Moment about vision: night vision device with AR will help in special missions

In the Russian Federation, they are creating a new night vision device with an augmented reality function, which is designed primarily for special forces. The developer already has the main components of the device. The complex has high photosensitivity, can exchange data with reconnaissance drones and send information about the fighter's position to the commander's tablet. The technology also makes it possible to fire remotely without leaving the shelter. According to experts, the functions available to the system can indeed increase the effectiveness of special units on the battlefield, but it is important that it has a low weight.

Night vision device with advanced features

A Russian manufacturer of special equipment is developing a new generation night vision device with augmented reality function. The developer already has the main optical and electronic components of the device. In addition to high-quality images in low light, the complex is capable of exchanging data with reconnaissance drones and transmitting information about the position of fighters and the tactical situation in real time to the commander's tablet or artificial intelligence-based systems. The development also makes it possible to fire remotely without leaving the shelter.

— Today we are on the verge of major changes in the field of night vision and combat systems. The experience of foreign countries has shown that development is moving not towards one universal technology, but towards integrated hybrid solutions. Therefore, our main task is to create a system that combines the best technical developments and allows us to effectively combine data from different sensors and information sources. We are currently developing a complex that focuses on elite groups operating in close coordination under the direction of commanders. It is extremely important for a fighter to minimize the risk: remote shooting, when a weapon fires without revealing the fighter's position, is a significant step in this direction," Alexander Demin, the owner of Ekran FEP, told Izvestia.

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The complex is based on film-free electron-optical converters created by the developers of the system. This component provides high light sensitivity and contrast, as well as clarity in mixed lighting. At the same time, the technology protects the device from overloads when exposed to bright light, removes distortion and the areola effect. Such devices operate in a wide range of lighting conditions, have high impact resistance and long service life. The only serial equivalent is available only in the USA.

"Ultimately, our goal is to protect the lives of the fighters and give them maximum advantages on the battlefield," Alexander Demin added.

The developer manufactures most of the system components independently, rather than purchasing them abroad.

Battlefield effectiveness

It is very important that the hardware basis of the development is as import-substituted as possible, and not just assembled from foreign spare parts, said military expert Dmitry Kornev.

— In this case, if all the stated features of the system really work and it does not cost exorbitant funds, then it will be useful and it will be in demand, — said the specialist.

The introduction of augmented reality technology into military equipment is one of the most dynamically developing and actively implemented areas in the world. This significantly increases the effectiveness of military personnel's actions on the battlefield, according to military expert Yuri Lyamin.

— This technology is inextricably linked with the development of automated control systems, which allows soldiers and junior officers to receive operational information from various sources right in front of their eyes. At the same time, their commanders see the full picture of what is happening in real time, which allows them to effectively manage their units. In particular, the integration of augmented reality into night vision systems for elite units such as special forces is becoming a key element in increasing their effectiveness," he told Izvestia.

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As the expert noted, remote fire control is another important application. A fighter can receive images from cameras of remotely controlled weapons, such as a machine gun turret, directly on his display.

— This makes it possible to control the fire while staying under cover and not being at risk. In modern conditions, when the ubiquity of UAVs and stationary cameras greatly simplifies the detection of the enemy, it is critically important to preserve the life and health of a serviceman. Similarly, video streams from the cameras of unmanned aerial vehicles can be displayed on the display, providing the fighter with a complete tactical picture,— explained Yuri Lyamin.

As for versatility, modern military technologies are moving towards creating not a single system, but an integrated complex, he said. This approach allows the system to interact with various specialized devices and receive all the necessary information from them, which makes it as efficient and flexible as possible.

However, according to Alexander Lastovina, a special forces instructor and former employee of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the need to use remote firing technology in the system being developed is questionable, as this is an additional weight. No fighter will leave their weapons at a distance and will not want to carry wires with them. This approach cannot be implemented for an infantryman or even a sniper, the expert is sure.