A head-mounted display used by soldiers for battle and training employs sensors for night and thermal vision in addition to providing data for help in engaging targets
A head-mounted display used by soldiers for battle and training employs sensors for night and thermal vision in addition to providing data for help in engaging targets US ARMY / Courtney BACON

The U.S. armed forces have gotten an upgrade in the form of the “Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular,” a night vision system boasting clearer images than ever and integration with augmented reality systems.

Videos have been released showing the new tools, developed with over two years of soldier feedback in partnership with L3HARRIS. One 56-second video shared on social media provided a glimpse into the impressive technology.

The video is, to put it mildly, very cool.

The goggles were designed as a direct successor to existing technologies, taking standard night vision goggles and adding a host of practical options and integrations of new tech.

They trade out green hues for white phosphor tubes, offering greater contrast according to the Army's acquisition support center.

They also identify and highlight potential enemy combatants. An integrated thermal imager helps out in “degraded visual environments,” such as areas choked with dust or smoke.

All told, the goggles boast 80% identification accuracy at 300 meters and 50% accuracy at 550 meters.

Another advantage is wireless connectivity. While wireless might seem like an old trick, at the other end of that connection are sets of equality high-tech weapon attachments, letting soldiers see where their firearm is pointing without having to peek out from behind cover.

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Photo: US ARMY / Courtney BACON