Night Vision Systems - Eng Dev

PE 0604710A: Night Vision Systems - Eng Dev is a key Army Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) program element focused on advancing night vision, reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition technologies. The overarching goal is to equip U.S. defense forces with the ability to engage enemy forces 24/7 under degraded visibility conditions, including darkness, adverse weather, battlefield obscurants, and complex terrain. The program supports the Army Soldier Lethality Modernization Priority, aiming to improve situational awareness and reduce fratricide, thereby enhancing command and control in continuous combat operations. Funding is aligned with Army transformation initiatives and the National Defense Strategy, supporting the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team.

BQ6: Visual Augmentation System Eng Dev is the largest project within this element, with objectives centered on transitioning demonstrated technologies into a modular, fused digital awareness system for Soldiers and squads, known as Soldier Borne Mission Command (SBMC), previously Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). The program accelerates the implementation of advanced components such as Heads Up Display (HUD) improvements, terrain data processing, machine learning/artificial intelligence algorithms, and human-machine integration. It also supports rapid decision-making and targeting by integrating external video and data sources from weapon sights, unmanned platforms, and networked assets, enabled by edge computing and resilient architectures. The budget includes support for IVAS prototype procurement and RDT&E, with ongoing efforts in system extensibility, software development, and operational testing.

DI5: FALCONS focuses on the development of the Future Advanced Long-range Common Optical/Netted-fires Sensor, which will replace legacy systems such as LRAS3 and FS3. FALCONS aims to provide unmatched detection, identification, and location of threats at extended ranges in all battlefield conditions, supporting both Army and Joint precision munitions. The system is designed for interoperability between ground platforms and dismounted personnel via a Common Operational Picture and interchangeable components. Funding will continue system design, digital prototyping, and initial modeling, with an acquisition strategy based on rapid prototyping through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA).

L67: Soldier Night Vision Devices develops and miniaturizes high-performance electro-optics, thermal, and laser systems for individual Soldiers. The project integrates multi-sensor suites for improved target acquisition and engagement, adapting technologies to enhance both mounted and dismounted equipment. Efforts include small arms fire control improvements using AI and machine learning, development of high-definition thermal sights, and reduction of size, weight, and power requirements. The Binocular Night Observation Device (BiNOD) is transitioning to production, replacing legacy night vision systems and improving clarity, depth perception, and recognition range. Funding supports continued testing and integration, with a focus on reliability growth and operational feedback.

L70: Night Vision Dev Ed supports the 3rd Generation Forward Looking Infrared (3GEN FLIR) B-Kit program, which integrates next-generation infrared technologies into Army sensor systems. The 3GEN FLIR B-Kit provides both Mid Wave and Long Wave Infrared digital video and interfaces for host platforms, enhancing survivability and lethality through increased identification range and automated threat detection. Funding is directed toward digital optimization of sensors, development of AI/ML algorithms for aided target detection and recognition, and promotion of competition for full-rate production. The program is critical for maintaining the Army's FLIR industrial base and advancing sensor automation.

L79: Joint Effects Targeting Systems (JETS) addresses the need for a lightweight, handheld precision targeting system for dismounted observers. JETS provides enhanced day and night thermal capabilities, rapid target acquisition, and precise designation, including operation in GPS-degraded or denied environments with integrated M-Code GPS receivers. The JETS II development incorporates improved sensors, targeting algorithms, and integration with the Adaptive Squad Architecture using Intra Soldier Wireless. Funding supports completion of competitive engineering, manufacturing development, and government evaluation/testing, with a transition to production planned.