Thermal Reflex Sight

Many assaulter-based operations benefit from having a thermal channel as part of the firearm kit, in addition to the usual accessories such as a day-optic weapon sight. The thermal channel allows operators to identify signatures that are difficult to detect, such as those behind thick cover or degraded environments. Difficulty in implementing a thermal channel to the firearm platform arises when the operator is using night vision goggles and an aim laser rather than maintaining cheek weld within the eyebox of the day-optic. In this case, current thermal sighting systems are insufficient, because many are clip-on systems which require constant viewing through the day-optic. Furthermore, clip-on thermal channels are limited by the relatively small field-of-view. When a stand-alone thermal sight is used to overcome the field-of-view and constant viewing issues, limitations due to latency and loss of depth perception reduce situational awareness. In this Phase I program, we identify solutions that combine day-optic and thermal display systems into one integrated unit. These integrated units provide both the required day-optic function as well as a wide field-of-view thermal channel display that can be viewed while using night vision goggles.