QIOPTIQ: The Future of Soldier Sighting Systems: night vision, thermal imaging, and the rise of fused technologies

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As modern warfare continues to increase in complexity, the need for advanced soldier sighting systems is more critical than ever. The technologies that soldiers use to detect, recognise, identify, engage and neutralize targets are evolving rapidly, thanks to innovations in night vision, thermal imaging and fused systems. These developments are improving not only the accuracy and effectiveness of soldiers in combat but also enhancing their ability to operate in low-visibility environments such as darkness, smoke and harsh weather. This article provides an overview of the future of soldier sighting systems, their increasing integration with unmanned systems and how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to support Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) Users and enhance their effectiveness.

Smart Optics and Augmented Reality: Enhancing Precision - Merging Physical & Digital

For decades, traditional aiming and sighting systems, such as iron sights and conventional fixed power optical scopes, have provided soldiers with the capability to accurately engage targets. However, these systems are rapidly being replaced with variable power optics and systems that leverage the power of digital technology. One of the most promising technology developments is the integration of advanced digital optical weapon sights (DOWS) with integrated Laser Range Finders, ballistic calculators and thermal imaging capabilities, providing a hybrid mix between the “analogue and digital” worlds.

An example of this would be Qioptiq's role in the DSTL led Future Integrated Lethality system (FILS) programme which was to work with an Industry team to design, develop and deliver a vision of an integrated lethality system comprising of an advanced DOWS demonstrator connected via a power and data rail to an assault rifle that had power & data architecture designed in from the outset, effectively providing an example of what 24hr digital lethality could entail.

Qioptiq took the lead on the design, development and integration of the FILS Sight, which resulted in a TRL6 demonstrator delivering “the art of the possible” as to what a DOWS capability could provide a DCC User.

The FILS sight can automatically adjust for range, wind and elevation, significantly improving shooting accuracy. Continuously gathering data, and factoring in environmental variables like humidity and temperature, which can affect bullet trajectory, the system ensures that the user has an up to date firing solution for the chosen target at any time.

The integration of Augmented Reality (AR) overlays into the FILS sight provides the user with a dynamic and immersive layer of information that enhances situational awareness, which can be enabled and disabled at any time to suit the users requirements and immediate combat priorities.

The FILS sight demonstrated that DOWS have the potential to become even more advanced with augmented reality (AR) overlays, displaying essential information including ammunition count, system power and other mission data directly into the users view. This drastically reduces the cognitive load on soldiers, allowing them to focus more on the mission and less on manually adjusting equipment settings, or referencing other systems.

AR systems also have the potential to augment and enhance Soldier Heads Up Displays (HUDS), or smart glasses that can highlight friendly and enemy locations, objects of interest, or even safe pathways through minefields or other areas of risk, therefore improving the soldier's ability to navigate and engage targets swiftly. This type of real-time intelligence has the potential to greatly improve the effectiveness of soldiers, particularly in urban combat or during night operations.

Night Vision: An established technology that continues to evolve

Night vision technology has long been a key tool for enabling military operations during the hours of darkness, or in combat areas with low light availability, providing soldiers with the ability to see in the dark and gain a tactical advantage. The next-generation night vision systems are focusing on improving clarity, range and adaptability to different lighting conditions.

Modern digital night vision devices are now combining optical enhancements with sensor fusion, allowing for clearer images in varying light conditions.

Future integrated night vision goggles (NVGs) are using wavelength optimization, blending traditional high performance “analogue” image intensification with digital overlays. This means night vision systems are providing more than just visibility - they now offer critical data about the environment, including potential threats, troop positions and terrain features, all without impairing situational awareness.

The Qioptiq EAGLE family of NVG's is a very good example of how a legacy technology is being enhanced and augmented as we head towards totally digital solutions in the years to come.

Thermal Imaging: Detecting the Invisible

Thermal imaging technology is another essential component of future soldier sighting systems. It allows soldiers to see heat signatures, making it invaluable in environments where visibility is poor - whether it's night, in dense fog, or in smoke-filled areas. Thermal systems are already a crucial part of DCC military operations, enabling soldiers to detect enemy combatants and vehicles by their heat signature, even when they are camouflaged or hiding in darkness.

The Qioptiq DRAGON family of Uncooled Long Wave Infra-Red (LWIR) multi-role sighting systems are a great example of where technology has developed “at pace” to provide low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) systems that can are both capable and affordable.

Equally, the PHOENIX family of Medium Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) In Line Sniper sights provides extended range engagement capabilities for Sharp Shooter and Sniper weapon platforms, along with showing promising utility on squad and heavy support weapons, where 24hr extended range performance is critical to ensuring mission success.

In the coming years, next-generation thermal sensors will continue to reduce in size, whilst providing increased sensitivity, enabling greater resolution and range. Thermal fusion - combining traditional thermal imaging with other data sources such as visible/NIR sensors and other data sensors will be a game-changer. This technology revolution will improve target identification, as it can use both thermal and optical data to create clearer, more detailed images of targets, therefore supporting emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) targeting algorithms.

Fused Systems: Combining the Best of Both Worlds

The integration of different technologies, particularly fused systems that combine night vision, thermal imaging and optical sights into a single, seamless device is very much a reality.

Qioptiq has been leading the pack when it comes to Fused sighting systems. Having the early vision, and working collaboratively with stakeholders across the UK MoD, the TALON fused weapon sight is a prime example of how technology developments can be shaped by the collaborative approach to deliver game changing capability to DCC Users.

TALON combines the strengths of each technology - thermal imaging's ability to detect heat, along with night vision's high resolution low-light capabilities. This fusion allows soldiers to see the full spectrum of the battlefield, enabling more effective targeting and enhanced situational awareness.

Exploiting the potential for fused systems even further, future systems have the potential to enhance soldiers' ability to quickly detect and engage targets, even in the most challenging environments. With sensor fusion, multiple inputs from thermal cameras, night vision and high-definition optics can be merged into a single, clear image. This reduces the cognitive load on soldiers, providing them with real-time, actionable information to improve decision-making and reduce response time.

Moreover, augmented reality (AR) is becoming a crucial part of these systems. The integration of AR with fused sighting systems allows for the overlay of critical mission data, including target coordinates, environmental data and navigation paths. This enables soldiers to engage with their environment dynamically, adjusting to changing conditions while receiving data directly within their line of sight.

Connectivity to Unmanned Systems: A New Era of Collaboration

One of the most exciting developments in future soldier sighting systems is their connectivity to unmanned systems, such as drones, robotic scouts and ground vehicles. These systems have the potential to become integrated with sighting equipment, offering real-time feeds that can be used to enhance the soldier's situational awareness and target identification capabilities.

For example, soldiers can receive live footage from UAVs equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging and geo-locational sensors. This footage can be directly integrated into their sighting systems, giving them a broader view of the battlefield, including areas outside their line of sight. This collaboration with unmanned systems extends the soldier's sensory reach, providing more information to make faster, better decisions.

Future sighting systems will allow for collaborative targeting, where data from drones, satellites and ground robots can be fused with a soldier's own sighting systems. This integration can lead to more accurate targeting, enhanced coordination among units and greater situational awareness for soldiers operating in complex environments.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Enhancing Decision-Making

AI is another transformative force reshaping soldier sighting systems. By leveraging machine learning and data analytics, AI-powered or supported systems can enhance a soldier's ability to identify and engage targets with unprecedented speed and accuracy. AI algorithms can process vast amounts of data from imaging sensors (such as thermal imagers), identifying potential threats and prioritizing targets in real-time.

AI-driven target recognition technology allows sighting systems to automatically lock onto and highlight threats in the soldier's view, even if the soldier has limited visibility. This is especially useful in environments where threats may be camouflaged or hidden. With the help of AI, sighting systems can even predict the movement of enemy forces based on behavioural patterns, helping soldiers to anticipate and respond more effectively.

This area has been a key focus for the Qioptiq technology developers, with significant effort being placed on low power “on the edge” processing that can deploy AI capabilities to DCC Users. Bringing together a number of capabilities including Collaborative Target Handoff (CTH), Passive Range Finding (PRF), and AI Motion Estimation (AIME), the GRYPHON AI Hub is a stand alone module, working in conjunction with an App that provides DCC Users with a number of capabilities to exploit.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for Soldier Sighting Systems - 24Hr Digital Lethality

The future of soldier sighting systems is an exciting blend of night vision, thermal imaging, sensor fusion and connectivity to unmanned systems. As these technologies evolve, they will redefine how soldiers interact with their environments, providing them with enhanced precision, better decision-making tools and improved safety in combat situations.

As these technologies continue to develop, it's clear that the next generation of sighting systems will not only enhance the accuracy of individual soldiers but also revolutionize how they perceive and respond to threats in real-time, therefore strengthening the “kill web.” The future of warfare is digital, interconnected and deeply integrated, ushering in a new era of combat efficiency and precision.

Qioptiq are playing a vital role in these developments, pushing the boundaries of optics and photonics to create systems that will serve soldiers in an increasingly digital and interconnected battlefield. The convergence of these cutting-edge technologies will ensure that soldiers of the future are better equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare.

If you would like to hear more about our new and future products, or where our technology roadmaps are leading us, please contact Steve Rickard - Business Development Director [email protected]

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