PCO “AGAT” Thermal Vision Binoculars Offered For The Polish Army

NPL-1T device has been designed for daytime, as well as night-time observation applications, regardless of the lighting conditions, it may also be used in adverse weather conditions, when fog or smoke are present and when these factors are restricting the visibility. As noted by the representatives of the PCO S.A company, the solutions utilized in case of the AGAT system were aimed at limitation of weight, better energy-saving profile and achievement of thermal vision imagery characteristics which would make it possible to effectively carry out the observation tasks.

NPL-1T Binoculars have a video signal and measurement data output connectors installed. The above feature makes the device compatible with the Tytan soldier ensemble. The device is also capable of determining its own positions through the use of a military-grade GPS receiver, via a communications interface. AGAT meets the requirements contained within the N.14 O-IIA Group, in line with NO-06-A101 and 103:2005.

The applied solutions also make it possible to connect additional, external viewfinder to the binoculars, and to save the static thermal vision imagery within the memory storage. These images may be downloaded then, or browsed on the display installed within the binoculars.

NPL-1T binoculars may be used in a remote-control setting, with all of the basic features of the device remaining available. There is also an option of estimating the distance from the observed target with the use of a crosshair, scaled for objects, the height of which is defined as 1.7 meters.

The device features two electric connectors. The main connector is a video signal output from the memory, it also enables the user to connect an external power-supply with voltages ranging from 8 to 32 V, as well as the RS422 remote control interface. Moreover, the connector also offers an option of creating a 5V power supply output. The service-connection facilitates the procedure of updating the firmware for the internal electronic components or the RS232 interface, for the purpose of reading the GPS-related data.

NPL-1T’s main element is a bolometric detector, offering a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, operating with the use of the infra-red light spectrum, within the scope of wavelength ranging from 8 to 14µm. Pixel size for that sensor is defined as 17µm, while the temperature sensitivity value is said to have a value equivalent to NETD ≤ 50mK. 2.3 x 2.3 meters objects are detectable at distances of up to 3200 meters.

Moreover, the binoculars also include a lens, with a field of view of 12° x 9°±7, ocular module with a viewfinder focus adjustment system, functioning independently for each eye (dioptre adjustment, -6 - +2 range). Moreover, a magnifying extension, with a field of view defined as 6° x 4,5°±7 may also be applied (x2 and x4 digital zoom).

The device is ready for operation within 20 seconds from the moment when it is switched on, and 1 second from the moment when the sleep mode is deactivated. It offers 6 hours of continuous operation, within the temperature range between -30°C and +50°C. In an interrupted cycle, with 50% of time used up for operation and 50% of stand-by, NPL-1T binoculars may function for up to 8 hours.

Modular structure of the “AGAT” system makes it possible to connect the lens and binoculars modules in an easy way. The body of the binoculars has been designed with ergonomics in mind, and it contains all of the electronic components, including the battery compartment (housing four AA batteries) as well as the keyboard used to control the device.

NPL-1T binoculars are delivered in a kit, including a protective case. A separate case is provided for the magnifying extension. Moreover, a case including an additional equipment kit has been prepared, with elements such as a set of additional batteries, optics cleansing kit, hand-strap and neck strap.

NPL-1T binoculars are designed to maintain usability for the period of 12 years. According to the manufacturer, the design of the device makes it possible to utilize it in a variety of climatic conditions.

Marek Dąbrowski