Fog of war is not just a metaphor. Real fog, smoke from fires, or dust clouds from explosions turn daytime observation into a lottery. Optics are powerless when there is a thick curtain between the observer and the object. Thermal imaging systems operate in the infrared range, where most obstacles are transparent. Thermal radiation penetrates barriers that are impenetrable to ordinary light.
Military thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences between objects. The human body emits about 100 watts of thermal energy, which is enough to be detected at distances of over a kilometer with high-quality optics. Equipment with running engines is visible even further. Even residual heat from recently abandoned positions remains for hours, revealing the enemy’s movements.
Ukrainian manufacturer Mercury Technology develops thermal imaging equipment adapted to the specifics of local operations. Products from the Ukrainian manufacturer Mercury Technology https://mercury-technology.com.ua/product-category/teplovizijne-bachennya/ take into account climatic conditions and typical scenarios of use in the Eastern European theater of operations.
Resolution versus detection range
A 320×240 pixel matrix is the minimum for serious military use. This resolution allows you to distinguish a human figure at 300-400 meters, but identifying weapons or equipment is already problematic. 640×480 matrices double the detail, extending the working distance to 600-800 meters. Top-of-the-line systems use 1280×1024 pixels, but their cost increases exponentially.
The lens affects the balance between field of view and detail. A wide angle of 25° covers a larger area but reduces the distance of reliable recognition. A narrow angle of 6° works like a telescope, sacrificing peripheral vision for range. Variable focal length solves the problem but adds mechanical complexity and weight. For mobile units, every hundred grams of equipment is critical.
Buying a military thermal imager now means choosing between imported models and local production. Imports provide access to advanced technologies, but the logistics of spare parts and repairs become a headache. Domestic equipment is inferior in some parameters, but service support works faster. For frontline conditions, the speed of recovery is often more important than absolute performance.
Refresh rate and temperature sensitivity
A 9 Hz matrix gives you a slideshow instead of a video. Such restrictions are imposed by export regulations on civilian products. Military systems operate at 30-60 Hz, providing a smooth image without delays. When observing fast-moving targets, the difference is critical—low frequency leads to missed objects.
NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) determines the minimum temperature difference that the device can detect. A value of 50 mK is considered good for military applications, while 30 mK is excellent. More sensitive sensors detect targets at greater distances and through additional obstacles. However, high sensitivity requires cooling the matrix, which increases the power consumption and weight of the system.
Thermal imagers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine are supplied through various channels. Volunteer purchases ensure speed but do not always guarantee compatibility and standardization. Official contracts provide standardization, but bureaucracy slows down the process. The online store for night vision devices and thermal imagers at https://mercury-technology.com.ua offers a balance between affordability and quality by working directly with the manufacturer.
Matrix calibration is performed automatically or manually. Automatic mode is more convenient, but the characteristic clicking sound reveals your position in silence. Manual calibration requires closing the lens for a few seconds, which is unacceptable in critical moments. Modern models minimize the frequency of calibration through improved drift compensation algorithms.
Power supply remains a bottleneck. Thermal imaging systems consume 2-4 watts, which drains standard CR123A batteries in 4-6 hours of continuous operation. 18650 rechargeable batteries increase autonomy but add weight. Hybrid systems with economy modes extend operating time by reducing the refresh rate or display brightness in passive observation.
Buying a military thermal imager is an investment that pays for itself in lives saved. Early threat detection gives you time to make decisions and prepare a response. Thermal imaging surveillance turns nighttime from a period of vulnerability into a tactical advantage, leveling the playing field with the enemy or creating asymmetry in your favor.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
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