IR.Tools is a company producing some interesting goods in the realm of night vision and thermal indication systems and targets. Their newest products are a series of powered thermal targets. Passive thermal targets exist but are far from perfect. A powered thermal target is a very real solution to a very real problem. As a machine gunner, I was always toting around thermal optics, but my training with them was never live.
Dry fire training and optic’s familiarization is great but live fire rules. We tried a few different things to create thermal targets and none worked. From experience, I can tell you that an MRE heater doesn’t show up on a thermal optic. A powered thermal target solves that problem.
Powered Thermal Target Advantages
The IR.Tools powered thermal targets offer numerous advantages over passive thermal targets.
- Inside or outside use
- Reusable Design
- Can be seen at any angle
- Not affected by overcast
- Provides a realistic training approach
These targets are made from a material known as Fabroc and are powered via a 12 or 24-volt battery. They come in various shapes and sizes including a human silhouette, a coyote, and a boar.
It is a rugged and simple solution that seems promising. It gives lifelike performance for your thermal optics and doesn’t rely on external factors to create a false heat signature. Training with thermals instantly becomes more lifelike and realistic and with more people getting into thermals these seem to be an excellent training option.
Each target cost 69.00 dollars and they are available here.
Full Press Release Below.
IR.Tools, a leading provider of infrared (IR) protection for the military and law enforcement, has released a new series of powered thermal targets. The company has been known for its IR products for over a year and a half now. Tom Boyer, owner, and lead engineer, jumped at the opportunity to add powered targets to his suite of high contrast passive shooting targets.
“We now provide our optics customers a one-stop-shop for all their thermal targets,” says IR.Tools owner Tom Boyer. “Passive or Powered we will service them with a premium thermal target.”
The new powered thermal targets are heated with a proprietary Fabroc® technology that is nearly indestructible. Constructed with a rubber-like material, it has no wires to short circuit from bullet penetration. Powering up on a 12 or 24-volt battery, the integrity of this lightweight, heat-efficient target remains intact for over 500 rounds, with a consistent thermal image and no flaring to disrupt training exercises.
What makes this thermal shooting target so unique is its durability. Fort Bragg, NC, has been shooting at the same Fabroc™ targets for 9-years.
“The unmatched number of shots it takes while maintaining a clear, realistic image to shoot is incredible.” — Range Manager Fort Bragg
IR.Tools (@ir.tools) now aims to provide this stand-out IR target to the military, special forces, law enforcement, hunters, and recreational sportsmen alike.
Not only are these powered thermal targets necessary for training, but they are easy to use. Their longevity means they are cost-effective. Now you can have a safe powered thermal target that lasts during some of the more complex training options, such as shoot, no-shoot scenarios.
You can purchase the powered thermal shooting target, should you be so inclined, for an MSRP that ranges from $60.00 – $90.00 at INV PRO TECH Tools.
Established in 2006, IR.Tools, a leading provider of IR (infrared) protection for the Military and Law Enforcement, first offered a ¾” infrared patch sewn on every military uniform in the United States. They soon became a leading provider for infrared technology, with passive infrared patches, markers, and shooting targets for night vision and thermal image operations all over the world.
Protecting Those Who Protect Us is the IR.Tools mission. Its goal is to bring the men and women who risk their lives everyday home safely. In addition to advanced weapon training targets, IR.Tools proprietary IR patch, passive thermal targets, zeroing targets and thermal vehicle markers provide excellent IFF protection. Tom Boyer’s vision and passion for innovation has resulted in 21 patents. Be assured your IR.Tools protection is top-notch.
