2005-09-16 J200 million contract awarded to helicopter firm.
http://www.itvregions.com/news.php? region=West&content=20521&cat=0
?200 million contract awarded to helicopter firm. The Yeovil helicopter firm AgustaWestland has been awarded a contract worth nearly ?200 million from the Ministry of Defense. The company will install a new night vision system for the Apache helicopter, enabling pilots to pick out targets even ... More info
2005-07-20 Helicopter rescues woman by light on cell phone using night vision http://www.kesq.com/
Global/story.asp?S=3387008
WINDSOR, Calif. A lost hiker was rescued in Shiloh Park near Windsor late last night -- and she has her cell phone to thank. After she lost her bearings, Kathy Karlen called the sheriff's dispatcher asking for help. When the rescue helicopter approached her location after dark, they asked her point ... More info
Night vision devices gather
existing ambient light (starlight, moonlight or
infra-red light) through the front lens. This
light, which is made up of photons goes into a
photocathode tube that changes the photons to
electrons. The electrons are then amplified to a
much greater number through an electrical and
chemical process. The electrons are then hurled
against a phosphorus screen that changes the
amplified electrons back into visible light that
you see through the eyepiece. The image will now
be a clear green-hued amplified re-creation of the
scene you were observing.
y?
1. Front Lens
4. High Voltage Power Supply
y?
2. Photocathode
5. Phosphorus Screen
y?
3. Microchannel plate
6. Eyepiece
FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
AND FOURTH GENERATION
A Night Vision Device can be
either a 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th generation unit.
What this stands for is what type of light
intensifier tube is used for that particular
device The light intensifier tube is the heart and
soul of an NVD.
1st generation is
currently the most popular type of night vision in
the world. Utilizing the basic principles
described earlier, a 1st generation will amplify
the existing light several thousand times letting
you clearly see in the dark. These units provide a
bright and sharp image at a low cost, which is
perfect, whether you are boating, observing
wildlife, or providing security for your home. You
may notice the following when you are looking
through a 1st gen unit
A slight high-pitched whine when the unit is
on.
The image you see may be slightly blurry
around the edges. This is known as Geometric
Distortion.
When you turn a 1st gen off it may glow
green for some time.
These are inherent characteristics of a 1st
gen and are normal.
2nd
generation is primarily used by law
enforcement or for professional applications. This
is because the cost of a 2nd gen unit is
approximately $500.00 to $1000.00 more then a 1st
gen. The main difference between a 1st and a 2nd
generation unit is the addition of a micro-channel
plate, commonly referred to as a MCP. The MCP
works as an electron amplifier and is placed
directly behind the photocathode. The MCP consists
of millions of short parallel glass tubes. When
the electrons pass through these short tubes,
thousands more electrons are released. This extra
process allows 2nd generation units to amplify the
light many more times then 1st generation giving
you a brighter and sharper image.
3rd
generation By adding a sensitive chemical,
gallium arsenide to the photocathode a brighter
and sharper image was achieved over 2nd
generation. An ion barrier film was also added to
increase tube life. Gen. 3 provides the user with
good to excellent low light performance.
4th Generation
/ Gated Filmless tubes: 4th generation /
Gated Filmless technology represents the biggest
technological breakthrough in image
intensification of the past 10 years. By removing
the ion barrier film and "Gating" the system Gen 4
demonstrates substantial increases in target
detection range and resolution, particularly at
extremely low light levels.
The use of filmless technology and auto-gated
power supply in 4th generation image intensifiers
result in:
Up to 100% improvement in photoresponse.
Superb performance in extremely low light
level (better S/N and EBI)
At least triple high light level resolution
(a minimum of 36 lp/mm compared to 12 lp/mm)
With significant improvement in contrast level
and in performance under all light conditions, 4th
generation represents the top of the line
performance in the night vision market. Note: The
term 4th generation is used/accepted among Night
Vision manufactures to describe gated filmless
tubes. However, this designation is widely debated
and is currently referred to as Filmless &
Gated image intensifiers by the US Military.
Gen 4 technology improves night
operational effectiveness for military users of
night vision goggles and other night vision
devices. The filmless MCP provides a higher
signal-to-noise ratio than Gen 3, resulting in
better image quality (less scintillation) under
low-light conditions. The gated power supply
further improves image resolution under high
light conditions, and the reduced halo minimizes
interference from bright light sources. These
improvements also substantially increase the
detection range of the systems.
y?
Gen 3 Omni IV
Gen 4
% Improvement
Photoresponse (cA/Im)
1800
1800
-
Signal-to-Noise
Ratio
21.0
25.0(ground)
20% Higher
26.0(air)
24% Higher
Resolution(lp/mm)
64
64
-
Halo(mm)
1.25
0.75
40% smaller
Reliability(hours)
10,000
10,000
-
RANGE
IMPROVEMENT
Relative direction
ranges
PVS-7 System
Overcast Starlight Conditions
(-1x10E-5 tc)
Vehicle Size Target, 30%
Contrast
y?
Gen 2
SuperGen 2
Gen 3 OMNI I and II
Gen 3 OMNI III
Gen 3 OMNI IV
Gen IV
Detection Range (m)
170
270
240
290
360
430
% Improvement over Gen
II
0%
60%
40%
70%
110%
153%
Gen IV technology is not
currently available for export.
XD-4 Image Intensifiers
The XD-4 is the top grade of the
DEP Image Intensifiers. With the introduction of
the XD-4 technology a new European Standard for
low light imaging was born providing unprecedented
performance in Night Vision applications.
The XD-4 Image Intensifiers
perform extremely well in all environmental
conditions. Its wide spectral sensitivity range
ensures that a perfect picture is obtained
regardless of the user's environment (foliage,
on water, snow, desert, rocky and barren land)
or light conditions (down to heavily overcast
starlight). The XD-4 Image Intensifiers
provide as well a superb image under very
dynamic light conditions.
The basis for the unique
performance of the XD-4 is the technology used by
DEP. This has resulted in greatly improved
performance parameters that are crucial for good
observation, such as the Signal-to-Noise Ratio
(SNR), the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) and
Resolution under all circumstances. Add to this
the very long lifetime throughout its complete
luminance dynamic range and you will be convinced
of its unique performance.
The performance parameters of
the XD-4 Image Intensifier are listed in the
table below. Highlights of the XD-4
specification are the typical SNR of 24, the
resolution of 64 lp/mm and over and - very
important - the high MTF at low and intermediate
spatial frequencies. The latter gives the image
its sharpness and contrast.
It goes without saying that the
XD-4 tubes can be supplied in every common
mechanical construction including inverting and
non-inverting fibre-optic output, which also means
that users have the opportunity to upgrade the
performance of existing Night Vision Equipment via
a drop-in XD-4 Image Intensifier.
Technical specifications of XD-4
technology image intensifiers:
y? Resolution
Minimal
Typical
Maximal
UNIT
y? Limiting resolution
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? y?
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? Type I
55
58
y?
lp/mm
y? Type II
60
64
y?
lp/mm
y?Modulation Transfer Function:
y? 2.5 lp/mm
y?
92
y?
%
y? 7.5 lp/mm
y?
80
y?
%
y? 15 lp/mm
y?
58
y?
%
y? 25 lp/mm
y?
38
y?
%
y? 30 lp/mm
y?
30
y?
%
y? y?
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? Signal to Noise
Minimal
Typical
Maximal
UNIT
y? Signal to noise (@108clx)
20
24
y?
y?
y? y?
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? Other Technical Data
Minimal
Typical
Maximal
UNIT
y? Phosphor: P20*
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? MTTF (to S/N=12)
15.000
y?
y?
hrs
y? Gain at 2.10-5 lx
30.000/p
50.000/p
y?
cd/m2/lx
y? Max. Output Brightness
2
y?
17
cd/m2/lx
y? E.B.I.
y?
0.15
0.25
lx
y? Output uniformity at 2850K
y?
2:01
3:01
y?
y? Weight(18mm)
y?
80
95
grams
y? Shock
500
y?
y?
g
y? Luminous sensitivity at 2850K
600
700
y?
uA/lm
y? Radiant sensitivity at 800nm
50
60
y?
mA/W
y? Radiant sensitivity at 850nm
40
50
y?
mA/W
DEP Image Intensifiers with XR-5
Technology
As a result of sustained and
continuing product development, DEP is proud to
introduce the latest, innovative XR5 Image
Intensifier with unprecedented performance for any
environment and any circumstance.
The XR5 Image Intensifier,
successor to the well-known and successful XD-4
Image Intensifier, reveals even more details of
the night and offers an eXtended Range (XR)
capability thanks to its new technology.
Furthermore, the XR5 Image
Intensifier enables the user to see even more
during a full 24-hour day/night operation. This
is done by the use of a fully integrated
Auto-Gating unit, which controls the image not
only during day-night-day transitions but also
during dynamic lighting conditions such as those
experienced, for example, in night operations in
urban areas. In practice, this means no blooming
to hinder your mission but dependable imagery
throughout. In addition, the halo is the
smallest on the market.
The XR5 Image Intensifier from
DEP represents the new European standard for Night
Vision and is available in a variety of inverting
and non-inverting 18 mm formats.
The new
XR5 is your best choice to maintain your combat
effectiveness under all circumstances.
Technical specifications of XR5 technology
image intensifiers:
y? Resolution
Minimal
Typical
Maximal
UNIT
y? Limiting resolution
64
70
y?
lp/mm
y?Modulation Transfer Function:
y? 2.5 lp/mm
y?
93
y?
%
y? 7.5 lp/mm
y?
82
y?
%
y? 15 lp/mm
y?
67
y?
%
y? 25 lp/mm
y?
46
y?
%
y? 30 lp/mm
y?
35
y?
%
y? y?
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? Signal to Noise
Minimal
Typical
Maximal
UNIT
y? Signal to noise (@108clx)
25
28
y?
y?
y? y?
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? Luminance dynamic range
Minimal
Typical
Maximal
UNIT
y? Auto-Gating and Automatic Brightness Control
1.0E-06
y?
5.0E+04
lux
y? Other Technical Data
Minimal
Typical
Maximal
UNIT
y? Phosphor: P20*
y?
y?
y?
y?
y? Reliability
15.000
y?
y?
hrs
y? Gain at 2E-05 lux
30.000/p
y?
50.000/p
cd/m2/lx
y? Max. Output Brightness
2
y?
17
cd/m2
y? E.B.I.
y?
y?
0.25
ulx
y? Luminous sensitivity at 2850K
700
800
y?
uA/lm
y? Radiant sensitivity at 800nm
65
78
y?
mA/W
y? Radiant sensitivity at 850nm
50
65
y?
mA/W
y? Input voltage
2
y?
3.7
volt
y? Input current
y?
y?
35
mA
y? Output uniformity at 2850K
y?
1.8:1
3:01
y?
y? Weight (18mm)
y?
80
95
g
y? Shock
500
y?
y?
g
INFRA-RED
ILUMINATORS
All Starlight scopes need some light
to amplify. This means that if you were in
complete darkness you could not see. Due to this
we have a built in infra-red illuminator (IRI) on
all of our scopes. Basically what an IRI does is
throw out a beam of infra-red light that is near
invisible to the naked eye but your NVD can see
it. This allows you to use your scope even in
total darkness. The IRI works like a flashlight
and the distance you can see with it will be
limited. We do use the most powerful eye-safe
illuminator on the market. This allows our IRI to
extend out to 100 yards However, because of the
power at a short distance the IRI may cover only
40-60% of the viewing area.
HOW FAR CAN YOU SEE
There are many different variables
that can effect the distance that you can see with
a Night Vision device. First, what are you trying
to see Are you looking for another boat on
the water or are you looking for a rabbit in the
woods The larger the object the easier it is
too see. Plus, are you trying to see details (what
we call recognition range) or are you just trying
to see if something is there or maybe you will
just see movement but won't be able to 100%
determine who or what it is. This is called
detection range. Second. Another variable is
lighting conditions. The more ambient light you
have (starlight, moonlight, infrared light) the
better and further you will be able to see You can
always see further on a night where the moon and
stars are out then if it is cloudy and overcast.
We typically state that you can tell the
difference between a male and a female or a dog
and a deer at about 75 to 100 yards. However, if
you were looking across an open field and there
was a half moon out you could see a barn or a
house 500 yards away.
Remember, that the
purpose of an NVD is to see in the dark not
necessarily a long ways like a binocular.
BLACK SPOTS ON THE
SCREEN
As you look through a night vision
device you may notice black spots on the screen. A
NVD is similar to a television screen and attracts
dust and dirt. Typically these spots can be
cleaned. However, this may also be a spot in the
tube itself. This is normal. Most tubes will have
some spots in them. These black spots will not
affect the performance or reliability of the night
vision device.
Gen 4 technology improves night
operational effectiveness for military users of
night vision goggles and other night vision
devices. The filmless MCP provides a higher
signal-to-noise ratio than Gen 3, resulting in
better image quality (less scintillation) under
low-light conditions. The gated power supply
further improves image resolution under high
light conditions, and the reduced halo minimizes
interference from bright light sources. These
improvements also substantially increase the
detection range of the systems.
All Starlight scopes need some light
to amplify. This means that if you were in
complete darkness you could not see. Due to this
we have a built in infra-red illuminator (IRI) on
all of our scopes. Basically what an IRI does is
throw out a beam of infra-red light that is near
invisible to the naked eye but your NVD can see
it. This allows you to use your scope even in
total darkness. The IRI works like a flashlight
and the distance you can see with it will be
limited. We do use the most powerful eye-safe
illuminator on the market. This allows our IRI to
extend out to 100 yards However, because of the
power at a short distance the IRI may cover only
40-60% of the viewing area. 
There are many different variables
that can effect the distance that you can see with
a Night Vision device. First, what are you trying
to see Are you looking for another boat on
the water or are you looking for a rabbit in the
woods The larger the object the easier it is
too see. Plus, are you trying to see details (what
we call recognition range) or are you just trying
to see if something is there or maybe you will
just see movement but won't be able to 100%
determine who or what it is. This is called
detection range. Second. Another variable is
lighting conditions. The more ambient light you
have (starlight, moonlight, infrared light) the
better and further you will be able to see You can
always see further on a night where the moon and
stars are out then if it is cloudy and overcast.
We typically state that you can tell the
difference between a male and a female or a dog
and a deer at about 75 to 100 yards. However, if
you were looking across an open field and there
was a half moon out you could see a barn or a
house 500 yards away. 
As you look through a night vision
device you may notice black spots on the screen. A
NVD is similar to a television screen and attracts
dust and dirt. Typically these spots can be
cleaned. However, this may also be a spot in the
tube itself. This is normal. Most tubes will have
some spots in them. These black spots will not
affect the performance or reliability of the night
vision device.