April 28, 2006 As the world seeks to reduce the 30 to 50 million annual road trauma victims, it’s interesting to note the latest development in driver aids from the US military. A wide range of frontline combat and tactical wheeled vehicles are to be fitted Driver Vision Enhancers (DVEs). Utilizing a Low-Power Uncooled Infrared (LPUIR) detector, thermally compensated optics and an 800 by 600-pixel active matrix liquid crystal display panel, the DVE provides drivers with the ability to see clearly at increased distances, regardless of light level, adverse weather conditions and battlefield obscurants, such as smoke and dust. The DVE will provide enhanced situational awareness, target and ambush detection and vehicle tracking, and allows ground support elements to better keep pace with night vision-capable combat forces.

The systems will be installed on the family of M1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks, Stryker Interim Armored Vehicles, Light-Armored Vehicles (LAV) and M113 Armored Personnel Carriers engaged in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The DVE will be produced by DRS Technologies.