(I’ve included a video below that explains it far better than I ever could, so keep reading for a visual guide in order to learn how it actually works.)Įither way, on a cloudless, clear night, a decent image-enhancing NVD can help you see someone as far as 200 yards away.īut it doesn’t make you invisible – so don’t make that schoolboy error (and you’d be surprised at how many folks think it does). It works by collecting tiny particles (photons) of light and enhancing them through a series of ingenious steps and scientific photo trickery that most of us will find difficult to get our heads around. As mentioned, this NVD is identified by the green glow. This type of night vision uses something called “image enhancement” (or image intensification) in order for the user to see objects in the dark. Night vision has been around since the 1930s and was first properly used in active service during WW2, while development for civilian use came after the war.Ĭommonly known as a night vision device (NVD) or night vision goggles (NVG), equipment that uses this technology is now readily available on the commercial market. Or perhaps at work in the thriller/horror genre – with the unforgettable Silence of the Lambs finale. We’ve all seen those movies where the special forces team silently moves into position in the dark, with the distinctive green glow of night vision goggles helping to ramp up the tension. Let’s explore the differences when it comes to infrared vs night vision. Players can mount night vision goggles to one of these awesome tactical helmets, and as you can see from that review, there’s not a lot that separates airsoft products from genuine military equipment.įor more on this, take a look at this article on the differences between airsoft and “real” military gear.Īnd these examples are not exhaustive – there is any number of reasons why people might need to see in the dark, and both types of night vision can help us do just that. This is particularly true when it comes to MilSim airsoft – which aims to be as realistic as possible. Firefighters frequently use such equipment, for example.ĭedicated airsofters who enjoy playing combat sports at night can use night vision to enhance their gameplay. Thermal imaging is often used in construction, such as for identifying areas of heat loss in a building.Īnd don’t forget about search and rescue – night vision can play a big part in helping locate individuals in distress or difficulty by the emergency services. The security sector is also a significant user of night vision technology, with cameras being able to highlight nefarious activities carried out in the dark while offering the ability to identify perpetrators at the same time. Night vision is also actively employed for navigation purposes and can be built into vehicles like boats and cars. We’ve all seen environmental TV shows with segments filmed using enhanced imaging. Using a special night vision scope is going to make a huge difference when trying to bag coyotes, for example.Ĭonservationists, scientists, and wildlife observers also use night vision in their study of animals in the dark. ![]() Perhaps the most common is for hunting at night or in low-light conditions. Not to be outdone, we decided to invent our own version of this, so we can also see in the dark.Īnd outside of military and law-enforcement needs, there are multiple reasons as to why we might use this night vision equipment in our everyday lives. It helps to reflect visible light through the retina and significantly improves night vision. That’s because we lack something called a tapetum lucidum, which is a layer of tissue located in the eyes of many vertebrates. When it comes to comparing us humans to many creatures in the animal kingdom, we really struggle to see at night. You’ll know when we’re specifically talking about image-enhancing night vision and when we’re talking about infrared.įurthermore, infrared is also referred to as “thermal vision,” or “thermal imaging,” just to avoid any more unnecessary confusion. ![]() Note: for the purposes of this article, we’ll be using the term “night vision” as an all-encompassing phrase. Night vision works by enhancing available light sources, whereas infrared can function without additional light, instead of using changes in temperature to highlight objects within the line of sight.īut there’s much more to it than that, and we’ll tell you which is the best choice for you if you keep reading. There are vast differences between the two types. To keep things short and sweet for anyone in a hurry, here’s the answer upfront: What type of night vision does the military use?. ![]() ![]() What is Image Enhancement Night Vision?.Night Vision or Infrared in a Few Words.
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