PHANTOM HILL CTF-1

White Light, IR Laser, and IR Illuminator in a Compact and (Relatively) Inexpensive Package

- Patrick McCarthy

If you've ever tried wearing modern night vision goggles, you'll understand why they're often described as a superpower. Although it's not quite as impressive as flying like a speeding bullet or lifting a semitruck, the ability to see clearly, identify targets, and shoot accurately in a nearly pitch-black environment feels like an unfair advantage. However, like most superpowers, night vision comes with some inherent drawbacks. It requires a substantial amount of gear - for starters, you'll need a helmet, shroud, mount, and goggles or a monocular. The cost for these items adds up quickly and can easily exceed $5,000 or $10,000, and that's before you consider common accessories like helmet-mounted lights, strobes, battery packs, and ear protection. Refer to RECOIL OFFGRID Issue 43 for several in-depth articles explaining the basics of helmets and night vision systems.

Once you've done your research and chosen a night vision setup, the next item you'll need is a weapon-mounted infrared (IR) laser and illuminator.

The Challenges of Traditional Lights, Lasers, and Illuminators

Since IR light isn't visible to the naked eye, an IR laser and illuminator acts as a light source and aiming point that only you (and anyone else in the area wearing NVGS) can see. Typically, this will be paired with a separate weapon-mounted white light, which can be used in low-light and transitional environments where night vision isn't required. If you're thinking this sounds expensive, you're not wrong. It's easy to spend another $1,500 or more on a multifunction IR laser/illuminator unit such as a Steiner DBAL or L3-Harris ATPIAL-C, plus $300 or more on a quality white light.