Night Vision Use In The Military

Night Vision Use In The Military

In the 1930s, German tanks were the first to use night vision. The devices were much more powerful than the naked eyes, but the original versions were heavy and expensive.

Night Vision Use In The Military

The devices used today are lighter and more versatile. The military uses three different types of night vision:

• Image Intensification – This works by magnifying the natural light available from moonlight, street lights, car headlights etc….
• Active illumination – This uses light that is not detectable by the human eye.
• Thermal Imaging – This method shows images based on the heat that is given off human body, for example.  This might be the more familiar form of night vision to most individuals.

The majority of soldiers are equipped with night vision googles. These devices look like binoculars, and they use image intensification technology to search for enemy forces in the dark. A night vision device that looks more like a telescope is also available. The device can be mounted to a weapon or tank and uses image intensification. 

The use of night vision allows military personnel to defend an area, or scan for potential threats such as tanks or individuals who might wish to harm them. When using these devices, the world appears greenish because of how the light reflects from the landscape.

The military uses thermal imaging on a large scale. Thermal imaging allows you to “see” inside a building. It can be used in daylight as well.

Night Vision Civilian Use

In the automotive industry, night vision is more commonly used. Automotive night vision systems improve the driver’s ability to see in poor light or darkness. They use infrared, thermal image, or active illumination techniques to collect data that is then displayed to the driver.

The use of night vision is not limited to aircraft or helicopters. It can also be used for low-light hunting, night shooting, and other activities.

The use of night vision systems has improved the military’s performance, and civilians are now able to “see” what they couldn’t before. Universe Optics offers a complete line of Night Vision Lenses for manufacturers. We offer all formats, including many specialty lenses.

We can discuss the specifics of your application by calling us. Our website does not contain all the lenses, filters and mounting that we offer.