L-3 AN/PSQ-36 FGS Fusion Goggle System

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Available to U.S. Government and Law Enforcement ONLY

The Fusion Goggle System (FGS) (AN/PSQ-36) is a portable, battery operated system that allows for detection, observation, and target identification under adverse conditions including light rain, smoke, light snow, and low light to total darkness. The FGS combines the light amplification capability of image intensification (night vision) devices with the heat sensing capability of thermal imaging systems into a single fused device. It allows the operator to adjust the viewed image from 100% image intensified to 100% thermal, or a varying mix of the two. The system amplifies available light and thermal signatures and fuses them together to produce a clear, viewed image under many adverse environmental conditions. This cutting edge imaging technology gives the operator a tremendous advantage on the battlefield because he gets the best of both worlds, increasing surveillance capability, and survivability.

The FGS provides better increased situation awareness capability due to the improved threat detection of the fusion technology. It allows the operator to see through more battlefield obscurants than any other device. On their own, standard L3 Gen3 OMNI VIII Auto-Gated I² tubes produce high quality images with superb resolution, providing excellent recognition capability. However, even these latest tubes are still dependent on available ambient lighting conditions. The more available light, the better the image will be (more detail and further distance resolution). But, battlefield conditions do not always allow for optimal ambient light. Cloudy nights with less moonlight, dense foliage, or internal/underground structure rooms can cancel out enough light that standard I² is defeated. Also, heavy rain, fog, snow, smoke, etc, will limit I² capabilities. This is where Thermal Imagers shine. Thermal identifies infrared energy (heat) and is not dependent on light at all. Thermal will see through most obscurants that would otherwise defeat I² and can create images in complete darkness. However, thermal imagers do not produce the same level of detail as I² tubes, limiting recognition capabilities.

The FGS fuses these two technologies, providing the operator with all the benefits of I², while producing a thermal overlay. This gives the Warfighter substantially increased situational awareness because threats can be detected in virtually any environment. Bad guys that would normally be camofluaged in foliage, rock formations, etc can now be easily detected from a safe distance. Pitch black rooms or caves that would normally defeat I², causing the operator to use an IR illuminator (which can give away his position to anyone else using night vision) can now be easily negotiated with the thermal overlay. It is especially effective in urban operations.

The fused image has three modes: thermal overlay, thermal outline, and full thermal. The Overlay produces an otherwise standard I² image with orange thermal heat signatures over anything that is producing heat. This mode is extremely well-adapted to identifying threats quickly through obscurants. The outline mode produces a thin orange thermal outline around anything that is giving off heat. The rest of the image is standard I². This mode is especially useful when using an IR laser pointer because the operator can identify threats while still having recognition capability and can engage them with the laser. This is important because IR lasers are not seen through thermal. The full thermal mode overlays a complete thermal image over the I² image and is used when little to no ambient light is available, reducing the operator’s need to employ an illuminator.

The unit itself, is about the size of a standard binocular style night vision goggle system. It attaches to standard dovetail interface helmet mounts and is powered by a remote battery back mounted on the rear of the helmet. The FGS runs off four 3V CR123A batteries. All functions are operated by simple control buttons and knobs. Interpupilary distance is adjusted via standard ANVIS-style controls.

The AN/PSQ-36 FGS heavily increases operator capabilities in the field. It allows for significantly increased safety and survivability as well as dramatically increasing the odds of mission success. Night vision and thermal technologies provide operators tremendous advantages on their own, but they do not always provide the full picture. Fusion technology is the wave of the future for providing the most complete information to the operator.

Export of Night Vision Equipment or related accessories (such as manuals) is strictly regulated by the US Department of State in accordance with the guidelines of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). It is a major crime to ship or carry US manufactured night vision devices outside the borders of the United States, punishable by fines and prison sentences. Ignorance of these regulations will not hold up in court. By purchasing night vision equipment from TNVC, you attest that you will not attempt to export or carry this night vision equipment outside the borders of the United States. Also, it illegal to allow a non-US Citizen to look through US Gen3 Night Vision Devices, even on US soil. Again, this is a crime punishable by fines and prison sentences.