodes. With cover, Picatinny mount and thethree CR123, which provide nine hours ofcontinuous operation, the T50 weighs 680grams for a size of 135 x 89 x 102 mm. A laser850 nm laser pointer with a 0.5 mW output isintegrated into the T50, which is compatiblewith day optics up to x4 magnification.

image is shown on an 800 x 600-pixel colourSVGA display; image processing includesimage optimization and digital detailenhancement, the soldier being able to switchpolarity, black-hot or white-hot, as well as tochose colour and monochrome palettes.According to Opticoelectron detection,recognition and identification ranges are of1,500/380/190 metres for a 1.8x0.5 metreshuman target and 3,900/1,060/540 metres fora 2.3x2.3 metres vehicle. The Terecon TS 50weighs 860 grams without four AA batteriesthat ensure six hours of operation.

I MEPROLIGHTIn Israel, Meprolight’s proposal to the basicsoldier in terms of thermal sight is the NoaNyx 2x, the smaller of the Noa Nyx family,which uses the same 384x288 uncooledmicrobolometer working in the 8-12 µm

spectrum with a 25 µm pixel pitch as the 3xversion. The sights have different optic, thesmaller having a x1.6 magnification and a15.6° x 11.7° field of view. x2 or x4 digitalzooms are available, the image being shownon a 768x576 organic diode SuperVGAdisplay with an eye relief of 45 mm.Meprolight declares a maximum range of 900metres at which the Noa Nyx 2x can detecthuman activity. A CCIR video output isavailable for recording the images ortransferring them to a secondary display, i.e. ahead-mounted display. Standard power isprovided by four AA batteries, either Lithium

or rechargeable, but external power sourcesfrom 9 to 31 V DC can be used. Lithiumbatteries provide up to seven hours ofoperation at 20°C. Without batteries the NoaNyx 2x weighs less than one kilo, for a lengthof 258 mm long over a width of 76 mm wideand height of 98 mm.

While the 2x is better suited for theaverage soldier, the Noa Nyx 3x provides ax2.7 magnification that can improve sightingat medium range, reducing the field of view to9.14° x 6.86° while length is increased to 275mm and weight to 1.2 kg without batteries.

Among the latest products of BulgarianOpticoelectron is the Terecon TS 50, athermal imager based on a 336 x 256uncooled sensor. (Opticoelectron)

The smaller of the Noa Nyx family, the Nyx 2is Meprolight’s offer for the basic soldier, thewhole systemweighing less than onekilogram. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

Elbit Systems Coyote clip-on thermal imagersare proposedwith a variety of sensors, allowingthe customer to chose among differentperformances and costs. (Elbit Systems)

AMeprolight Noa Nyx 3x installed on an IWITavor. Since both companies belong to thesame group, weapons and sightdevelopments progress in a very integratedway. (Meprolight)

Clip-on Thermal SightsTurning to clip-on thermal sights, one major Americanprogramme is that of the US Marine Corps called the STS(Squad Thermal Sight). The Corps requires a system thatshall be usable both as a clip-on weapon sight and as astand-alone hand-held thermal scope. It is to include anintegrated, near-infrared laser pointer and be compatibleand interoperable with the AN PVQ-31A/B Rifle CombatOptic, Trijicon ACOG 4x32, compatible and interoperablewith other day optics such as the SU-258/PVQ (ACOG3.5x35) or SU-260/P (ACOG 6x48) currently in use.

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A version featuring a 640 x 480-pixelmicrobolometer is also available and isknown as the T65. The most recent additionto the family is the T70, using a 640 x 512uncooled microbolometer sensor array with17 μm pitch. The T70 is fitted with anadjustable magnification system provingthree different fields of view, namely x0.5with an 18.8° x 15° FoV, x1 with a 9.4° x 7.5°FoV, and x2 with a 4.7° x 3.75°. The sight isequipped with a small remote thumb-operated joystick to control all functions,such as palette, polarity, zoom, digital detailenhancement, brightness, contrast, windage,elevation and menu options, without thehand needing to leave the firing position. Theimage captured is shown on a monochromedisplay and can be exported via NTSC or PALvideo output. Designed to operate from -40°C up to +45°C, the T70 can be immersed infresh water down six metres for six hours, orin sea water down to 20 metres for two hours.Compatible with most optical sights, it is 173mm long, 86 mm wide and 81 mm high, andweighs 680 grams with mount and batteries.Power is provided by two or three AA lithiumor alkaline batteries or by one or two CR123batteries, three AA ensuring about six hoursoperational time, the sight being alreadydesigned for power rail compatibility.

Flir also developed the T-130D, which hasboth thermal imaging and imageintensification channels, the latter using thelatest Gen-3 thin-film ANVIS tube. Howeveras the “acronym” for aviator’s night visionimplies this is a high-end system that exceedsthe scope of this Compendium.

I L-3L-3 Warrior Systems on the other handdeveloped a clip-on version of its LightWeapon Thermal Sight known as AN/PAS-13G (V)1 that can also be used as a stand-

alone sight, as it features four integratedballistic reticles, that can be boresighted tobetter than 1 MOA. It is based on a Ultra VOx640 x 480 uncooled micro bolometer with a17μm pitch combined with a high resolutiondisplay, and allows to export RS-170 real-time video for remote viewing. It is designedto be used in conjunction with TrijiconAdvanced Combat Optical Gunsights andAimpoint M68 Close Combat Optics sights.The company also has in inventory the SU-232/PAS (CNVD-T), available in 12° and 20°field- of-view versions.

I RAYTHEONRaytheon recently introduced a clip-onthermal sight that is available with twosensors, a 640 x 480 one providing an 18° x13.5° field of view, and a 320 x 240 with half

the field of view, but both have a 25 µm pitch.Weight and dimensions remain the same,0.86 kg without batteries and 183 x 109 x 94mm. Four L91 AA lithium batteries give 7-12hours of operating time with one battery packchange. Detection of a human size target isensured at 1.1 km.

I NIVISYSIn the clip-on thermal sights world Nivisysoffers the Utac (Universal ThermalAcquisition Clip-on) series, again a modularsystem that is based on the same conceptadopted for the Taws sights series mentionedearlier. The three sensors remain the same aswell as the 35 and 60 mm optics, a 19 mmF/1.25 optic being provided for the Utac-16,while a 25 mm F/1.1 is added for the Utac-64,both indicated by the “S” suffix, the 100 mmlens being not used. Most characteristicsremain the same as the Taws sights; all Utacshave a x1 magnification and a digital zoom.Looking into details, the Utacs-16cS and -16iS are provided with the 19 mm lens andthe lower definition sensor, with a 12° x 9°field of view and 311/595 metre ranges

against man/vehicle targets. Its weight is of487 grams with batteries, the same of theTaws, dimensions being 145 x 66 x 68 mm.The Utac-32 is provided with 35 or 60 mmlenses (Utac-32M and Utac-32L) withrespective fields of view of 13° x 10° and 8° x6°, and ranges of 719/1,368 and 1,138/1,950metres. Respective weights are 568 and 686grams, while dimensions are 169 x 66 x 68mm and 190 x 75 x 72 mm. Those physicalfigures remain identical also for the -64Mand -64L, as they use the same lenses. The17 µm 640 x 480 array provides however awider field of view, respectively 18° x 13° and10° x 8°, with 883/1,679 and 1,454/2,756metres detection ranges; these are identicalto the -32M and -32L equipped with a 17 µmpitch sensor, these having however a halvedfield of view. The lighter member of theUTAC-64 family is the “S”, fitted with thealready mentioned 25 mm F/1.1 lens, thatprovides maximum field of view, 25° x 18°,and 709/1,212 metres detection ranges. AllUtac family sights can be used not only asclip-on sights but also as hand-heldobservation devices and can be immerseddown to 20 metres.

To meet the US Marine Corps SquadThermal Sight requirement for a squadleader thermal viewing capability, Nivisys isdeveloping a variant of the Taws equippedwith a 30 mm or 20 mm lens, and fitted witha laser pointer as required. They willfeature a 640 x 480 sensor, a 12 µm pitchsensor being also envisaged to improveperformance over 17 µm.

I AIRBUS DS OPTRONICSIn Europe, Airbus DS Optronics developedthe IRV 600, which is the medium-rangethermal clip-on system selected for theGerman IdZ-ES (Infanterist der Zukunft –Erweiterte System) soldier modernisationprogramme and to be installed on assaultrifles, lightweight machine guns and sniperweapons. It is therefore a relatively high endsystem, and was included here as it is part of aprogramme aimed at the infantry firingteam. With a x1 magnification, it features a640x480 pixel uncooled focal plane arrayworking in the 8 – 14 µm band and, whencoupled to the Zeiss Optics 4x30 sight (thestandard with IdZ-ES soldiers), it provides arecognition range of a human being at some480 metres. The IRV 600 features a 43.5 mmfront lens and provides the shooter with an8° x 6° field of view, in other words a widthcoverage of some 140 metres at a range of onekilometre. Relatively compact (170 mm long,

The new Raytheon thermal clip-on sight isavailable with two different types of sensors,both with a 25 µm pitch. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

The ThermoSight T70 has been the latestaddition to the Flir clip-on sight portfolio andhas a series of functioning modes allowing tooptimise the image according to situation.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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L3 Warrior Systems developed the MiniThermal Monocular (MTM), a x1magnification system featuring an

integrated infrared or visible spectrum laser. Itfeatures a 320×240 Vanadium Oxideuncooled microbolometer detector with a 25µm-pixel pitch, the image being shown on a640 × 480 active display. Coupled to the 19mm lens it provides a 23.4° x 17.6° field ofview, and is equipped with a x2 digital zoom.The soldier can chose white-hot or black-hotpolarities, export the image in analog RS-170format, and store up to 160 images that arethen transferred via a USB port. At only 326grams, it is 127 mm long, 71 mm wide and 56mm high. The MTM allows to identify a man-size target at 400 metres (500 if moving), facialidentification range being of 25 metres. A x3

Multi-role Thermal MonocularsAs in the image intensification world, the thermal variety has its monoculars. In fact thereare quite a few, able to fill a number of roles and meet different pocket depths.

132.5 mm high and 86 mm wide), it weighs1,090 grams with Picatinny mount andbatteries, the latter being four CR123 lithiumproviding over four hours of service life at20°C. The IRV 600 features PAL, FBAS andcomposite video output.

The mix between image intensifiers (theNVS 600 seen earlier) and thermal imagingsystems among the IdZ-ES kits has not beenspecified by the German Army, but both haveproved their worth in Afghanistan. What isknown though is that the global orderincluded fewer IRV 600s than NSV 600s.Airbus DS Optronics declined to providedetails on possible export customers.

I ELBITElbit’s family of Coyote clip-on thermal sightscan answer the specific needs of soldiersemployed in different roles, but all based onuncooled microbolometers working in the 7-14 µm band. In the two systems dedicated toassault rifles, the Coyote-20 and Coyote-45,Elbit Systems proposes a cheaper solutionequipped with a 384 x 280 detector with a 25µm-pixel pitch, however if betterperformances are required a higher levelsolution is available in the form of a 640 x 480matrix sensor with the same pitch and – if topquality is a must a similar matrix with a 17µm pitch can also be had. Both feature x2 and

x4 electronic zoom. An 800x600-pixel screenis used to show the image to the shooter, and aPAL/NTSC video output is available. FourCR123 batteries give eight hours of operationat standard temperature. The minimalweight difference between the Coyote-20 andthe Coyote-45, 640 grams versus 680 grams, isonly due to the different lens.

I THERMAL VISION TECHNOLOGIESThe Archer TCN-2 is the proposal ofUkrainian Thermal Vision Technologies inthe clip-on field. A thermal system that canbe provided with a 336 х 256 or a 640 х 512pixel uncooled vanadium-oxyde focal planearray, with respective fields of view of 6.0° x4.8° or 11° x 9.0°, it is fitted with a 55 mmfocal length and 1.0 aperture lens. As mostsystems of this company, it features a x2 andx4 digital zoom. The four AA batteries packensures respectively 6-8 hours or 8-10 hoursof operation depending on the sensor. Withbatteries the Archer TCN-2 weighs 0.97 kg, aremote control being available to operate thesight while remaining in shooting position.PAL or NTSC video can be exported eithervia USB or WiFi. A compact system, 137 x91 x 115 mm, this clip-on sight can be usedon assault rifles, however designers aimedat a multirole sight this it can also withstandthe shock of .338 Lapua Magnum rifles orthat of 12.7 mm rifles and machine guns.

The Airbus DSOptronics IRV 600 is themedium range thermal imaging clip-on sightadopted by the German Army for its IdZ-ESprogramme. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

The two night clip-on systems developed byAirbus DSOptronics; the IRV 600 in thebackground is the thermal imager while theNSV 600 in the foreground is the imageintensification sight. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

At only 326 grams L3Warrior SystemsMiniThermal Monocular provides the soldier, herean Italian Soldier equippedwith the SoldatoFuturo aiming suite, with a considerablecapability. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

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additional lens is available to increase range.Powered by two DL123 lithium batteries, ithas a three-hour endurance. It can be fittedwith a helmet mount, transforming it in asingle-tube scope. TheMTM-PI, where thesuffix stands for product improvement,features a 640 x 480 focal plane array sensorwith a 17 µm pitch that provides a muchbetter image quality.

I NIVISYSLeveraging expertise acquired with thedevelopmentof its lenses andof themodularapproach adopted for its thermal sights andclip-on sights, Nivisys developed the Utam(UniversalThermalAcquisitionMonocular)family,whichmaintains the same features ofthe above-mentioned Taws and Utac series.TheUtam-16 is providedwith a 19mmlens,Utam-32S,M and L being fitted respectivelywith 19, 35 and 60 mm lenses, while theUtam-6r is available only in the M versionwith the 35 mm lens. Performances aresimilar to those of their equivalent Utacsystems, while weight and dimensions areslightly reduced.

I BAE SYSTEMS OASYSBAE Systems Oasys, based in America, isactive in the thermal imaging business. Thusfar 90% of its sales were in the United States,but thecompanyhasstartedamoreaggressivecampaign on the international market. Itsportfolio includes one of the smaller clip-onsights in its category, theSkeetirX: atonly260grams without the single CR123 lithiumbattery (it can also be powered via a USBport), this sight that can be used both as astand-alone or as a clip-on is only 102 mmlong, 44mmhighand61mmwide.A x1 magnification sight with a 28°

diagonal field of view, it x0.5 and x2 digitalzoom modes. Its uncooled sensor is a 8-12

µm band 640 x 480 focal plane array with a17µm-pixel pitch. It is equippedwith a 800x600 monochrome display and an RS170videooutput.When used as a stand-alone sight the

soldier can select a series of differentelectronic reticles that are projected on thedisplay; reticles can be disabled when theSkeetirX isusedasaclip-onsystemcoupled toanother sight, the BAE Systems productbeing apt for coupling with scopes up to x5magnification. Capable to operate from–40°Cup to+60°C, its enduranceat 25°Cand60Hzrefresh rate is of twohours.TheSkeetirX is submersible and has been tested atdepthsofmore than10metres for twohours.A further series of featuresmakes the SkeetirX a system on its own in the super-lightthermal sight category:notonlydoes it haveafirst-class sensor, but it also contains adigitalcompass, an image storage capacity of up to100 snapshots in 8-bit uncompressed bmpformat, as well as a laser pointer. The lattercan either be a Class 3R visible red pointerwith an output power of 4.7mWworking inthe 625-645 nm band, or a Class 1 820-850nm band with a 0.7 mWoutput. Four push-buttons on the top of the Skeetir X allow toset the sight. Combat proven, it has beenselected by the America Special OperationsCommand as it can be used in weapon clip-on, handheld, andhelmetmountmodes.BAE Systems Oasys also proposes the

Universal Thermal Monocular which hastwice the weight of the Skeetir X. Mostcharacteristics are otherwise similar to thoseof the smaller sight, although its field of viewis of 19° and it can operate with two CR123lithium batteries for 5.5 hours at 25°C, andits laser pointers aremore powerful. Both inthe 3B Class, the visible one ouputs 35 mWwhile the infrared pointer has two levels, 0.7mW(sameas theSkeetirX) and35mWwithconsiderabe range increase.

I NEWCON-OPTIKAnother multirole option in the Newcon-Optik catalogue is the TVS 11, a thermalmonocular that can be used either as ahelmet-mounted system, a thermal sight ona light weapon, or a hand-held observationdevice, the latter option being the mostusually adopted. With a weight sansbatteries of only 396 grams, it is powered bytwo CR123s providing an eight houroperational life.The TVS 11 is available with two levels of

thermal uncooled 7-14 µm band sensors –either a 384x288-pixel or a 640x480-pixel

array, respectivelywith16°x12°or a17° x14°fields of view.According to data provided bythe Canadian manufacturer a human-sizedtarget can be detected at 1,200 metres,recognised at 300 metres and identified at150. x2 and x4 digital zooms are available, aswell as PAL orNTSCoutputs. The TVS 11 is130mm long, 80mmwide and 60mmhigh.Considered to be one of the most versatileproducts of the entire catalogue, the TVS 11has been exported in every geographicmarket attainedby the company.

I PYSER-SGIIn parallel with the development work doneon the PNP-MTHDS thermal sight, Pyser-SGI of the United Kingdom developedthe PNP-MTHD multirole monocular,which maintains most of the optroniccharacteristics of theweaponsight. It featuresthe samesensoranddisplay, but inaneffort tosaveweight lacks the reticle and its associatedcommands. The lightest type is the 17 mmlens system at 295 grams without batteriesfollowed by the 25 and 35mm variants atrespectively 325 and340grams. Fitted a flip-

BAE Systems Oasys developed one of thelightest thermal imagers around, the Skeetir-X, which weighs only 260 gramswithoutbatteries. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

The new PNP-MTHDS thermal imaging sightproduced by Pyser-SGI is available withthree different optics providing x1, x1.5 andx2magnification. (Pyser-SGI)obersvation,sight and goggle roles. (NewconOptik)

The TVS-11 is themultirole thermalsystem offered by NewconOptik of Canadato fulfil observation, sight and goggle roles.(NewconOptik)

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Flir Systemsproposes two light and smallthermal imaging pocket scopes. TheReconM24 adds only 400 grams to the

soldier’s burden including the two3VCR123batteries that provide aworking timeof overthree hours at standard temperature. Anoteworthypoint is that removingoneof thetwobatteriesdoesnot affectoperation,whichmeans that they can be replaced withoutviewer shut-down. The Recon M24 isprovided with a 320 x 240 uncooled focalplanearray, a640x480 typebeingavailableonrequest. The optics provide a 24° x 18° fieldof view at x1magnification, while x2 and x4are digital. The display is a 640 x 480monochrome unit, a USB port is used toexport stills and RS-170 or PAL outputs forvideo. Handheld or tripod mounted, it can

be carried in apocket thanks to its small size,the ReconM24 being 117 mm long, 76 mmhighand64mmwide.

The second model is the Recon M18,which comes with the higher definitionsensoras standard fit (though the lowerone isavailable on request). Field of view is 18.7° x14°, andhere too two levelsofdigital zoom,x2andx4beingavailable althoughax3extenderlens is also proposed. The image is displayedon a 640 x 480 colour organic diode display,and a set of image enhancing features beingavailable, including automatic level andgaincontrol,manual control, polarity shift, aswellas sharpening, tuning and contrastenhancement. An NTSC or PAL videooutput is available. The M18 features a 30mW/0.5 mW infrared laser pointer, but a

Surveillance Binoculars and ScopesGenerally lighter units intended for thosemembers of an army that are not equippedwith full-fledged thermal systems, those scopes are ideal for commanders.

up/switch-off device and with x2 and x4electronic zoom, detection ranges for thethree lenses are respectively 445, 635 and889metreswithout using the digital zoom. A x3magnification additonal lens is available tofurther increase the range,mostlywhenusedas a hand-held observation/surveillanceitem. Typical head- or helmet-mounted usesees the 17mmlenswithx1magnificationasthe preferred option, the 98 mm length andthe rear centreof gravity allowing todecreaseneck strain.

I WILCOWilco of France proposes a thermalmonocular with an unconventionalparallelepiped shape. The military version,knownasTimro640-M, is fittedwith a 640x480-pixel array and a 19 mm F/1.25 lens,providing a 32° x 26° field of view. A x1magnification system, it features x2, x3, x4andx8electroniczoom. It canmemorizeuptosix different ballistic tables to be exploitedwhenusedasa sight,butaPicatinnyadapter isavailable. Its titanium body makes itparticularly lightweight, 220 grams with thetwoCR123batteries; of reduceddimensions,65 x48x70.5mm, theTimro640-Mensureshuman detection at 200 metres and can beequipped with numerous optional modulessuch as a secondary screen to see or shootaround the corner

I SHVABEThe PT2 thermal imaging monoculardevelopedbyShvabeofRussia is proposed asa stand-alone device or as a head-mountedsystem. It features a 384 x 288-pixeluncooled focal plane array and a 24 mmfocal length objective providing a 22.6° x 17°field of view, a x 2 digital zoom beingavailable. The PT2 ensures man-size targetrecognition at 500metres and is powered bytwo CR123A batteries giving four hours ofoperation.Without the headmount the PT2weighs 390 grams, and is 120 mm long, 75mm wide and 52 mm high. For hand-heldobservation the lens can be replaced with amore powerful x3.8.

I THERMAL VISION TECHNOLOGIESThermalVisionTechnologies of theUkraineproduces two thermal imagingmonoculars,theArcherTMA-35,which features a 35mmfocal length lens with a 1.2 aperture, and theTMA-55, with a 55 mm F/1.0 lens. Cost,

weight andperformances are clearlydifferentwith sensor type mostly accounting for thecost variation as both monoculars areavailablewith threedifferent arrays, namely a25µm-pitch324x256-pixel arrayon theonehand, and two 17 µm-pitch arrays of either336 x 256 or 640 x 512 pixels at on the other.This enables the company to offer thermalscopes across a wide range of prices andperformances. The system with the shorterfocal length lens has obviously a wider fieldof view, but one that varies with the sensor,respectively 13° x 10°, 9.5° x 7° or 18° x 14°.

With the 17 µmpitch the TMA-35 allowsone todetect amanat1,100metres, recognisehimat 280metres and identifyhimat 140. IntheTMAthosedata vary, fields of viewbeing8.3° x 6.4°, 6.0° x 4.7° or 11.4° x 8.8°, a penaltywell compensated by increased ranges,respectively 1,700 metres for detection, 400metres for recognition and 200 metres foridentification, an improvement of over 40%.

The weight penalty follows performanceimprovement, the TMA-35 weighing 350grams without the two CR123A batteries,while theArcherTMA-55hits the 500-grammark. Respective dimensions are 139 x 74 x51mm or 160 x 82 x 70mm. As for all of thecompany thermal imagers, thesemonocularscan export a PAL or NTSC video signal,however only via a USB port. They can beused either handheldorhelmetmounted.

Shvabe’s thermal offer includes the PT2monocular, which can be used either handheld or a helmet mounted. (Shvabe)

The Recon M24 proposed by Flir is mostly anobservation device, although it can also beused as a helmet-mounted device.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

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visible frequency option is available. Powersource remains that of the M24, with samebattery life. All this comes at only 80 gramsmore, dimensions being also marginallyhigher at 127 x 83 x 57 mm. The M24 can beimmersed at 12.6 metres for one hour.

I DRSDRS Technologies’ portfolio includes theMX-2A lightweight thermal cameraweighing less than 1.25 kg and suited forreconnaissance and surveillance duringpatrol missions. It features a 320 x 240 focalplane array based on a Vanadium Oxideuncooled microbolometer with a pixel pitchof 25 µm working in the 8-12 µm band, thatensures detection of human activity at 550metres in clear weather with a 70%probability.The field of view is of 18° x 13.5°,which halves when the x2 digital zoomfunction is activated. A monochrome black-and-white 640 x 480 display provides theimage to the soldier, which can be white-hotor black-hot, and exported via an RS-170video output; four push buttons on the top ofthe units select gain, brightness and polarity.The camera runs on four 123 batteries. Arugged item thanks to its rubber-coatedaluminium case, the MX-2A is 229 mmlong, 125 mm wide and 86 mm high. TheMX-2A includes the same reticles as theLTWS sight, it can thus be also used as asight using a dedicated interface. A higherend thermal camera, the MX-3A, is alsoavailable based on a 640 x 480 array. It has ax3 zoom, a 1,100-metre detection range andweighs nearly 1.5 kg.

I BAE SYSTEMS OASYSAt only 1.06 kg without batteries the BAESystems Oasys offers the infantry teamcommander a Universal Thermal Binocularbased on the company’s 17-µm pitch 640 x480-pixel uncooled focal plane array.

Also known as the UTB, it can be fittedwith three different magnification optics,namely standard x3.7 with a 10.5° diagonal

field of view and a 2.22 km detection range,short-range x2.1 with 19° FoV and onekilometre detection range, and long-range6.5° FoV and 2.66 km detection range. A x2electronic zoom is also available. Powered bythree CR123 or two L91 lithium batteriesensuring respectively 5.5 hours or 2.25 hoursof operation, the binocular maintains most ofthe characteristics of BAE Systems’ thermalsights, such as digital magnetic compass aswell as visible and infrared laser pointers, inClass 3B, respectively with outputs of 20-35mW for training and 0.5-0.7 mW for trainingand 20-35 mW for operations. The UTB canstore up to 100 uncompressed images inbmp format. A version including a laserrangefinder is also available, the UTB LRF,which maintains the same width, 140 mm,and height, 74 mm, but is slightly longer (206mm versus 178 mm) and heavier (1.38 kg),optronic performances remaining identical.

I SAGEMSagem’s Jim MR (MR for Medium Range)was chosen by the French Army for its Félinprogramme. In less than two kilos Sagempacked an uncooled thermal imagerproviding a 7.6 x 5.7° field of view, and fittedwith x2 and x4 digital zooms. Indicativedesignation, recognition, identificationranges are given as 4,000/1,500/750 metresfor a vehicle target and 2,450/850/400 metresfor a human target. An 10 km range eyesafe1.54 µm laser rangefinder is available, as well

as a digital magnetic compass with 360°azimuth range and ± 40° elevation range. TheJim MR does not feature an internal GPS, butcan be connected to an external one thanksto its analog and digital input-output ports toproviding target grids. It is powered by adedicated battery that provides over threehours of autonomy, but is compatible withAA batteries and can also be linked to anexternal power source.

The Felin soldier can also be equippedwith the long-range JIM LR, which is abinocular with a 320 x 240-pixel cooledsensor operating in the 3 - 5 μm band andweighing 2.8 kg without batteries. A high endsystem, it has a visible colour channel with a 3°x 2.25° field of view, the same as the thermalchannel in the narrow field of view mode, thewide one being of 9° x 6.75°. The JIM LR isprovided with stabilisation, digital zoom,image fusion, contrast enhancement, photoand video recording, and includes a 10 kmrange laser rangefinder, a laser pointer, adigital magnetic compass and a GPS. Over3,000 Jim LR have been produced.

A simpler version, known as the JimObserve, includes only the thermal and daychannels, and weighs 2.5 kg. Recently Sagemdeveloped the Jim UC, for uncooled, whichretains all the features of the Jim LR but isfitted with a 640x480-pixel uncooledthermal sensor. In the narrow field of view itprovides the same 3° x 2.25° as the daychannel, while in the wide one it provides an8.6° x 6.45° field of view. Giving away the

At less than half a kilogram Flir ReconM18allows the team commander to havea thermal observation itemwith a goodresolution which also includes a laser pointer.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

BAE Systems offers for the team commanderits Universal Thermal Binocular, that includesa digital magnetic compass and visible andinvisible laser pointers. (BAE Systems)

The JimMedium Range is part of the FrenchFélin system and is fitted with uncooledsensor, a laser rangefinder and a digitalmagnetic compass. (Sagem)

Compendium Night Vision 2014

A high end system, being a cooled thermaland day binocular with target acquisitioncapability, the Sagem Jim-LR is nonethelesspart of the French Félinmodern soldier suite.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

Except for its uncooled sensor, the Jim UC(hence the suffix) otherwise retains all thefacilites of the LR. (Sagem)

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cooling system allowed to cut weight downto 2.3 kg. Indicative DRI ranges for the JimUC are 5/2/1 km for a vehicle target and3/1/0.5 km for a human target.

I THALESUnveiled at DSEI 2013, the Sophie Lite is thelatest member of Thales Sophie family ofmultifunction surveillance and target locatorsystems, its weight being of only 1.6 kg. TheSophie Lite includes a 640 x 480-pixeluncooled thermal imager working in the 8-12µm which provides a field of view of 7° andfeatures a x3 e-zoom. In thermal imagingmode a man target can be detected at 2.5 kmand a recognised at 1km, while ranges for avehicle are respectively 5 and 2 km. The daychannel is based on a TV/Near-infraredsensor and has two fields of view, 6° and 3°; itfeatures image stabilisation, autofocus and e-zoom, and provides detection and recognition

of a man-size target at 6 and 3 km, and of avehicle at 10 and 6 km. It uses a 800 x 600 pixeldisplay. Target range is provided by a Class 1laser rangefinder with maximum range of 4km and five-metre accuracy. Position isprovided by the internal GPS; standard issueisaC/Acodesystem,aP(Y)codesystembeingprovided as option. An external AN/PSN-13Defense Advanced GPS Receiver or anAN/PSN-11 Precision Lightweight GPSReceiver (better known as Dagger andPlugger) can be attached to the Sophie Lite.

Orientation is ensured by a 0.5° accuracydigital magnetic compass and a 0.1° accuracygravity sensor inclinometer. The Sophie Liteis powered by AA batteries, their life beingrespectively of six hours when using thesystem in TV mode and four hours in thermalimaging mode; external BB2590 or BB2557rechargeable batteries can be used, theiroperational life being respectively of 48 or 24hours, depending on mission profile. Aninternal memory allows to save up to 100 stillsor one hour worth of video, external interfaces

available being PWR, RS232/422, Ethernetand USB. According to Thales the Sophie Liteperformancesarereducedby20%comparedtohigh end Sophie family elements, but with aweight gain in excess of 50%. Fully developedand available for production, the Sophie Litewas developed on company funds andalthough it has not yet found a launchcustomer, Thales says that multipleopportunities in the world market are arising,in particular amongst the infantry, specialoperators and homeland security circles.

I SELEXSoldato Futuro infantry team leaders of theItalian Army units are to receive the Linx, themulti-functional day/night handheld targetlocator developed and produced by Selex ES.Its thermal channel has recently beenimproved with a better sensor, now a 640 x480 uncooled array (the original SoldatoFuturo Linx had a 320 x 240 sensor). Coupledwith the adopted lens, it provides a x2.8magnification and a 10° x 7.5° field of view, ax2 and x4 digital zoom being available. Thecolour TV day channel channel maintains awide with a x3.65 magnification and a FoVof 8.6° x 6.5° and a narrow FoV with a x11.75magnification and an angle of 2.7° x 2.2°.

The Linx also features a 1.55 μm laserrangefinder, the latest version of which hasbeen improved to over three kilometres, and adigital magnetic compass and a GPS. A near-infrared laser pointer, which can be seenthrough the daylight channel, has also beenadded. All vision channels are fitted with anelectronically programmable reticle. Videooutput is colour VGA, exportable via USB.Including the AA batteries the Linx nowweighs 2.7 kg. According to data provided bySelex ES, it ensures a detection range ofaround 1.5 km and a recognition range of 650metres for a human target, these dataincreasing to 2.8 km and 1.3 km for a heavyvehicle. Selex ES is also looking at a furtherevolutions with the adoption of miniaturisedcooled sensors, while the additional functionsare being discussed with theEsercito. The firstupgraded system is expected for mid-2015.

I MILLOGHaving chalked up its last order from theFinnish Defence Forces as recently as May2014, the Millog Lisa is a hand-held targetacquisition system packs an uncooled thermalimager, an optical day channel, an eyesafe laserrangefinder with over 6 km range, a digitalmagnetic compass and a GPS with wirelessconnection. It can detect a vehicle at 4.8 km,recognise it at 1.35 km and identify it at 1 km,data for a human target being 2.9 km, 700metresand550metres.TheLisahasaweightof2.4 kg including the batteries, which give anendurance of more than 10 hours.

I VECTRONIXAmongst the lightest systems that can besupplied to a patrol commander is theVectronixMoskito.This isanimage intensifierbinocular that includes a day optical channelwith a x5 magnification and a 6° field of view,with mil graduation. The night channel isbased on a Photonis XR5 tube with a x3magnification and a 10° field of view, which,with a four-kilometre range laser rangefinder,a digital magnetic compass and a clinometerfor horizontal and vertical anglesmeasurement, and GPS, weighs a mere 1.2 kg.The Moskito is powered by 2 CR123A lithiumbatteries ensuring over 24 hours of autonomyand more than 2,000 measurements. It is usedby different types of units in many armies.

Compendium Night Vision 2014

An Italian Army infantry team commanderusing Selex ES Linx multi-functional day/nighthandheld target locator during the SoldatoFuturo trials. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

Vectronix Moskito has been selected bynumerous armies for their soldier’smodernisation programmes, among themthose of Britain and Germany.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

At only 1.6 kg the Thales Sophie Light is oneof the lighter day/night target acquisitionbinoculars available on the market. (Thales)

Manufactured by Millog in Finland, the Lisais a day/night binocular with a thermalchannel and a laser rangefinder. (Millog)

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I THERMAL VISION TECHNOLOGIESFor lower-level commanders, UkrainianThermal Vision Technologies proposes aseries of observation goggles, the ArcherTGA-8/75M being the latest of the family. It isprovidedwitheithera336х256ora640х512-pixel uncooled sensor, which coupled with the75 mm F/1.0 germanium lens gives a field ofview of 4.4° x 3.4° or 8.3° x 6.4° (to which x2and x4 digital zooms are added). A 1.55 µmlaser rangefinder with a maximummeasurement range of 1.5 km is integratedinto the system, which can also be equippedwith a photo and video recording module.Detection, recognition and identificationranges are respectively of 2,200, 600 and 300metres. The Archer TGA-8/75M is poweredbyfourAAbatteries thatprovideeighthoursof

autonomy with rechargeable batteries and tenhours with standard ones. The dimensions ofthis binocular, which weighs 1.2 kg withbatteries, are 190 x 146 x 90 mm. A versionwith a 55 mm lens is also available, with theoverall weight decreased to about 660 grams.

I ELBITLow weight and relatively low cost for what itoffers, the Elbit Systems Mini Coral thermalimager incorporates all what is needed fortarget acquisition – in extenso GPS, day andnight channels, laser range finder and acompass. The uncooled 8-12 µm 384 x 288Vanadium Oxide sensor offers 6° x 4.5° and18° x 13.5° channels. Two daytime channelsare also available, one with a 12.6° x 9.5° field ofview from a monochrome high-resolution

CCD sensor with laser pointer see-spotcapability, and the other with a 3° x 2.25° fieldof view with colour high-resolution CCD.Range to target is provided by a 1.55 µm Class1m laser rangefinder with a maximum rangeof 2,500 metres, bearing being given by thedigital magnetic compass which has a 0.5°RMS accuracy. Position is being given by aninternal GPS, the Mini Coral having a seven-hour video recording capacity. The system’smemory can store not only target grids, butalso targets images, and can be interfaced toa battle management system. Battery life iseight hours, and weight with battery remainsunder 2.1 kg. According to Elbit the MiniCoral is capable to detect a vehicle at 3.5kmand a man at two, recognition ranges beingrespectively 1.5 km and 800 metres.

Compendium Night Vision 2014

American soldiers started receiving theAN/PSQ-20, also known as EnhancedNight Vision Goggle, around mid-

2009, the system having been developed byExelis (part of ITT) and Raytheon, butproduced by Exelis. This monocularcombines both a latest generation tand a 320 X240 microbolometer thermal sensor, andoffers the soldier the ability to set the fusionlevel via optical overlay between the twovision modes and thereby optimise readingaccording to situation. A x1 magnificationsystem, it provides a 38° field of view inintensified mode and a 28° in thermal mode.Four AA batteries ensure 7.5 hours ofcontinuous operation using both sensors.

I EXELISExelis has since launched the AN/PSQ-20A.This improved version also known as theSengv (Spiral Enhanced NVG) which usesonly three batteries, it has a reduced lifecycle cost, a better weight balance, andboasts significant improvements inproducibility. In 2012 L-3 Warrior Systemswas awarded a $50 million contract for over3,800 Engvs, also known as AN/PSQ-20B inmilitary parlance.

I WILCOIn this emerging field, Wilco of Franceproposes the TNVM that optically combinesimages from a Gen-2+ or Gen-3 intensifier

tubewiththatofanuncooledmicrobolometer.The latter comes with a choice of tworesolutions, namely 160 x 120 (TNVM-A) and384 x 288 pixels (TNVM-B). The image isthrown onto a 640 x 480-pixel VGA colourdisplay. A built-in infrared emitter can be usedeither as a pointer or as an illuminator. A x1magnification system, the thermal channelalso features x2 and x4 digital zooms. TheTNVM is powered by four AA batteries thatprovide 5-7 hours of operational time. Thebattery pack can either be fixed under thegoggleormountedonthebackof thehelmettopartly compensate the goggle overhangingweight (the battery pack weighs 250 grams vs.the goggle’s 650 grams).

I VECTRONIXThe Vectronics Tacs-M is a thermal clip-ondevice based on an uncooled 320x240microbolometer the image of which isprojectedonamicro-displaythat ismounted infront of the image intensifying tube, therebyadding the thermal image to the intensifiedone. The thermal clip-on can work in threemodes: full thermal,outlineorpatrol toensurea 500-metre detection range and a 300-metrerecognition range. The Tacs-M has a x1magnification and a field of view of 20°, thethermal image being shown in the centre ofthe intensified image. The Polarity can be

Fused Goggles and Thermal Clip-onStill a pretty high-end solution due to costs, fused goggles are nevertheless becoming areality, and theUSArmy is equipping part of itsmilitary not onlywith a thermal system, butwith a fused one, that includes both image intensification and thermal imaging sensors.

The virtues of combined image intensification and infrared are clearly visible here,the left picture being intensifier only and the right one adding the missing part, courtesyof a Thermoteknix Clip-IR unit

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ARMADA DIGITAL AD C4ASELSAN 21, 23, 25LAAD C3

DEFENCE AND SECURITY THAILAND C2PHOTONIS 13

I INDEX TO ADVERTISERS

Soldier-wornnight vision systems

andnight rifle sights

Day for night

ON THE COVER: Clip-on sights like this FlirMilsight T90 TaNS are becoming increasingly popularas they enable soldiers to fit them onto their rifles onlywhen the effort to bear the extra weight is required.

switched while brightness is adjustable.Powered by a CR123A lithium battery it hasanautonomyof2.5hoursat20°Candonlyadd150grams to theoriginal intensifiergoggle.

I THERMOTEKNIXIn Britain, Thermoteknix developed theClipIR, another clip-on thermal solution thathas the advantage of providing a 40° field ofview, matching that of any standard NVG,thusallowing full imagecoverage.TheClipIRis based on a 384 x 288 amorphous silicon 25micron uncooled LWIR microbolometercoupled to a13.2mmF/1.2 lens, the resultingimagebeingprojectedonan800x600display,fromwhich an optical periscope carries it infront of the intensifier tube. The system ispowered by a single AA battery, operatingtime varying from 4½ hours between 0°C to

+50°Cto2½hoursat -40°C.Asinglewheelonthe top of the system allows to control all thefunctions. The ClipIr weighs 150 grams withbattery, and is easily attached to the mostcommongogglesandmonocularswithwhichit is compatible, the PVS-7, PVS-15, PVS-14,MUM-14,PBS-14andPBS-18, forexample.

I FLIRFlir is proposing the M32-C clip-onthermal imager based on a 320x240 Voxmicrobolometer offering a 32° field of view. Itcanbemounted either on the right or left eye,andisprovidedintwodifferentconfigurations– with internal or external battery. Theformer weighs 190 grams without batteries,which become 258 grams when adding thetwo CR-123 batteries that ensure over threehours of operation. The latter configurationfeatures abatterypackcontaining threeAAAbatteries providing aneight-hour autonomy,the weight being split between the clip-onunit, 164 grams, and the battery pack, 187grams. Although this results in a slightlyhigher total weight at 353 grams, it howeverleads to a smaller clip-on unit, with a betterbalance and increasedoperational time.

Compendium Night VisionSupplement to Issue 6/2014Volume 38, Issue No. 6, December 2014/January 2015

INTERNATIONALis published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd.Copyright 2012 by Media Transasia Ltd.Publishing Office: Media Transasia Ltd.,1205 Hollywood Centre,233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2815 1933

Editor-in-Chief: Eric H. BiassRegular Contributors: Roy Braybrook,Paolo Valpolini, Peter Donaldson, Wesley FoxChairman: J.S. UberoiPresident: Xavier CollacoSr. Manager International Marketing: Vishal MehtaManager Marketing: Jakhongir DjalmetovSales & Marketing Coordinator: Atul BaliCreative Director: Bipin KumarAsstt. Art Director: Ajay KumarProduction Manager: Kanda ThanakornwongskulGroup Circulation Manager: Porames ChinwongsChief Financial Officer: Gaurav Kumar

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ABC

CoverageWe did our utmost to cover most of thesystems currently being marketed ordeveloped. However, we are perfectlyaware that some pieces might have beenoverlooked, although it must beunderstood that amongst the items notcovered in this Compendium are oftenrebadged or rebranded versions ofexisting systems, not to mention reverse-engineered models or utter copies oftenoriginating from the East and Far-East.

(Eric H. Biass, Ed-in-C)

Compendium Night Vision 2014

Wilco International of France developed afused NVG, known as TNVM, which combinesa thermal and an intensification channel in a650-gram unit to which the plus 250 grams ofthe battery pack have to be added.(Armada/P. Valpolini)

The Tacs-M is a thermal clip-on device thatcan be fitted in front of any imageintensification system, providing aconsiderable image quality improvement atthe cost of only 150 grams. (Vectronix)

A soldier wearing a standard twin-tube night vision goggle with the addition of a 150-gram Thermoteknix ClipIR unit on theright eye. (Thermoteknix)

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