October 15, 2005: The U.S. Department of Defense is buying 3,624 thermal imaging binoculars for the Special Forces, soldiers and marines. Costing $13,000 each, the binoculars provide a better image at night, relying on differences in temperature, rather than intensifying available light. This means the troops can see better through fog, and on overcast nights. Lightweight thermal imaging equipment will eventually replace the light intensification night vision equipment currently used by individual troops. The thermal imaging binoculars will be issued to infantry squad leaders and those leading patrols. The binoculars weigh about a pound and can detect people, at night, out to about two kilometers. Even in day time, the binoculars are useful, enabling users to detect people hiding in the bush (because of the differences in temperature.)
