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A rugged lightweight thermal weapon sight (TWS) prototype was developed at INO in collaboration with
DRDC-Valcartier. This TWS model is based on uncooled bolometer technology, ultralight catadioptric
optics, ruggedized mechanics and electronics, and extensive onboard processing capabilities.
The TWS prototype operates in a single 8-12 μm infrared (IR) band. It is equipped with a unique
lightweight athermalized catadioptric objective and a bolometric IR imager with an INO focal plane array
(FPA). Microscan technology allows the use of a 160 x 120 pixel FPA with a pitch of 50 μm to achieve a
320 × 240 pixel resolution image thereby avoiding the size (larger optics) and cost (expensive IR optical
components) penalties associated with the use of larger format arrays. The TWS is equipped with a
miniature shutter for automatic offset calibration. Based on the operation of the FPA at 100 frames per
second (fps), real-time imaging with 320 x 240 pixel resolution at 25 fps is available. This TWS is also
equipped with a high resolution (857 x 600 pixels) OLED color microdisplay and an integrated wireless
digital RF link. The sight has an adjustable and selectable electronic reticule or crosshair (five possible
reticules) and a manual focus from 5 m to infinity standoff distance. Processing capabilities are added to
introduce specific functionalities such as image inversion (black hot and white hot), image enhancement,
and pixel smoothing. This TWS prototype is very lightweight (~ 1100 grams) and compact (volume of 93
cubic inches). It offers human size target detection at 800 m and recognition at 200 m (Johnson criteria).
With 6 Li AA batteries, it operates continuously for 5 hours and 20 minutes at room temperature. It can
operate over the temperature range of -30oC to +40oC and its housing is completely sealed. The TWS is
adapted to weaver or Picatinny rail mounting. The overall design of the TWS prototype is based on
feedbacks of users to achieve improved user-friendly (e.g. no pull-down menus and no electronic focusing)
and ergonomic (e.g. locations of buttons) features.
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