BAE Systems has launched its first-to-market 12-micron thermal imaging technology, which is designed to significantly improve the effectiveness of thermal weapon sights.
Called the universal thermal clip-on version XII (UTC XII), the system is claimed to be the first military-grade thermal weapon sight featuring the new 12-micron technology, which greatly reduces lens size, total system weight and battery use, while offering improved image quality.
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Designed to enable the user to detect, recognise and identify threats in all weather conditions, day or night, the thermal weapon sight also provides superior situational awareness by allowing simultaneous observation of the target area through fog, smoke, dust and haze.
BAE Systems Imaging and Aiming director Marc Casseres said: "This 12-micron-based solution builds on our decades-long history of providing special operations and tactical customers with cutting-edge thermal imaging products.
"Our 12-micron technology will allow users to detect, recognise and defeat threats in all weather and visibility conditions like never before."
The UTC XII complements existing day sight systems, similar to the 17-micron universal thermal clip-on, which is currently deployed by the US military in support of long-range sniper and surveillance missions.
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By GlobalDataThe system’s versatility enables users to rapidly move from day to night vision without mission interruption.
BAE is planning to integrate the technology into its full line of thermal imaging and aiming monoculars, weapon sights and binoculars, which are designed for a broad spectrum of operators.
Working in collaboration with its distribution partners TSSI and Source One, the company is also set to publicly display the UTC XII at the shooting, hunting and outdoor trade show and conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US.
Image: The universal thermal clip-on version XII enables the user to detect, recognise and identify threats in all weather conditions. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
