A soldier has to operate by day or night in highly challenging and dangerous situations. Thus instant situational awareness of the area of operations is a do or die necessity for a soldier. Night vision is the ability to see in the dark which is possible by biological or technological means with a combination of adequate spectral and intensity range. Technology based on thermal imaging, infrared and laser is making rapid strides to enable the soldier to dominate the darkness by quickly detecting, identifying and then destroying the target. Such systems are called night vision devices (NVDs) and are now commonly used by all armed forces and security agencies. NVDs were first used in World War II and since then the technology has evolved manifold, providing improved and better capability. They have many applications like ranging, observation, pointing and aiming. There are clip on NVDs which can be employed with weapons and helmets. NVDs are of two types: image intensifiers (II) and thermal imagers (TI). Image intensifiers are more common as they use small amount of ambient light. TIs can be near IR, mid IR and thermal IR. The difference between thermal imager and the other two is that thermal imager IR is reflected by an object instead reflected from it. Company-wise products are given in succeeding paragraphs:

DRS

DRS’ Thermal Weapon Sights allow soldiers to see deep into the battlefield enhancing surveillance and target acquisition – even when visibility is virtually zero.

MX-2A Multi-use Miniature Thermal Imager. Utilizing DRS’ 320 x 240, 25 micron vanadium oxide (VOx) technology, this high-performance thermal imaging handheld camera is ideal for general reconnaissance, surveillance, and security patrol in the field. It allows users to see long ranges and provides a clear thermal image through dust, smoke, light fog and complete darkness.

MX-3A Rugged Thermal Imager. The MX-3A Rugged Thermal Imager is the ultimate in handheld thermal imaging systems. It uses highly sensitive DRS 640 x 480, 25 micron uncooled VOx detector technology to deliver crystal-clear imaging through dust, smoke, light fog and complete darkness. The result is a thermal imager offering unparalleld performance in a flexible, compact package.

17-Micron Light Weapon Thermal Sight (LWTS). LWTS employs 17 µm detector pitch, uncooled thermal imaging technology. The 17-micron LWTS provides a clear thermal image of target information through dust, smoke, light fog, and complete darkness. Furnished with a 640 x 480 focal plane array, the LWTS offers long wave infrared detection in a low weight package with an operating time of up to 10 hours at 77°F. It has 2X digital zoom and RS-170 real time video in/out remote viewing capabilities and clip on and stand alone thermal capability.

FLIR Systems

They offer many products for border security and coastal surveillance like HRC series TI cameras, Thermo Vision 2000/3000 and so on. HRC series uses a detector indium antimonide (InSb) or mercury cadmium Telluride (MCT): 640 x 480 pixels, spectral range of 3 to 5 µm with a field of view of 12.5 x continuous zoom and four preset positions and video presentation in PAL/NTSC. HRC series include E, S, U and X. HRC series also has multi-sensor systems with accuracy of 1 mrad and resolution of 0.1 mrad. Available options are laser range finder, geo-positioning digital magnetic compass and automatic video tracker including e-stab.

Vectronix

Sterna. Vectronix is a global leader in state-of-the-art optronic equipment, systems and sensors for military and civil applications including handheld laser rangefinders and night vision devices, tripod mounted orientation and positioning systems and sensor modules. Sterna is a non-magnetic, precision target location/target acquisition system which is typically a CAT-1 system at 1.5 km. Troops are less exposed due to Sterna’s first round, fire for effect capability. Soldiers can now effectively use dumb bombs as easily as laser guided bombs to reduce the amount of exposure, while saving lives, rounds, and time in battle. It provides true north capabilities virtually in any environment and all-weather conditions. It is an ultralight, man-portable system which is <4 kg (<9 lbs). It is man-portable thus enables the soldier to move at the same pace as his dismounted team. It is modular in construction and the system can be configured as per the mission like:

• Sterna-M. This is most lightweight and suitable for close air support.
• Sterna-V. This is a performance upgrade for all missions with the well-proven Vector. Brilliant optics and far range join a non-magnetic high precision azimuth and is suitable for forward observer/forward, air controller and joint tactical air controller.
• Sterna-J. This is an extreme lightweight all-rounder. The compact multi-functional thermal imager JIM LR makes a effective partner to the Sterna TNF and provides 24 hours precise target location under the worst weather and environmental conditions. It can be employed for forward observer/forward air controller and joint tactical air controller.

Trijicon

Trijicon makes sights which will outlast the enemy’s. Systems are designed to withstand shock from ground soldier portable weapons platforms, they are also designed to outperform the enemy. Trijicon designs to provide intelligent computed aiming solution from visual sighting. Their products are Trijicon ACOG^® Trijicon^® Reflex, Trijicon TARS™ , Trijicon RMR^® Trijicon^® Night Sights, Trijicon SRS^®, Trijicon VCOG™ and Trijicon CCAS™.

HD™ Night Sights. With the challenges of law enforcement and military in mind, these sights have a yellow or orange photo-luminescent paint outline and tall blade on the front sight to increase visibility and quicken sight acquisition. Additionally, the front surface is steeply hooked to assist in emergency one-handed slide operation. It features a metal body, tritium-phosphor lamp, sapphire window, silicone rubber cushion, protective aluminium cylinders, protective clear coat and high, visibility colored front sight post, “U” notch rear sight and subdued rear sight.

L-3 Communications

In April, 2010 L-3 Communications acquired insight technology and formed the Warrior Systems division. Together, L-3 Warrior Systems stands as a leading manufacturer of night vision and I2 systems and continues to invest in product development to enhance warfighter capability. L-3 Warrior Systems provides the most extensive portfolio of products supporting the war-fighters offering all essential systems to enable them to accurately manoeuvre, see, locate, target and fire during the day, at night or in adverse weather.

Aiming and Illumination Devices like the Advanced Target Pointer Illuminator Aiming Laser (ATPIAL) AN/PEQ-15 (LA-5/PEQ and LA-5A/PEQ). This is available in standard, high or ultra high power. It is rugged, small, lightweight, easy-to-use aiming system with integrated infrared and visible aim lasers as well as an IR illuminator. It is co-aligned visible and IR lasers and hardened for use on small arms and crew-served weapons.

Image Intensified Systems like AN/PVS-31 Binocular Night Vision Device (BNVD). BNVD is a compact, lightweight, Generation III dual tube goggle. It has an ergonomic low-profile design and offers superior situational awareness compared to a single tube goggle. Working directly with input from SOF operators, the BNVD was designed to increase system resolution, significantly reduce head borne weight, improve system centre of gravity, provide additional operational utility, and improve overall situational awareness as compared to currently fielded dual tube goggles.

Apart from the above it also offers thermal imaging and fused systems, precision targeting systems, holographic weapon sights, image intensifier tubes and so on.