{{Short description|Sighting device used on weapons}} thumb|396x396px|A Meprolight NYX thermal weapon sight A '''thermographic weapon sight''', '''thermal imagery scope''' or '''thermal weapon sight''' is a sighting device combining a compact thermographic camera and an aiming reticle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tokensjournal.com/military-thermal-weapon-sights-market-latest-technological-advancements-scope-applications-competitive-outlook-to-2021/338032/|title=Military Thermal Weapon Sights Market Latest Technological Advancements, Scope, Applications & Competitive Outlook To 2021|date=2018-11-19|website=TokensJournal|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-16}}</ref> They can be mounted on a variety of small arms as well as some heavier weapons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/3508/soldiers-will-soon-see-thermal-weapon-sight-crosshairs-projected-into-night-vision-goggles|title=Soldiers Will Soon See The Crosshairs From Their Thermal Weapon Sights Projected Into Night Vision Goggles|last=Rogoway|first=Tyler|website=The Drive|date=17 May 2016 |access-date=2018-12-16}}</ref>
As with regular ultraviolet sensors, thermal weapon sights can operate in total darkness. Unlike optical scopes, thermal sights don't rely on visible light, allowing them to function in complete darkness.The thermal scope can be quite useful in places with snow as the extreme difference in temperatures between the snow and any source of heat (such as a human) creates a high visual contrast between the two. This makes it easy to locate any source of heat against its low-temperature background.
== Generations == Thermal weapon sights are often used by hunters to aid in the detection of game, such as feral hogs, coyotes, or rodents such as rats. The sight's ability to see unaided even in complete darkness allows the hunter to be undetected and aware of potential prey, facilitating a quick and precise takedown.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ClPffwtcYGMC&q=%22Thermal+weapon+sight%22&pg=PA202|title=21st Century Sniper: The Complete Guide|last1=Webb|first1=Brandon|last2=Doherty|first2=Glen|date=2010-09-15|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing Inc.|isbn=9781616080013|language=nl}}</ref> The new generation of thermal weapon have sharing features and are compatible with video-sharing websites including YouTube. The whole shooting adventure is recorded by the thermal imaging device and forwarded by a mobile phone application. The file is transferred by a Wi-Fi connection and the video clips can be uploaded directly into a video-sharing website. Videos can also be stored in the SD card and can subsequently be viewed on a personal computer or television.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jaeger-werden.de/jagdforum/lust-auf-nachtjagd-geht-nicht-ohne-nachtsichtgeraete-und-thermalgeraete-teil-2|title=Lust auf Nachtjagd geht nicht ohne Nachtsichtgeräte Thermalgeräte|date=2017-07-26|website=Jäger werden|access-date=2018-12-16}}</ref> The new generation thermal weapon by companies including FLIR and Pulsar,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techrealtime.com/global-monocular-camera-market-2018-industry-scenario-strategies-growth-factors-and-forecast-2025/10169/|title=Global Monocular Camera Market 2018 Industry Scenario, Strategies, Growth Factors and Forecast 2025|last=Marie|first=Nicole|date=2018-12-11|website=TechRealTime|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-16}}</ref> where as the previous generation were primarily used by the military and hunters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AGM ASP TM35-384 Thermal Monocular Review by Col. Chester Cupp |url=https://www.agmglobalvision.com/agm-asp-tm35-384-thermal-monocular-review|access-date=2020-08-03|website=www.agmglobalvision.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/bae-systems-night-vision-thermal-imaging/|title=Brilliant new imaging system gives soldiers hybrid thermal/night vision on the battlefield|last=|first=|date=5 May 2015|website=www.digitaltrends.com|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2018-12-16}}</ref>
==See also== *Night vision *Thermography *Thermographic camera
==References== {{reflist}}
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Category:Infrared imaging Category:Night vision devices Category:Firearm sights