Tel Aviv: Elbit Systems of America has partnered with Physical Sciences Inc. and Stanford University to produce a next-generation night vision system for America’s Warfighters, offering more capability in a smaller and lighter package.
The partnership was created to produce a solution for the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), that selected the group to participate in its Enhanced Night Vision in eyeglass form (ENVision) program. The team collaboration on DARPA’s ENVision program will run through October 2023.
Elbit Systems of America and its partners will each bring their expertise to the project, providing an advanced night vision solution with an expanded field of view, broader bandwidth, and enhanced situational awareness, with a goal to package the device within the form factor of a regular pair of glasses. Ultimately, the partners’ next-generation night vision device will enable Warfighters to see through fog, dust, and darkness in a system that is lightweight and easy to wear.
“The ENVision program challenges us to break the mould. Traditionally, more capability equates to greater size, weight, and power, but now we aim to flip this paradigm. We’re pushing ourselves to create an ideal night vision solution with increased performance in a much smaller, lightweight configuration and we’re excited to take on this challenge with our partners,” said Erik Fox, Vice President and General Manager of Elbit Systems of America – Night Vision.
Elbit Systems of America President and CEO Raanan Horowitz said, “At Elbit America, we understand advancements in technology come when our workforce is bold and takes on industry challenges in collaborative new ways. Teamed with Physical Sciences Inc. and Stanford University, we are well-positioned to offer DARPA a breakthrough solution that will provide our nation’s Warfighters with the very best next-generation night vision solution.”
Elbit Systems of America has been developing advanced low light imaging technology to significantly decrease the size and weight of night vision devices and will apply this know-how to the ENVision program. All of the technology and lessons learned during the development of the ENVision concept will be key in creating a significant breakthrough for the industry.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
