Long range IR thermal binocular with laser fusion LRF GPS compass LWIR

Arrow 3 long range thermal binocular with laser rangefinder LRF, compass, gps, day zoom camera, image blending for multi sensor ISR LWIR uncooled military, border patrol, homeland security applications

Multi-Sensor ISR ALL-IN-ONE long range Thermal Binoculars

From tactical superiority to the ultimate night vision experience, the Arrow III long range thermal binocular model packs an ultra sensitive flir imager, LLL digital night vision, laser range finder, GPS and many useful functions all in one ergonomic device which is ideal for military, law-enforcement and security applications.

Dual Vision, Dual Channel, Multi sensor

Switch between thermal mode and Low Light visible imging mode (digital night vision) to detect your target with great detail. The system is ideal for day, dusk or nighttime use.

HD Color CMOS Detector

1080P high resolution CMOS detector provides ultra-smooth vivid immersive night vision experience.

Built-in long range Laser Range Finder LRF

Precision laser range finder for measuring distances with a simple one-click operation.
SPI provides you custom laser range finder solutions from 1km to 10km to detect animals, man-size targets, vehicles and buildings in all weather conditions.

Built-in GPS Module

Highly accurate GPS enables the device to recognize your location anywhere and anytime.

Built-in Digital Magnetic Compass DMC

Dynamic digital compass function enables you to know the exact direction heading.

Aircraft-grade Aluminum Alloy Housing

Hard-anodized aluminum alloy housing without any plastic parts to ensure the best endurability.

Large Aperture long range F1.0 thermal imaging IR Germanium Lens

The Arrow III uncooled long range thermal IR binoculars are built with F1.0 aperture for the best result of transmissivity and overall optics system sensitivity. Our Optics are coated, hardened and sealed.

Military Standard 0.7 Inch immersive HD OLED

High resolution military standard OLED display with high optical magnification makes Identification and recognition easier. The Arrow 3 long range LWIR thermal binocular is designed for an extreme temperature range of -40°C + 60°C.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Picture in Picture

PIP allows you to see targets on top center of the screen, so you can keep an eye on what you’re aiming with digital magnification.

IP67 Rated

Genuine IP67 protection level. The unit can be dropped into a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour.

High Frame Rate

High frame rate ensures vivid, smooth and flawless thermal imaging.

Picture & Video Recorder

Built-in picture and video recorder with 32G memory.

Hot Spot Tracking

Detect and track the hottest spot within the field of view in real-time.

Email Mike or call 702-499-9551

SPI thermal binocular devices use the latest in cutting-edge technology and infrared imaging. This allows them to pick up temperature differences and changes that occur with both natural and man-made objects and use that data to generate an image. This enables visibility in near to total darkness, across rough terrain, and through challenging or changing weather conditions. Our thermal binoculars also offer:

Digital photography and video recording capabilities
The ultimate in long range, reliable ISR capabilities with exceptional DRI performance.
Professional-grade lens materials and ergonomic design
Highest sensitivity image quality, highest accuracy laser range finding LRF,
Integration with iOS and Android smart devices

Our thermal binoculars utilize the scientific principles of black body radiation (any object with a temperature above absolute zero must emit infrared radiation). Thermal photography, or thermography, works by detecting the level of radiation that an object emits, which will change in response to any increases or drops in that object’s temperature, even if those variations are very subtle.

SPI is dedicated to using the latest technologies available to develop elite thermal binoculars. These technologies allow you to customize your device dashboard, choose from several color pallets options, and either manually or automatically reduce pixelation. All of our binoculars are made of high-grade aircraft aluminum alloy, making the them both lightweight and highly durable.

Our Long Range Thermal Binocular Products

We offer a wide range of expert-tested, professional-grade thermal binoculars. They feature:

Lightweight, compact, durable construction
Best performing, highest sensitivity long range thermal binoculars
Long-range observation
Pixel by Pixel image sensor fusion
Tripod-mountability
Ergonomic, easy-to-operate controls
SPI military grade long range thermal binoculars are Rugged, all weather, state of the art dual eye thermal imaging flir systems. These devices come in uncooled LWIR And Cooled MWIR thermal imaging sensor Choices both in standard definition and in HD high definition. Utilizing small micro pitch detectors, our long range thermal binoculars pack optics that can reach out in excess of 10 kilometers for human and vehicle detection applications, this is considered very long range especially in total darkness for a handheld thermal imaging unit. Our handheld long range thermal imaging binoculars also come with a variety of complementary Sensors to add for mission readiness. Sensors like laser rangefinder’s (LRF), infrared laser pointers, infrared laser illuminators complementary lowlight HD visual day cameras, our EO/IR long range thermal binoculars also have GPS and DMC (Digital Magnetic Compass) modules for geolocating capabilities. Our military grade long range thermal binoculars are a premier choice by military and border protection personnel, the advantage of using thermal binoculars is the ease of viewing especially for long durations while using both eyes. Our thermal cameras offer the user crisp, clear image quality with outstanding detail, clarity and fidelity. Long range thermal binoculars housing tend to be bigger in size compared to Long range thermal monoculars, this extra real estate in the housing allows for the incorporation of the additional optics, sensors, and modules making up a complete multiSensor thermal binoculars system.

Our thermal binoculars come with many built-in features and a robust selection of included and optional accessories, like IP 65-IP 68 protection, high-grade aluminum alloy housing, a variety of Germanium objective lenses, wireless remote control, digital zoom and menu navigation, and more.

ABSTRACT

SUMMARY Todays Long Range Thermal imaging FLIR binoculars with in LWIR and MWIR cooled running at 9hz 30 hz and 60hz offer quite robust performance with precision lenses and additional Sensors like color night vision, lrf, gps, compass, image recording, ir laser pointers, designators and illuminators. 12 micron detectors along with new 10um sensors & mini high powered Dsp and fpga processors allow for video live real time picture motion capture collection storage and playback in visible infrared Spectrum and other HD wavelengths. Geolocation, audio and other useful advanced military battle features are being implemented into new next generation SPI thermal binoculars.

Digital photography and video recording capabilities
Professional-grade lens materials and ergonomic design
Integration with iOS and Android smart devices

We offer a wide range of expert-tested, professional-grade thermal binoculars. They feature:

Lightweight, compact, durable construction
Long-range observation
Tripod-mountability
Ergonomic, easy-to-operate controlsSPI military grade long range thermal binoculars are Rugged, all weather, state of the art dual eye thermal imaging flir systems. These devices come in uncooled LWIR And Cooled MWIR thermal imaging sensor Choices both in standard definition and in HD high definition. Utilizing small micro pitch detectors, our long range thermal binoculars pack optics that can reach out in excess of 10 kilometers for human and vehicle detection applications, this is considered very long range especially in total darkness for a handheld thermal imaging unit. Our handheld long range thermal imaging binoculars also come with a variety of complementary Sensors to add for mission readiness. Sensors like laser rangefinder’s (LRF), infrared laser pointers, infrared laser illuminators complementary lowlight HD visual day cameras, our EO/IR long range thermal binoculars also have GPS and DMC (Digital Magnetic Compass) modules for geolocating capabilities. Our military grade long range thermal binoculars are a premier choice by military and border protection personnel, the advantage of using thermal binoculars is the ease of viewing especially for long durations while using both eyes. Our thermal cameras offer the user crisp, clear image quality with outstanding detail, clarity and fidelity. Long range thermal binoculars housing tend to be bigger in size compared to Long range thermal monoculars, this extra real estate in the housing allows for the incorporation of the additional optics, sensors, and modules making up a complete multiSensor thermal binoculars system.

Long range thermal binoculars are a prime choice for many military, law enforcement, and homeland security professionals, typically the use of a dual eye binocular or biocular system is preferred over single eyed monoculars due to the enhanced image presentation to the users eye. HD high resolution Oled micro displays offer big screen style immersive viewing capabilities which is pleasant to the eye and Aids in reduced eye strain and fatigue. SPI has many standalone long range thermal Flir binoculars with multi sensors giving multi spectral imaging capabilities. Day and night vision cameras along with geo locating sensors and ir lasers are added to compliment the overall system and increase its capabilities, today’s top tier SPI thermal binocular observation/reconnaissance and detection systems have up to a dozen sensors and detectors added into a single platform.

Today’s war fighter requires a lightweight, high performance thermal binocular dual eye flir IR imager for use in night and reduced visibility

conditions. The operational requirements dictate that the system be lightweight, but still have significant range

capabilities and extended operating time on a single battery load. The development of a hand-held binocular FLIR using a staring focal

plane array imager. This paper will discuss the resulting system design and performance, a successful result of

tradeoffs made in the areas of infrared characteristics, size, weight and power (SWaP) to ensure a lightweight, but

high performance thermal imager.

Thermal Binoculars in MWIR cooled and LWIR uncooled

1. INTRODUCTION

Modern day ground forces operating throughout the world need for their personnel to be equipped with a personal

thermal imaging binocular FLIR camera to provide capability for detection, recognition and acquisition of tactical targets at day and

night, and under adverse weather conditions. This imager would give combat and reconnaissance units a decided

edge in today’s combat environment. The desired system was to have been fully developed with “state of the art”

core technology. The system was also identified to give the user other potential detection capabilities. Specific

requirements included:

• Detection of Man-Sized Targets at 3500 meters (minimum)

• Recognition of Man-Sized Targets at 2200 meters (minimum)

• Detection of Vehicle-Sized Targets at 7500 meters (minimum)

• Weight of under 6 pounds

• MIL-STD-810F Qualified

The detector outputs are multiplexed, digitized, and stored in processor memory. The stored image

is reformatted into a standard video image for display on a high-resolution organic light-emitting diode (OLED). In

addition to a comprehensive, permanent factory Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC), a fast field-NUC algorithm

allows the user to easily correct for image non-uniformities during normal operation. The system uses standard

military rechargeable or disposable batteries (NSN). An external communications protocol and video output allow

for remote control and imagery viewing.

Optional accessories include a 2X optical telescope, laser rangefinder, integral GPS receiver, and integral digital

magnetic compass (DMC). The system was intended to be used primarily for surveillance and reconnaissance;

however, with the options, it can also be used as part of a fire control solution.

Radiometric temperature measurement PTZ thermal camera

2. INFRARED BAND SELECTION

The two main thermal imaging systems in use for hand held ground applications today are the uncooled long-

wavelength infrared (LWIR) and the cooled mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR). Other thermal imaging flir
monocular and binocular system types exist such as

scanning and staring cooled long-wavelength infrared, but most of the hand held applications are trending toward

UCIR versus CMIR. Each type of system has inherent advantages and disadvantages. Advantages of the UCIR

system include: lower cost (as much as ½ less than a typical cooled system), no “cool-down” time, and quieter

operation. Disadvantages include: lower sensitivity, requiring large optics to achieve longer-range performance, and

slower response time (mostly critical in high-speed applications). Advantages of the CMIR system include higher

sensitivity (and higher performance) and smaller optics; while disadvantages include higher cost and weight (due to

the cooler and additional battery power required), as well as a required detector “cool-down” period and some

acoustic noise from the cooler during operation.

Another key difference is the inherent characteristics of the two infrared bands used in the Long Range Thermal
Binoculars (thermal imaging FLIR). The typical

theatre of operation for the system includes humid environments such as coastal areas, tropical areas and at sea. At

short ranges, there is no significant difference in atmospheric attenuation of the IR radiation between 8-12µm and 3-

5µm spectral bands. Therefore an 8-12µm (LWIR) system, such as the commonly available un-cooled systems, may

be acceptable. For medium to long range applications, especially in humid environments however, there is a

significant advantage for 3-5µm systems over 8-12µm systems, since the accumulated atmospheric attenuation at the

8-12µm band is much higher. This clear advantage of 3-5µm systems is a well known phenomenon that has been

demonstrated in numerous field tests and demonstrations. For comparison we have calculated range performance of

cooled mid-wavelength infrared (CMIR) and un-cooled long-wavelength infrared (UCIR) systems, with various

typical optical configurations, at US standard (dry) atmosphere as well as at tropical atmosphere (~70% Rh). Table

1 shows that a CMIR system with similar (F/1.0) optics and focal plane array format compared to the UCIR has

longer Detection, Recognition and Identification (DRI, per Johnson’s Criteria) ranges. The table also shows that for

a standard Tropical atmosphere compared to a US Standard atmosphere, the CMIR ranges are degraded only by 5%

to 6%; while the UCIR system range performance degrades by 7% to 34%.

This relative range degradation relationship with humidity will hold for all long-wavelength infrared systems,

regardless of whether they are cooled or uncooled, given similar optical and focal plane dimensions. The range

performance of the 8-12 µm system will be further degraded (versus the 3-5µm system) for non-standard (but very

common) humid tropical atmospheres (90% Rh or more), which are typical to sea and near-equator conditions.

Therefore the CMIR system meets almost all objective range performance requirements in its basic configuration.

Long Range EOIR PTZ FLIR GIMBAL ISR SYSTEMS.png

Range performance can be further enhanced by using a field-installable X2 add-on telescope or by using a higher

resolution detector (available growth potential). Extension of range performance in the uncooled system is very

difficult due to the already large optics that would be required to meet the predicted performance for this application.

The NETD of the CMIR system is very low (20mK)while the NETD of UCIR is significantly higher

(approximately 110 mK). This would yield a very noisy picture of a UCIR system versus a very quiet and high

sensitivity image of the CMIR. When observing a remote object, the UCIR system will typically show the object

floating on a “milky” background, and almost no background scenery details will be distinctive. The CMIR image,

on the other hand, will be very detailed and emphasizing many background scenery details. Finally, the

magnification of a CMIR system in the narrow FOV (basic configuration) is X8 (versus only X5 of the typical

UCIR), yields a much more detailed image even at the outer boundaries of the range performance envelope. Finally,

UCIR systems usually use a shutter mechanism which may be noisy and causes periodic image blinks. Therefore,

while UCIR is a good choice for cost-driven, low- to moderate-performance applications, the CMIR is still the best

choice for high-performance applications, especially in high-humidity environments.

3. SIZE, WEIGHT AND POWER CONSIDERATIONS

A key design requirement for the system was to be small and lightweight to support ground force activities.

However, as system designs evolve, designers will look for ways to shrink packaging, share system resources, and

fit more components into less space. As such, the level of interconnectivity and required interaction between the

various components increases. This includes the need for more integration of electrical functionality and

increasingly tight packaging of the system components. This design philosophy can be counter to requirements for

ease of system maintenance in the field.For system maintenance in the field, technicians must be able to easily

identify and then repair or swap out failed components with a minimum of required re-alignment and re-calibration.

Leveraging of existing test equipment resources is also desired. As such, the design must achieve a balance between

maximizing ease of maintenance while still minimizing the overall package dimensions.

The thermal imaging binocular is constructed of very few modules – an integral detector / dewar / cooler (DDC), modular focus

and field of view (FOV) assemblies, an independent display assembly, and a small number of compact circuit card

assemblies (CCAs). Each module is independently tested and verified – resulting in an increased reliability at the

system level. The modules have been arranged within the unit in order of decreasing life, so that the components

most likely to fail are the easiest to access and repair or replace.

The heart of the Long Range Thermal Binoculars (thermal imaging FLIR) is the compact DDC assembly.
A critical decision in the size, weight and power (SWaP)

tradeoff, a cooled detector was selected over an uncooled detector in order to achieve superior range performance.

Long range Network ip ethernet RJ 45 flir PTZ thermal imaging ir camera

The detector is integrated with a closed-cycle

cooler with integrated electronics from Ricor, Ltd to form the DDC package. The integrated DDC package is highly

reliable and is a primary contributor toward increasing the system MTBF to over 2000 operating hours.

Contributing factors to the cooled versus un-cooled detector decision include the availability of high-power Lithium

Ion batteries from the available stock of US military equipment, as well as Ricor’s work towards lowering the power

consumption of the cooler. The imager can use either rechargeable (BB-2847) or non-rechargeable (BA-5347)

batteries. Normal operating time on a single battery exceeds 4 hours at 23° C. Using the appropriate adapters, the

imager can also be powered from wall outlets or vehicles.

The design of the optical system was another critical part of the SWaP tradeoff. Here, a balance between system

performance (increased optics size) and system weight had to be achieved. Trade factors include system focal

length, f#, and number of elements. The choice of the system FOV had to provide the ability for the user to scan a

field of regard for general situational awareness (wide FOV), while providing the ability for increased detection and

identification range (narrow FOV) – all in as small a footprint as possible. The system’s optical parameters were

chosen to reflect the imager’s use as a handheld (i.e. not stabilized) system. The general parameters for the optical

system are shown in Table 3. The resulting optical path from the objective to the DDC was also designed to be

folded to increase the overall compactness of the system.

The Long Range Thermal Binoculars (thermal imaging FLIR) concept of operations showed that there would be situations where

the war fighter would be able to make use of increased range detection capability. Rather than incorporate larger

optics that would contribute to the overall weight of the system, the resulting design includes an X2 telescope to

provide increased detection ranges, but allows the user the flexibility to not use the telescope when reduced weight

is desired.

Once the design team had established the primary performance parameters and components for the system, the

remainder of the components had to be packaged in order to reduce the volume of the system while maximizing the

ease of system maintenance. Figure 1depicts some of this packaging.

Design of the system enclosure had to satisfy the requirements to reduce weight while still allowing the imager to

withstand the conditions required to meet the specified environmental conditions. The environment had been

specified from -30° C to +50° C and included exposure to sand, rain, and salt exposure, tested to MIL-STD-810F.

The final design is environmentally sealed and has a user-friendly weight of 5.7 pounds (excluding the battery) with

the standard aluminum case. If additional weight reduction is desired, the imager can be manufactured with an

optional Magnesium case, reducing the system weight to 5.1 pounds (excluding the battery).

4. HUMAN FACTORS DESIGN

The hallmark of the resulting imager design is its simplicity and ease of use, with the typical training time for most

operators being less than 1 hour. In addition to the SWaP trades that were performed for the system design, the

imager incorporates other important features to make the system more useable by the war-fighter. These features

begin at the primary interface to the system – the binocular display.

The display is an organic light emitting diode OLED that is integrated into the top cover assembly of the system.

The display provides the user with a high intensity, high resolution (VGA), and monochrome image of the thermal

scene. To achieve the VGA (640 x 480) resolution, each pixel of the 320 x 240 is replicated to a 4 x 4 pixel area,

along with some image processing. Display symbology (Figure 4) provides the user with an intuitive interface for

system control. A 5-mil reticle is also provided.

The user views the display through the binocular optics. The binocular assembly includes both a diopter adjustment

(from -6 to +2 diopters) and an interpupilary distance adjustment. The display and binocular components are

incorporated into the top cover assembly of the imager. This design adds to the ease of system maintenance, as it

allows the display portion of the system to be placed out of the way as the user accesses the other internal

components. The imager top cover assembly is shown in Figure 5.

The user controls the imager through a series of buttons that are incorporated into the top cover assembly. Six

buttons on the top of the assembly provide the user easy access to the most-used functions of the system – FOV

selection, focus control, polarity selection (black hot / white hot), and gain selection (manual / auto).

5. GROWTH CAPABILITY

The Long Range Thermal Binoculars (thermal imaging FLIR) can be modified to
accomplish specialized missions through the installation of a recently developed

image processor and a color OLED eyepiece display. This processor allows implementation of image processing

algorithms for specialized applications including dynamic range stretching, contrast enhancement, edge detection

and other common and useful functions. Optional accessories include a 2X optical telescope, laser rangefinder,

integral GPS receiver, and integral digital magnetic compass (DMC). The system was intended to be used primarily

for surveillance and reconnaissance; however, with the options, and by use of the included video output and external

data interfaces, it can also be used as part of a fire control solution. The imager, therefore, is a standard platform in

which is readily modified and upgraded depending upon specific user requirements.

Email Mike or call 702-499-9551