A new headset is being developed by the BAE Systems Plc, which will merge thermal imaging and night vision to make night time patrolling and targeting more convenient for soldiers.
The US branch of the BAE Systems Plc, British defense giant, is currently busy in developing a different kind of headset that will offer a combo of night vision goggles and thermal imaging facility.
Typically, soldiers all over the world need to use night vision goggle to clearly see the surroundings in the dark. On the other hand, they use thermal imaging devices on their rifles to engage targets.
If this headset gets successfully created, then soldiers will be able to use just one device to perform both the tasks, that is, to keep the target busy and view the surroundings at night time.
An official statement released by the firm on Monday stated:
“On today’s battlefield, this slower approach, which is often further hampered by heavy smoke or bad weather, compromises soldiers’ safety and can reduce mission effectiveness. By integrating night vision and thermal targeting capabilities into one sight displayed on the soldiers’ goggles, BAE Systems’ new solution allows troops to more easily acquire targets and engage faster.”
According to the firm’s official spokesperson Paul Roberts, they have been working with the U.S Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate for creating the headset. An initial award of $35million has been received by BAE Systems Plc for this program. The program is dubbed as the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle III and Family of Weapon Sight-Individual. The firm plans to manufacture the headsets at its new factory located in Hudson, New Hampshire.
Initial production of the headset’s night vision part will most likely begin this summer however; the actual cost of the product is yet unclear. The thermal imaging part of this headset is still in the developmental phase and its production will probably start in 2016.
The headset would rely solely upon a wireless video interface, which will help in transferring images from the sight to the goggle. This headset is aimed to eliminate the use of aiming lasers, minimize engagement time, extend target acquisition range and enhance maneuverability.
BeaSystems DefenseDept
