TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Sensors’ Category

OpEx 21 – Scintrex Trace by Autoclear

Tuesday, October 5th, 2021

Scintrex Trace displayed their handheld N2300 Trace Detector in the PSP Corp booth. It detects minute traces of cocaine, opiates, cannabis, hashish, methamphetamine, and other amphetamine-type stimulants.

Place the sample on the reusable sampling screen and insert it into the device. Sampling takes minutes and a results readout is available both onscreen of the device and via a printer accesory.

SOFWERX – Unattended Maritime Systems Optical Subsystems Assessment Event

Monday, September 27th, 2021

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM PEO Special Reconnaissance (PEO-SR) Program Management (PM) Office Technical Collection & Communications (TCC), will host an Assessment Event (AE) on 8 November, 2021, to identify technologies and techniques for Unattended Maritime Systems (UMS), in particular the SV-3 Wave Glider. The prototype optical subsystem will be integrated onto the SV-3 in time for a demonstration at a test event in July 2022.

Submit NLT 18 October 11:59 PM ET with details at events.sofwerx.org/ums.

Rheinmetall and Escribano Demonstrate New Modules for the Mission Master SP A-UGV

Tuesday, August 10th, 2021

Rheinmetall and Escribano Mechanical & Engineering (EM&E) have collaborated in recent months in order to demonstrate two new Rheinmetall Mission Master SP modules carrying EM&E sensors and weapons systems. A series of demonstrations took place at EM&E’s new facilities in San Juan del Viso in the presence of Spanish government officials, including the Army chief of staff and international delegations. A demonstration for His Majesty King Felipe VI was also held at Viator in the Province Almería in southern Spain.

The demonstrations involved two Mission Master SP Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicles (A-UGVs). For these activities, a Mission Master SP – Fire Support was equipped with the Escribano Guardian 2.0 Remote Weapon Station (RWS), while a Mission Master SP – Surveillance carried the Escribano OTEOS sensor package. Thanks to the mast-mounted OTEOS, the Mission Master SP – Surveillance successfully detected a threat and automatically shared its location with the Mission Master SP – Fire support, triggering a slew-to-cue. Various Mission Master control modes were showcased, including follow-me, autonomous navigation, and convoy modes.

Live firing with the Mission Master SP – Fire Support equipped with the Escribano Guardian 2.0 RWS in the Dillon Aero M134D configuration was conducted using UGV/RWS portable controllers integrated with a safety board architecture, allowing safe wireless firing. As with all Mission Master operations, targets are never engaged automatically. A human in the loop is always required for all kinetic decisions.

For Rheinmetall Canada, this series of demonstrations in Spain marks the first integration of an EM&E payload on its Mission Master SP A-UGV and its first collaboration with a Spanish company. This success underscores Rheinmetall’s mastery of system integration and the growing capabilities of its Mission Master family.

BE Meyers & Co Announces MAWL-X1, New DoD MAWL Variant

Monday, September 16th, 2019

img_5727.jpg

September 16, 2019 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is proud to announce the addition of MAWL®-X1, a United States Department of Defense specific variant of the company’s highly successful MAWL® (Modular Advanced Weapon Laser) line of high-powered aiming and illumination laser systems for individual and crew-served weapons.

img_5722.jpg

In 2017 B.E. Meyers & Co. submitted a Flat Dark Earth, Near-Infrared / Visible MAWL® featuring the EC2 threaded Endcap to the Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) via the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, known as the MAWL®-X1. Following submission, PdM-SPTD procured it for Limited User Evaluations, which were conducted by various Combat Arms including units within the 82nd Airborne Division, 173rd Airborne Brigade, and the 2nd Infantry Division, among others. Approximately 766 MAWL®-X1 units have been fielded since 2018.

True Modularity

The MAWL®-X1 is a truly modular design comprised of three separate Head, Body, and End-Cap components, which allows it to be sustainable at a supply chain level. As an ambidextrous system, it can easily be configured for either right or left-handed shooters.

The “Alt Mount” Body allows for increased versatility across multiple weapon platforms, including the M4/M16, M27, M249, M240G, and precision rifles.

Superior Ergonomics

As with all MAWL® variants, the MAWL®-X1 is designed for intuitive operation: in the dark, under stress, and with gloves on. Featuring a simple switch mechanism with finely balanced power and divergence presets, the MAWL®-X1 allows for target transitions from close to long range in under a second.

35B3A201-95B4-4BC8-8726-2F3FDAB05080

Unparalleled Range and Clarity

B.E. Meyers and Co.’s optimized VCSEL technology delivers vastly increased performance, beam quality, beam clarity, and efficiency to the end-user. The MAWL®-X1 features balanced and stacked beams to increase situational awareness and overcome photonic barriers created by external light sources.

For more information on the MAWL®-X1 please click here.

For more information on procurement, please contact info@bemeyers.com.

8E31A05F-43E3-4AD2-AE0D-2775C94A7CF1

Streamlight Introduces TLR-VIR II Tactical Illuminator

Wednesday, July 31st, 2019

Low-Profile Light Features Three Functions, Adjustable Eye-Safe IR Aiming Laser

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 22, 2019 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the TLR-VIR® II, a lightweight, compact rail-mounted tactical light with a high intensity white LED, an integrated infrared (IR) LED illuminator, and Class 1 “Eye Safe” IR aiming laser with windage and elevation adjustment controls. The new light securely fits all long guns with MIL-STD-1913 rails and M17/M18 pistols.

The TLR-VIR II enables users to easily toggle easily between bright light and the IR illuminator/laser. This feature allows military and law enforcement personnel to remain in a proper firing position when making the transition from IR mode to white light, and vice versa. The light features a three-position mode rear selector switch, including IR illumination/IR laser, Safe Off (to prevent accidental turn-on), and visible illumination, that enables users to keep hands away from the muzzle during mode selection.

“The TLR-VIR II gives soldiers and first responders the ultimate in tactical lighting flexibility,” said Streamlight President Ray Sharrah. “With its high intensity white light and a long-running IR illuminator and Eye Safe IR laser for optimizing night vision, it’s an essential tool for those deploying with weapon lights.”

The new light, which is powered by a single CR123A lithium battery, uses the latest in LED technology for ultra-bright visible light, providing 5,000 candela, 300 lumens and a 1.5 hour run time. For IR lighting, the TLR-VIR II uses an 850-nanometer LED emitter with 600mW/sr radiant intensity, providing optimum illumination when using night vision equipment; it delivers a run time of 12 hours. Its IR aiming laser has fully adjustable windage and elevation settings.

The TLR-VIR II has an ambidextrous momentary/steady on-off switch. Like other TLR® models, the light has a rail clamp that can be easily attached and tightened with one hand, without the use of tools. The IR illumination/laser mode selection also features a tactile indicator on the light housing for switching modes with ease.

The TLR-VIR II is constructed from machined aircraft aluminum, with a coyote anodized finish body and a high-impact, chemically resistant polymer black switch housing.
The compact light weighs only 3.82 ounces and measures 3.30 inches long and 1.40 inches high. It uses a high temperature, shock-mounted, impact-resistant Borofloat glass lens. It is available in Coyote or Black.

Featuring extensively live-fire tested construction, the TLR-VIR II has an IPX7 rated design for waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It has an MSRP of $600.00.

About Streamlight

Based in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight, Inc. has more than 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2015 certified company. For additional information, please call 800-523-7488, visit streamlight.com or connect with us on facebook.com/streamlight; twitter.com/Streamlight; instagram.com/streamlightinc; https://www.linkedin.com/company/streamlight-inc.; and youtube.com/streamlighttv.

SPARTANAT: Andres Industries TILO-3Z+ in use with Special Forces

Saturday, June 8th, 2019

The TILO-3Z+ thermal was tested in military operation in Afghanistan for 12 weeks. Although the TILO-3Z+ was used on an almost daily basis, no technical problems occurred. Also, there were only minor traces of usage. This shows the absolute ruggedness and first-class workmanship of this small thermal imaging device.

The TILO-3Z+ was used as observation instrument mounted on a helmet as well as attachment to a scope 1.5-6 x 24 on an assault rifle. It was unproblematic to mount the device on an OpsCore Fast Ballistic helmet using the adapter provided. With the 30 mm adapter from ACTinBlack the TILO-3Z+ could also be easily attach to the scope.

Mounted on Helmet

It is standard to perform night missions with a night vision enhancement device in combination with a red dot sight. In our case the GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology as well as the Argus goggles from Theon Sensors were used. By attaching the TILO-3Z+ to the helmet, thermal imaging technology could be deployed quickly. The small form factor of the device facilitated this task. The GPNVG tubes are made with green phosphor. Therefore TILO-3Z+ was used with thermal filter “Cold Green” CG.

TILO-3Z+ could be easily positioned in front of the eye. It was compatible with the image enhancing technology. Both devices complemented each other perfectly. This increased the spotting ability of the user. TILO-3Z+ was used almost daily as shown on below pictures.

Later, the TILO-3Z+ was combined with Argus goggles. The goggles were installed as a monocular. The operator used them in front of his right eye, while in front of his left eye the TILO-3Z+ was mounted. To assure that both eyes are exposed to green light, also in this case the thermal filter “Cold Green” CG was applied. A clear image was obtained by collimation. This combination allows the use of both night vision techniques simultaneously which presented an invaluable tactical advantage.

The LEDs were also not used with the GPNVG goggles. This reason is: LED lights are positioned on front of the TILO-3Z+. If folded up, they point into the direction of the helmet. If folded down, they could be used but the TILO-3Z+ would block the field of vision of one eye, which is not ideal.

In combination with the Argus goggles the IR LED could be used. But with the ITT Gen 3 tube it was found to work only in total darkness due to its modest brightness (see also IR LED test).

Attached to a Scope

The TILO-3Z+ was attached to a scope from “Schmidt und Bender” 1.5-6 x 24 on an assault rifle. This was easy with the 30 mm camera adapter from ACTinBlack. Following the instructions from the handbook, zeroing and collimation was unproblematic.

During the tests steel objects (30 x 40 cm) were targeted at distances between 100 and 350 m. After being heated up by the sun they could be identified very well from 50 m. At distances from 150 m the limitations of the TILO-3Z+ in combination with a scope became apparent, as a proper identification of the targets was no longer assured.

The resolution of the sensor (320 x 256 pixel @ 60 Hz) in combination with the small objective and the attached scope are probably the limiting factors. To benefit from tactical advantages at more than 150 m, the premium model with 640 x 512 pixel in combination with a 3x ancillary lens should be choose.

It could be also considered to develop the TILO-3 further to become a clip-on thermal sighting system. To such a standalone device an adjustable crosshair would need to be added as well as a mount for a Picatinny rail.

In conclusion, the TILO-3Z+ mounted on helmet is an essential tool in tactical scenarios. Its thermal imaging capabilities provide strong support on the battlefield. Due to its low weight it does not disturb the user. The TILO-3Z+ is suitable only to a limited extend attached to a scope, as in this application its strengths are not fully exploited.

IR LED Test:

The IR LED of TILO-3Z+ was tested with following 3 different Gen 3 tubes for image enhancement to evaluate its brightness:

Goggles GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 L3 tube (green phosphor)
Goggles FGE from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 tube (white phosphor)
Goggles Argus Panoptes from Theon Sensors Gen 3 ITT tube (green phosphor)

First the brightness was tested with residual light in an urban environment. All 3 tubes were activated. The luminosity of the LED had no visible effect. An image analysis was not possible.

In a second trial a residential container was darkened out completely. A printed comic target was position in about 12 m distance. 3 pictures were taken with each tube: 1 without LED light, 1 with LED light at lowest setting and 1 with LED light at highest setting.

Goggles GPNVG from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 L3 tube (green phosphor)

Tilochal3_13

No LED

Tilochal3_14

Lowest Setting

Tilochal3_15

Highest Setting

Goggles FGE from L3 Insight Technology Gen 3 tube (white phosphor)

Tilochal3_16

No LED

Tilochal3_17

Lowest Setting

Tilochal3_18

Highest Setting

Goggles Argus Panoptes from Theon Sensors Gen 3 ITT tube (green phosphor)

Tilochal3_19

No LED

Tilochal3_20

Lowest Setting

Tilochal3_21

Highest Setting

Conclusion IR LED Test:

The IR LED of TILO-3Z+ works with the Gen 3 tubes of known US manufacturers. The paper target could be identified easily as well as the depicted weapon. Precondition is complete darkness and a relative short distance to the illuminated medium. The range of the IR LED of TILO-3Z+ in combination with the 3 image enhancement goggles is 20 to 30 m (Note: The real images are significantly better, than those captured on photo.).

Overall Conclusion: The TILO-3Z+ was found to be a felicitous thermal imaging device which has enormous strength in combination with night vision enhancement googles. This device is also a useful companion at hunting grounds.
It was a pleasure to carry and test the TILO-3Z+. Many thanks to Andres Industries for this opportunity.

Comment by Andres Industries regarding IR LED test:
The boost obtained with the American Gen 3 tubes was far less effective than it would have been with European tubes as those enhance much better the longwave light emitted by the IR LED.

ACTinBlack: actinblack.lu
ANDRES INDUSTRIES:  www.andres-industries-shop.de
SPARTANAT: www.spartanat.com

SHOT 2019—TNVC Announces the PVS-14/PBM (Powered Bridge Mount) and SAS-E (Situational Awareness Suite-Enhanced) Booth 6502

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019

1

Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, Nevada—

TNVC is extremely proud to announce the release of the patent pending TNV/PVS-14-PBM Powered Bridge Mount this year during the 2019 NSSF SHOT Show.

The TNV/PVS-14-PBM was originally conceived to provide an option for military and law enforcement customers that already have large fleets of PVS-14 MNVD (Monocular Night Vision Device) and provide them with BNVD capability, offering improved depth perception and motion parallax, increased situational awareness, and PID range. While purpose-built BNVD systems remain a superior solution under most circumstances, it is not always realistic for large organizations to purchase brand new BNVD systems or pay for expensive conversion programs to rebuild old devices, especially when they already have fully functional and serviceable PVS-14s.

While the concept of bridging together two PVS-14s to create a set of BNVDs is not new, the TNV/PVS-14 Powered Bridge Mount offers new capabilities to provide the best possible solution for individuals and organizations seeking to get BNVD capabilities from their PVS-14s.

The TNV/PVS-14-PBM is a “drop-in” conversion for all TNV/PVS-14s, and most current AN/PVS-14s and other PVS-14s with a single AA battery compartment (TNVC can also convert double AA units to current specifications), and replaces the individual AA cells with battery inserts that connect to the central bridge, powered by a single AA cell and allowing for centralized activation of both devices without needed to operate each PVS-14 independently. The battery inserts also feature threaded ends to allow the factory battery housing caps to remain tethered and stowed to the device, requiring no modification of the host monoculars to be used in the BNVD configuration.

2

Unlike most bridge systems, the TNV/PVS-14-PBM uses two points of contact, the threaded accessory mounting point and the objective lens locking ring, to ensure the best possible alignment of the devices to prevent user-fatigue created by misaligned monoculars.

3

The TNV/PVS-14-PBM mounts with a standard BNVS-style dovetail interface, compatible with industry standard and issued Wilcox Industries and Norotos dovetail mounts, and providing greatly improved, secure and positive lockup compared to the current USGI “bayonet” interface typically used with the PVS-14 when used with the USGI “J-Arm.”

In addition to the onboard power supply, the Powered Bridge Mount also features the capability to be used with auxiliary battery packs, such as the Low Profile Battery Pack (LPBP) used with ANVIS aviator’s night vision system, and readily available through both military supply chains and the 1033 program, allowing increased battery life, as well as allowing users to shift some weight to the rear of the helmet, and serving as a counterweight.

4

The TNV/PVS-14-PBM also features independently articulating arms, allowing users to adjust the interpupillary distance (IPD), as well as swiveling one or both monoculars out of the way if the user needs to use their natural vision. This rotating feature, also allows the goggle to stow more closely to the user’s helmet, both distributing the weight more evenly, and allowing the user to maintain a lower profile when the goggles stowed.

5

The TNV/PVS-14-PBM is manufactured in the U.S. out of Delrin polymer and 6061 aluminum to the same high standards of quality, construction, ruggedness, and waterproofing as the proven TNV/Sentinel and RNVG systems.

The Powered Bridge Mount is currently available to all customers, and will also be offered in the TNVC Situational Awareness Suite-Enhanced (SAS-E) that will include the TNV/PVS-14-PBM, Ops-Core Mission Configurable Helmet Cover Gen. II, and a BNVS compatible mount, offering a turn-key solution for users who are issued the MICH/Army Combat Helmet/ECH, offering not only BNVD capabilities, but helmet accessory rails, and improved shroud and mount, and mounting points for strobes and other IFF devices without any modifications to the host helmet.

Please stop by and see us if you’re at the 2019 SHOT Show at Booth #6502. The TNV/PVS-14-PBM as well as the full SAS-E kit are on display, along with many other exciting new products and announcements for 2019!

TNV/PVS-14-PBM MSRP: $789, Dealer and Government Pricing Available

For product inquiries, to schedule a meeting during the 2019 NSSF SHOT Show, or military, agency, or dealer sales, please contact augee@tnvc.com.

Spartanat – First TILO – Andres Industries SHOT SHOW 19

Saturday, January 19th, 2019

TILO+MG

The TILO series, the world’s smallest thermal imaging goggles, has enjoyed great popularity for around a year. With only 100g and 4cm length this device is by far without competition. The next larger device, the FLIR Breach, is twice as long and more than twice as heavy.Since the introduction of the TILO-6 with its 640×512 thermal sensor, Andres is also leading in the field of image resolution. Other devices in this range only have about 320×240 pixels.

But the development doesn’t stand still. Many users complained about the shorter range compared to larger thermal imaging devices, which is explained by the large field of view of the TILO. Since it was developed as thermal imaging goggles and therefore has to provide the user with a particularly good overview, the TILO only has a maximum detection range of 1000m.

TILO+MG_ab

The developers at Andres Industries have now faced this challenge and found a solution. They have developed an adapter with which a 3-fold afocal lens can be attached to the TILO within seconds. This connection is extraordinarily robust and so accurate that the TILO with attachment lens can even be used as an attachment to the ELCAN or short dot sights. Andres Industries does not sell suitable adapters to civilians, but these can be obtained from ACT in Luxembourg. By the way, the TILO is mounted upside down in front of the ZF. The screen font can be adapted for this purpose.

2019-01-11_TILO+MG+ELCAN

The only disadvantage is that the calibration by the flap of the TILO does not work anymore, because it has to be disassembled before. The calibration must now be started by pushing a button, then the device is directed to an even surface and the button is pushed again. Afterwards, one gets an excellent picture quality without any vignetting, as it is known from other devices with an 3x afocal lens. Here is a small video in which the function is explained.

TILO Catalog 2019: http://marketing.andres-industries.de/TILO/TILO-Series_Catalog_2019.pdf

For the first time Andres Industries will present the TILO system in the USA at the Shot Show at booth #15650.

www.andres-industries-shop.de
www.spartanat.com