New Thermal Scope Tracks Bullets Sans Tracers

Teledyne FLIR, a defense contractor, has introduced its latest thermal sniper scope capable of tracking its own bullets during both day and night operations, with a range of up to 2,200 meters (1.3 miles). Debuting at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the ThermoSight HISS-HD empowers snipers and machine gunners to engage distant targets covertly.

Snipers hold one of the most demanding roles in the military and law enforcement. Concealed in strategic positions, they must accurately detect, target, and eliminate threats, often from distances spanning miles, ideally achieving success with their initial shot.

Evolution of Sniping

The challenge lies in the fact that sniping has advanced significantly beyond the era when only sharp vision and a steady hand were necessary. Nowadays, snipers rely on specialized rifles, ammunition, advanced optics, and computerized systems that calculate various factors like wind speed, air density, bullet trajectory, and more.

Despite these advancements, snipers and machine gunners still rely on a traditional tool: the tracer round. If you’ve seen classic war films, you may recall scenes where bullets illuminate the night sky like futuristic lasers. These are tracer rounds, containing an incendiary charge mixed with regular ammunition, aiding snipers and gunners in tracking their shots’ trajectories.

Enhanced Observation of Bullet Trajectory

While tracer rounds serve their purpose, they also pose the risk of revealing the shooter’s position to the enemy, inviting return fire. However, the ThermoSight HISS-HD addresses this issue by enabling snipers to observe rounds with the same clarity as tracer rounds, even in daylight. Achieved through an imaging sensor cooled to extremely low temperatures using a cryocooler, this system minimizes thermal noise and enhances resolution. As a result, aided by sophisticated processors, snipers can directly visualize the thermal signature of each round in flight.

According to the manufacturer, while similar systems exist, this is the first to offer such high resolution over such long distances. Weighing 4.6 lb (2.1 kg), the HISS-HD easily attaches to standard MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail mounts and is compatible with various scopes and weapon systems.

Versatile Design for Tactical Operations

Designed for snipers, machine gunners, and soldiers involved in reconnaissance, force protection, surveillance, and forward observation missions, the waterproof scope features automatic focusing. It also includes a remote control pendant and can be configured for remote observation with video recording capabilities.

To conclude, Rob Tarantino, Vice President of Surveillance Strategy and Development at Teledyne FLIR Defense, stated, “The new ThermoSight HISS-HD is the unmatched choice for precision shooters seeking a versatile, lightweight thermal sight that enhances their range and accuracy. With HISS-HD, we’ve utilized our top-notch thermal imaging technology to provide marksmen with a superior tool for identifying and engaging targets in any environment.”

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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