Special Ops: Vehicle-based Night Vision, IR Devices Provide Stealth
Apr 20, 2010 14:05 UTCA key to US special ops forces is stealth. Night vision and thermal imaging (IR) devices are among the best tools to provide that stealth.
One way to provide those capabilities is through goggles worn by the special ops forces. Another way is to have those capabilities built into their vehicles.
The US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) has two primary vehicle-based systems: the short-range and the long-range ground mobility visual augmentation systems. The systems are installed in the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV), which is a modified Humvee designed for special ops, and the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.
FLIR Systems in Wilsonville, OR provides the short-range system under a $49.8 million contract awarded in 2008. Recently, that same company won a $35.2 million contract to supply the long-range system.