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Archive for the ‘Optics’ Category

Vortex Optics GeoBallistics Ecosystem

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

Vortex Optics incorporates GeoBallistics software into several of its products including Talon HD 10K Binocular, Ace Ballistic Weather Meter, and Impact 4000 laser range finder.

These devices collect data which feeds into the GeoBallistics software. In addition to rendering shooting solutions which appear on the device, it also interfaces with the App resodent in your End User Device.

vortexoptics.com/geoballistics

ACTinBlack Unveils DTNVX Advanced Binocular Night Vision System

Monday, June 15th, 2026

Trusted through years of field deployment, ACTinBlack’s core night vision platform, DTNVS, has established itself as one of the industry’s most respected and combat-proven systems, recognized for its reliability, durability, and performance across demanding mission environments worldwide.

Now, ACTinBlack unveils DTNVX – a modular binocular night vision system designed to expand the proven DTNVS ecosystem with enhanced flexibility, improved ergonomics, and optimized system architecture tailored to evolving operational requirements.

“DTNVS continues to represent a proven and trusted capability within the ACTinBlack product portfolio. With DTNVX, we have built on that proven foundation through close collaboration with professional end users – enhancing adaptability, optimizing the power architecture, and improving overall usability and sustainment while maintaining the reliability and durability expected of a combat-capable night vision system.”

Lumi Ritter, Head of Business Development at ACTinBlack

Designed for modern operational environments, DTNVX reflects ACTinBlack’s commitment to continuous innovation driven by real-world user experience and mission-focused engineering.

KEY FEATURES

Flexible Power Architecture

DTNVX is available in either 1 × CR123A or 1 × AA battery configurations, providing deployment flexibility and simplified logistical support across diverse mission sets. Integrated external power capability enables extended-duration use, delivering a minimum runtime of 22 hours on internal batteries and more than 40 hours when paired with the dedicated external battery pack or compatible external power source.

Mission-Configurable User Programmability

DTNVX enables end-users to configure mission-specific system behavior directly in the field without dedicated programming equipment or external tools. Programmable functions – including automatic power management and activation sequences – can be adjusted to support changing operational requirements and individual user preferences.

PVS-14 Optics Compatibility

Fully compatible with the PVS-14 optics platform, DTNVXsupports long-term sustainment for maintenance, repair, and accessory integration while offering users a broad range of optical configurations, including lightweight 40° FOV to 50° FOV optics.

Lightweight Ruggedized Construction

Combining European electronics with high-strength fiber-composite construction, DTNVX achieves an optimized balance of durability, weight reduction, and ergonomic integration. Its compact, lightweight design minimizes operator burden while maximizing compatibility with modern helmets, mounts, tactical equipment, and soldier systems.

Maintenance-Oriented System Design

DTNVX incorporates a dedicated maintenance interface accessible through the external power connector, enabling runtime diagnostics, advanced configuration access, programmable feature management, and streamlined firmware updates. This architecture reduces maintenance complexity while supporting long-term mission readiness and lifecycle sustainment.

Availability

Further technical information, product demonstrations, and evaluation opportunities are available upon request through ACTinBlack Business Development.

info@actinblack.com
www.actinblack.com

US Night Vision Shakes Up the Industry with Interactive Mobile Virtual Experience

Friday, June 5th, 2026

For decades, buying night vision or thermal optics online could have felt like a gamble. “Industry-standard” marketing has relied almost entirely on static Hoffman Pictures taken on an ANV-126A test set. While those static tube photos serve as a decent benchmark for clarity, they leave the end-user completely in the dark when it comes to real-world context. A flat image offers little to no ability for a buyer to perceive the actual size, depth, or relative screen coverage of a system.

US Night Vision (USNV) decided that settling for those stock, static tube pictures just isn’t customer-centric, informative, or a decisive tool to the customers benefit.

Gone Are the Static Days

Guessing how a device will look in the field is a thing of the past. USNV has officially launched its Mobile Augmented Reality Night Vision & Thermal Systems Experience, bringing an interactive, digital showroom straight to your smartphone. This totally FREE tool enables you to remove the guess work and experience true to life night vision prior to purchase!

Instead of squinting at a cropped, 2D photo, users can now launch a dedicated mobile experience to cycle through tubes and interactively preview key systems. This immersive tool allows you to gauge true-to-life scale, field of view, and more beforeyou ever drop a dime on shipping or gear.

The virtual rollout features direct interactive experiences for the primary line-up, letting you swap configurations on the fly: PVS-14 Monocular / Alpha Dual Tube Goggles / Panoramic Goggles / HMT Thermal Kit

Experience It Now

Stop buying blind and relying on outdated benchmarking methods. Check out the interactive gear preview for yourself by visiting the US Night Vision Mobile Experience Portal directly on your phone.

Want an even more interactive and in-depth mobile experience? Subscribe to the USNV Newsletter and get first access to the USNV Mobile App finishing iOS and Android Beta Testing!

For product inquiries, configuration questions, or custom setups, head over to US Night Vision or contact their team directly via email at sales@usnightvision.com.

Rampart Range Day 26 – Pulsar

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

Pulsar’s Symbion multi-spectral binoculars are a great value. In addition to EO (day and low light) and thermal cameras, the Symbion incorporates a laser range finder and video camera.

Sensor

Thermal 1280×1024/12µm | Digital 3840×2160

Objective lens

Thermal F50/1.0 | Digital F50/1.8

Magnification, x

Thermal 2 – 24x | Digital 6.5 – 26x

FOV (HxV), degrees

Thermal 17.5° | Digital 5.8°

FOV (HxV), m@100m

Thermal 30.7 m | Digital 10.2 m

Diopter Adjustment, D

-5 / +5

Detection range

Thermal 2300 m

This and other products shown at Rampart Range Day are available for unit and agency orders in Canada and the US through Rampart.

Smart Shooter Secures First US Navy Contract for SMASH 2000LE Fire Control Systems

Monday, June 1st, 2026

The $1.8 million award marks Smart Shooter’s entry into another major U.S. military market segment, following recent contracts with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force, amid growing operational demand for counter-drone capabilities

[June 1, 2026] – Smart Shooter, a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, announced today its first significant contract with the U.S. Navy. Under the contract, valued at approximately $1.8 million, the company’s U.S. subsidiary, Smart Shooter Inc., will supply the U.S. Department of War with soldier-portable SMASH 2000LE (also known as SMASH 3000SA) fire control systems. Delivery of the systems to the U.S. Navy is expected in the second half of 2026.

The agreement represents Smart Shooter’s entry into an additional major U.S. military market segment and marks another strategic step in the company’s expansion with the U.S. Department of War. The contract follows a series of agreements signed over the past year with other U.S. military branches, including the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Air Force. These successive awards reflect increasing operational demand among U.S. military branches for Smart Shooter’s solutions in response to the expanding drone threat.

The contract was awarded by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), the U.S. Navy’s central organization for research, development, testing, evaluation, and engineering of systems related to surface warfare. The procurement will be carried out through Atlantic Diving Supply Inc. (ADS), a leading authorized provider of tactical equipment, logistics, and procurement solutions for the U.S. Department of War and federal agencies.

Michal Mor, CEO of Smart Shooter, said: “Securing our first significant contract with the U.S. Navy marks an important milestone in Smart Shooter’s continued expansion across U.S. defense organizations. This award reflects our entry into another key military market segment and further demonstrates the confidence placed in our unique SMASH technology. Together with our recent agreements with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Air Force, this latest award underscores the growing operational need for precise, reliable, and field-ready solutions to address the drone threat.”

Smart Shooter’s SMASH family of fire control systems is deployed by defense and security forces in the United States, Israel, the UK, Germany, NATO member countries, and additional allied nations, providing enhanced precision, situational awareness, and effective engagement against evolving battlefield threats.

For additional information, visit www.smart-shooter.com.

TNVC Introduces TNVC Exclusive Filmed Super Gain (FSG) Image Intensifier Tubes – American-Made Performance at a Practical Price

Monday, June 1st, 2026

Redlands, CA — Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC), an industry leader in visual augmentation systems, night vision education, and end-user driven solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the TNVC Filmed Super Gain (FSG) tubes and systems. TNVC FSG is a U.S.-made, Gen. 3 auto-gated image intensifier tube developed to deliver enhanced performance and improved operating capability at an affordable price for modern night vision users.

For years, TNVC has worked to bridge the gap between professional-grade capability and the practical realities faced by military personnel, law enforcement professionals, prepared citizens, and first-time night vision users. The TNVC FSG image intensifier tube (IIT) continues that mission by offering a readily available, American-made IIT with increased luminance gain and improved perceived image quality without requiring users to enter ultra-premium price categories.

Exclusive to TNVC, The FSG tube was developed in partnership with a leading U.S. image intensifier manufacturer in response to a Federal government requirement for improved performance in low-light environments. TNVC’s FSG IIT’s feature a specialized power supply which increases the luminance gain beyond traditional Gen. 3 tubes, providing a noticeable improvement in perceived brightness, image amplification, and usable environmental information.

In practical terms, the increased gain of the TNVC FSG tube enhances how much information the user can process in difficult lighting conditions, allowing even lower-spec’ed (e.g.,max 1800/max 2000 FOM) tubes to punch above their weight class.

Greater amplification supports improved target recognition, environmental awareness, and operating flexibility in darker or more variable conditions where standard-gain systems may begin to lose clarity or detail.

As image intensifier tube performance has continued to evolve, modern tubes have achieved lower overall noise levels, allowing increased luminance gain to provide even more meaningful information to the user. Similar to the original SuperGain release, Filmed SuperGain technology increases perceived brightness and image amplification while taking advantage of improved manufacturing consistency and cleaner signal performance.

Tube data records (“spec sheets”) only tell part of the story. The benefits of increased gain are not limited to abstract metrics or image appearance alone. The brighter image produced by FSG tubes allows the user’s pupil to remain smaller, even in low-light conditions where traditional image intensifier tubes may begin to dim. This physiological advantage can effectively improve perceived visual acuity, helping users process more environmental information while reducing eye strain and fatigue during extended use.

Importantly, these improvements do not come at the expense of durability or service life. FSG tubes maintain the same reliability, robustness, and expected lifespan as traditional image intensifier tubes.

What does this actually mean to the end-user?

For years, many consumers, both government and prepared citizens, have focused heavily on Figure of Merit (FOM), calculated through Signal-to-Noise Ratio multiplied by Center Resolution expressed in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm), as a primary measure of image intensifier performance. TNVC FSG tubes with increased gain provide users with more useful information under challenging conditions. Instead of simply making an image brighter, TNVC FSG technology helps preserve detail, enhance scene interpretation, and improve how effectively users can process their environment.

Luminance gain is one of the most critically important factors in how an image intensifier tube perform, however, it is usually relegated to the back seat because it is typically established by the manufacturer and remained relatively stable across production lines for decades. As a result, gain was often under-discussed when evaluating real-world image intensifier performance until TNVC’s release of SuperGain in 2022.

Unlike many specialty tube offerings that exist only in limited configurations, TNVC FSG tubes will be available across TNVC’s complete line of TN-built systems, supporting both manual gain-capable and automatic brightness control (ABC)-only configurations. This flexibility allows end-users to select the housing, feature set, and performance level that best aligns with their mission requirements and budget.

A Different Approach to American-Made Capability

TNVC has long advocated for supporting American manufacturing and maintaining a domestic industrial base capable of producing high-performance night vision systems. The launch of the TNVC Filmed Super Gain tube reflects that commitment.

While the market continues to see growth in lower-quality and overseas products, TNVC believes supporting U.S.-made technology and creating credible, accessible alternatives that consumers can realistically purchase. Rather than simply discouraging buyers from selecting imported options, TNVC invested in creating a lower-cost American-made solution that delivers meaningful performance gains while supporting U.S. industry, domestic manufacturing, and long-term lifecycle support.

This effort reflects TNVC’s longstanding philosophy that capability should not be limited only to premium-tier budgets.

Credible Capability at “Regular Earth People” Prices

The TNVC FSG tube is designed to fill a critical gap in the night vision market, delivering strong Gen. 3 performance and image quality, and American manufacturing pedigree at a price that remains attainable for widest possible range of users.

For many users, night vision has historically represented a difficult entry point due to cost barriers. TNVC believes that expanding access to capable systems strengthens the entire community of responsible end-users by increasing education, adoption, and practical training.

The TNVC FSG platform offers an opportunity to own a domestically produced Gen. 3 auto-gated image intensifier tube without sacrificing confidence in quality, reliability, or support.

As with all TNVC-built systems, the TNVC Exclusive Filmed Super Gain tube is supported by the same industry-leading lifetime limited warranty standard TNVC helped establish and continues to stand behind.

TNVC’s commitment extends beyond product sales, emphasizing lifecycle support, education, system integration, and long-term customer trust.

Because capability does not stop at purchase, TNVC continues to reinforce that equipment is only one part of the equation. Training, understanding, and application remain essential to maximizing performance in low-light environments.

The TNVC Filmed Super Gain (FSG) tube represents another step toward making reliable, American-made night vision more accessible to the people who rely on it.

TNVC Filmed Super Gain tubes and systems are now available, exclusively through TNVC and our dealers.

TNVC Filmed Super Gain Info and TNVC Filmed Super Gain Product Page

For additional information, visit TNVC online or contact the TNVC team to define your requirements and identify the best configuration for your application.

First Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units Delivered to the US Army

Thursday, May 28th, 2026

Continued Raytheon investment will increase annual production

TUCSON, Ariz., May 26, 2026 — The Javelin Joint Venture (JJV), a partnership between Raytheon, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, and Lockheed Martin, has delivered the first Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLU) to the U.S. Army. The LWCLU, a next-generation launcher for the Javelin® weapon system, is designed to be adaptable and compatible with all current, past and future Javelin variants. The launcher is replacing the weapon system’s legacy command launch unit.

To date, Raytheon has invested $22 million to modernize the LWCLU factory to increase speed of production and expand capacity. In collaboration with the U.S. Army, the facility in Tucson, Ariz., is ramping annual production. 

“Delivering the first LWCLUs to the U.S. Army reflects the Javelin Joint Venture’s commitment to continuously advancing technology for service members,” said Jenna Hunt Frazier, JJV president and Javelin program director at Raytheon. “Our investments in modernization and production capacity ensures soldiers receive this cutting-edge capability faster.”

The Javelin LWCLU provides soldiers with twice the target detection and recognition range while reducing size by 30% and weight by 25%. The LWCLU maximizes surveillance for soldiers, offering day and night engagement capability.

“The production and delivery of the LWCLU marks a pivotal step in modernizing the Javelin system for today’s warfighter,”?said Rich Liccion, JJV vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director. “Its innovative design enhances mobility and survivability while preserving the precision firepower that users rely on.”

Javelin is developed and produced by the JJV between Raytheon in Tucson, Arizona and Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Florida.

Rampart Range Day 26 – Canadian Modular Assault Rifle Update

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Manufactured by Colt Canada, the two variants of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle have been designated C25 and C26 and will replace the currently fielded C7 and C8 which have been in service for 35 years. Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, Colt Canada was able to quickly bring the project to fruition due to improvement efforts which have been ongoing.

I was able to photograph and fire both variants at Rampart Range Day. These photos are configured as per the contract, including optics and outfitted with the Strategic Sciences Corporation Multi Function Muzzle Device provided in Canada by Millbrook Strategic Sciences. Interestingly, the Department of National Defence did not option the add-on component of the MFMD and are sticking solely with the primary device. Additionally, both models are outfitted with new variable power optics by Colt Optics.

Both feature ambidextrous controls and a single piece upper receiver which integrates the handguard.

The C25 (General Service) features:

  • 13.7″ barrel
  • 5 M-Lok slots
  • 1-6x LVPO

Still in final development, the C26 (Full Spectrum) features:

  • 15.7″ barrel
  • 7 M-Lok slots
  • 1-10x LVPO

The production contract which was awarded in March calls for 30,000 assault rifles between 2026 and 2029.