PITON and BOA thermal weapon sights are tactical electro-optical fire control aids developed to provide day/night engagement capability in modern asymmetric and conventional warfare environments. Contemporary battlefields demand uninterrupted operational effectiveness regardless of lighting conditions, smoke, fog, camouflage, or environmental obscurants. Thermal imaging technology overcomes these constraints by detecting infrared radiation emitted by objects rather than relying on reflected visible light.

Operational Purpose and Role

The primary mission roles of PITON/BOA include:

• Night target detection and engagement
• Precision aiming under low-visibility conditions
• Tactical reconnaissance and overwatch
• Border security and perimeter control

These systems are particularly suited for:

• Infantry units
• Special operations forces
• Designated marksmen and sniper teams
• Critical infrastructure protection elements

Doctrine and Concept of Employment

Modern infantry doctrine considers night operations a baseline capability rather than a niche specialization. Unlike image intensifier-based night vision devices, thermal systems operate passively and require no ambient light or IR illuminators, significantly reducing detection risk.

PITON and BOA function primarily as standalone thermal weapon sights. Publicly available sources describe them as independent weapon-mounted systems; clip-on forward attachment capability has not been publicly confirmed.

System Architecture

The system architecture consists of:

• LWIR uncooled microbolometer detector
• High-resolution OLED micro-display
• Embedded image processing unit
• MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) mechanical interface
• Integrated power management module

Image processing features include:

• Automatic image optimization
• Polarity switching (white hot / black hot)
• Adjustable contrast and brightness
• Image freeze functionality

These features enhance operator situational awareness and improve target discrimination under complex thermal backgrounds.

Survivability and Ruggedization

PITON/BOA are designed in accordance with military environmental standards. Key durability characteristics include:

• Recoil resistance for rifle-caliber weapons
• Environmental robustness against dust, humidity, and harsh climates
• Field-operable interface for gloved use

Detailed MIL-STD qualification levels are not publicly disclosed.

Engagement Process and Accuracy

The operational engagement cycle is as follows:

• Thermal detection via infrared signature
• Target discrimination through image processing
• Digital magnification for precision aiming
• Stable weapon-mounted firing

Digital zoom (x2, x4) enhances target observation; however, as with all digital magnification systems, image resolution decreases proportionally.

Advantages Against Modern Threats

Advantages:

• Detection of camouflaged personnel
• Effective performance in total darkness
• Reduced detection risk compared to active IR systems
• Flexible power architecture

Limitations:

• Uncooled detectors generally offer lower sensitivity than cooled systems
• Digital magnification reduces pixel-level detail
• Publicly available sources do not specify maximum detection/recognition/identification ranges

Detailed Technical Specifications

Detector and Spectral Band

• Spectral band: Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR)
• Detector type: Uncooled microbolometer
• Resolution: 384 × 288 pixels

Uncooled architecture reduces system complexity and logistical burden compared to cooled thermal systems.

Optical Magnification and Field of View

• Optical magnification options: 3× and 6×
• Field of View (FOV):
  • 3×: 9.0° × 6.75°
  • 6×: 4.5° × 3.37°
• Digital zoom: ×2 and ×4

Narrower FOV enhances long-range detail at the cost of peripheral awareness.

Minimum Focus Distance

Configurable options: 20 m or 50 m (model-dependent)

Physical Characteristics

• Weight:
• Approximately 1.7 kg
• Approximately 2.1 kg
• Mounting interface: MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail

Power System

• Input voltage: 5–15 VDC
• Internal rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Optional AA battery compatibility

Low power consumption enables prolonged mission endurance.

Video and Communication Interfaces

• Video output: CCIR 50 Hz
• Remote control interface: RS-232

These features allow external recording or potential integration with command-and-control elements.

Display and User Interface

• High-resolution OLED display
• Adjustable diopter
• Glove-friendly control buttons
• Intuitive menu structure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PITON/BOA used for?

• They provide thermal target detection and precision aiming capability during night and degraded visual conditions, enabling infantry forces to operate effectively 24/7.

What is the effective range?

• Publicly available sources do not specify exact detection, recognition, or identification ranges. Performance depends on target size, atmospheric conditions, and magnification configuration.

What targets can it detect?

• Any object emitting a thermal signature, including personnel and light vehicles. Thermal imaging is particularly effective against camouflaged targets.

How is it different from night vision?

• Night vision amplifies ambient light, whereas thermal imaging detects heat radiation. Thermal systems function effectively in total darkness, smoke, and partial obscurants.

Is it mobile or fixed?

• It is fully portable and weapon-mounted, with additional handheld observation capability.

Can it track multiple targets simultaneously?

• No. This is not a radar system. Target acquisition and engagement are manually performed by the operator.

What are its equivalents?

• Comparable systems include international LWIR uncooled thermal weapon sights in the infantry-class optic segment. PITON/BOA provide strategic value as domestically developed Turkish solutions.

Sources

• ASELSAN official product catalog – Thermal Weapon Sights
• ASELSAN publicly available technical brochures
• Defense industry exhibition materials and product presentations