Thermal Imaging for Tactical Survey
Thermal imaging scores over both, because it can be done at night when the enemyis unalerted and therefore cannot hide; second, because body heat which is the source ofenergy being detected can be 'seen' even through camouflage. Thermal imaging equipmentweighs less than 30 kg and can be carried even by the Cheetah helicopter flown by the ArmyAviation Corps or by unmanned drones. The equipment can detect a bunker full of soldiersat 5,000 feet. Sleeping soldiers generating less heat can be detected at 2,000 feet andclassified as humans, as apart from, say, yaks or mules used at high altitude. Date ofentry into service abroad: 1981