Category:Science and War

From Eurêka

Electronic Warfare

Electronic warfare General term for the techniques by which the high-technology weaponry of modern military services can be countered.

Electronic countermeasures (ECM) Range of electronic and other measures used to retard the effectiveness of enemy electronic systems, primarily radars, missile guidance systems, communications systems and surveillance systems.

Electronic counter countermeasures (ECCM) Range of measures that can be implemented to counteract or reduce the effectiveness of ECM, e.g. by improving the resistance of radars to jamming, etc.

Anti-radar Weapons designed to suppress radar installations.

Sensor-to-shooter time lag (AmE, planners’ term) Time it takes for electronic surveillance data reach its military application.

Night Vision Technology

Night vision technology Amplifies available light through battery-powered optics. When dark at night, a tiny amount of infrared light comes from the Moon and stars which can be captured and amplified by converting photons into electrical energy.

1. First generation night vision External infrared light source was required to illuminate whatever the watcher wanted to see and the resulting image tended to be distorted.
2. Second generation night vision System can function with just starlight.
3. Third generation night vision Amplifies light further by accelerating the electrons through a microchannel plate.
   1. Microchannel plate Wafer-thin glass disk that is perforated with millions of tiny holes that improve the image quality when the electrons strike the screen.
4. Fourth generation night vision Advanced versions of third generation night vision devises supplied to the military.

Night vision color Because night vision is based on infrared light, the final image is monochromatic so the US and Soviet Union choose green because it was determined the easiest color for the human eye.

Night vision devices Invented during WW II for military purposes, with Russia and UK leading the way. They only came on the civil market, especially with the sale of Soviet surplus equipment, 1990s.

1. ITT Industries Night Vision US company begins making night vision goods for US forces, founded 1959, began selling to consumers mid-1990s.
2. Hitek International (formerly, Hi Tek) US company that produces night vision devises for consumers.
   1. Night Mariners Night vision device allowing mariners to navigate at night.

Night vision goggles (Night goggles)

1. Sovietski night vision goggles Head-mounted night goggles developed for Soviet air force pilots, but sometimes used by paratroops and commandos.
2. ITT Night Quest Waterproof night vision binoculars with built-in infrared illuminator.
3. Hitek Cyber Eye 002 Handheld monocular that can slip into a coat pocket that has a camcorder adaptor.
4. Moonlight MPN 40K Heavy Russian-made binoculars.

Nightshot Sony technology, an infrared system that allows its camcorders to record in darkness.

Infrared flashlight Device that beams infrared light in complete darkness that allowed night vision devices to work. Not of military value.