In addition to the time-honoured trip wire, remote acoustic, heat, Doppler radar, magnetic and UAV-borne sensors can be added to infra-red detection to provide a more complete picture of what is happening at night in an area of interest. There is a user requirement for night vision goggles, monocular or binocular devices to be capable of being worn or used with a combat helmet and/or respirator. Stereopsis? The visual perception of depth, or the ability to see three-dimensionally. Stereopsis can only be achieved via binocular NVG“. ![]() When Defence were asked about any preference between binocular and monocular devices, a Defence spokesperson replied “LAND 53-1BR is seeking to provide a wearer of NVG with stereopsis. ![]() In these devices the infra-red image is overlayed by thermal sensor output in colour. Image fusion is a development of great value in NFE. XD-4 and XR5 are further technology developments which improve signal-to-noise ratio, modulation transfer and resolution. Generation ‘4’ has a slight change in technology but is like the preceding generation. ‘Generation 3 Omnibus VII’ are currently considered amongst the best devices on the market and will be of considerable interest to the DMO’s project team. A Figure of Merit rating is applied to these devices to help selection. Generation ‘3’ replaces the original infra-red detectors with more sensitive gallium arsenide ones, but there are variations in performance for different models. Unofficially termed Generation ‘2+’ and ‘Super Second Generation’ devices have better performance through a wider range of infra-red frequencies detected and with a longer usable tube life. ![]() Generation ‘2” was developed during the Vietnam war and uses different technology to achieve better images, with little or no distortion or noise, in starlight or a small amount of moonlight. There is usually image distortion which can be overcome by Generation “1+” and to a modest extent by ‘Cascade Generation 1’ which also addresses the noise problem. Generation ‘1’ added an infra-red illuminator and typically runs at high voltages with a high-pitched whine. The range would be similar to a spotlight. Generation ‘0’ describes the original equipment from World War II to the 1950s where infra-red converter tubes changed infra-red images into viewable visible light. Australia, Canada and the US officially recognise generations to ensure standardisation of terminology and interoperability between equipment used by the three countries. As might be expected this terminology is used to discuss transitions between different technologies. In order to position current ADF NFE and where new technology developments are leading it is necessary to discuss the concept of generations. Further, the full Basis of Provision (BOP) of LAND 53-1BR will be acquired over time, enabling underlying technology to evolve and providing the opportunity for feedback to inform subsequent procurements of portions of the BOP”. ![]() They continued “Any likely RFT will be structured to acquire NFE of differing capabilities optimised to the needs of combatants. Industry has already been consulted on both the scope and performance specifications of the project by the LAND 53 PH1BR Project Team.” This approval is expected between FY 2013-14 and FY 2014-15. “Integration and interoperability linkages exist with other projects delivering elements of the soldier system, surveillance systems and combat identification.”Ī Defence spokesperson told APDR “Land Systems Division has established the LAND 53 PH1BR project team, which is currently supporting Capability Development Group in taking the project to First Pass Approval. These include perimeter surveillance equipment, NFE, ground surveillance radar and thermal surveillance systems that provide land forces with detection, recognition and identification capabilities under various battlefield conditions.” The public version of the Defence Capability Plan (DCP) 2012 describes this project as “LAND 53 Project NINOX is a multi-phased project intended to provide a suite of night fighting equipment (NFE), surveillance and target acquisition systems. However they have the ability to rotate their heads almost 270 degrees left or right and nearly upside down! Owls have binocular vision which means they can see three-dimensional objects (height, width, depth) in a similar manner to human eyes.Ĭhoosing NINOX as the project name for replacing the ADF’s night fighting equipment for soldiers is highly appropriate. These are relatively large birds which possess acute night vision through huge eyes which can barely move in their sockets. Members of the owl family like the Powerful Owl Ninox strenua, Rufous Owl Ninox rufa, Barking Owl Ninox connivens, etc., are common in some coastal fringes of Australia.
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