Early Infrared Systems

RyanC

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The US Military's "Z Binoculars" c. 1944-45; developed as a compact active IR viewing device that would be used for either night-time driving or in conjunction with weapon mounted illuminators -- during tests with the "Z Binoculars" at Fort Belvoir, VA; they found that if you mounted the active IR light source onto a weapon, all you had to do was move the weapon so that the bright circle of active IR light was illuminating the target's center mass; and fire rapidly -- dispersion would then land most of your shots into the circle of IR illumination.

Edit: 100 of these were ordered c.1945; but with the end of the war after Japan capitulated; the order was canceled.
 

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Re: Active Infrared Systems

And here is a photograph of the Z-Binoculars in conjunction with a IR equipped M3 Carbine being tested at Fort Belvoir, VA circa November 1946. (SC 261501)
 

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Re: Active Infrared Systems

M3 or M3A1 sub-machine gun, not carbine. Although I do find it interesting that they trialled it on the M3 SMG. Learned something new...and that's always cool.:)
 
Re: Active Infrared Systems

What was the effective range of the Z-Binoculars? I suspect it was quite short and the M3 SMG was the only useful weapon at such short ranges.
 
Re: Active Infrared Systems

John21 said:
Although I do find it interesting that they trialled it on the M3 SMG.


They also trialled it on M1919s, M1918 BAR, M1 Garand too I think.
 
Changed the title from Active Infrared to "Early Infrared" because of this little device.

PENROD.

it's a passive infrared system similar to today's thermal sights; but c.1945ish.


Basically something really warm walking in front of it sets off an alarm; I think.
 

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IRRAD - Infra Red RADar.

Basically a ranging system using infrared that used special reflectors that could be carried forward via scouting parties; allowing you to survey a position in total (visible light) darkness for bringing up artillery or whatever.
 

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