TILO-Challenge (3): The TILO in the military

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The TILO-3Z+ from Andres Industries was tested in two different application areas. Once in civilian, hunting, and military applications. The hunting test covered a period of two weeks and included stalking and traditional hunting posts. The military test covered a period of about 12 weeks and was conducted under real operational conditions in Afghanistan.

First of all, it should be mentioned that no technical problems occurred with the TILO-3Z+ during the entire testing period. Also, the signs of wear and tear on the TILO, with nearly daily use, were limited, reflecting the absolute robustness and highest quality of this small thermal imaging device.

Hunting Test

The hunting test began with several night hunting posts. The duration of the posts was about 4-5 hours at an outside temperature between 0° and 10° Celsius. The TILO-3Z+ was primarily used in the RH = Red Hot thermal filter. This was perceived as very comfortable in brightness levels 2-3. The average runtime was between 5-6 hours with fresh batteries. However, the device was not in operation the entire time, as occasional observation breaks were taken.

The observation distance ranged from 350m (field post) to 15m (forest post). At "long" distances (over 150m), the TILO 3Z+ reached the limits of identifiability. Deer, wild boars, and foxes could be clearly distinguished and identified up to 100m. The mere detection of a heat source up to 350m was easily possible. A game, which made a short escape of about 30m into the forest after being shot, could be easily detected and located.

The function of the DIS rangefinder was activated, and the distances could be approximately determined up to about 40m. The measurement frames in the menu corresponded roughly to the actual distance. In my opinion, this function is not necessary for hunting use, as the measuring range is too limited. Usually, the hunter knows the distances in the close range of his hunting area.

Hunting Post

During a hunting post in the forest, it was observed that opening the protective cover after an observation break at close distances (10m-35m) was noticed by the game. It was observed multiple times that after turning on the device, the game would secure in the direction of the observer and shortly after, run away. Furthermore, the cover flap flipped directly to the rear stop point after opening, which also caused a "loud" sound. As a result, the function of the protective cover was deactivated and the on and off function via the button combination was activated. This is generally possible but difficult to use with gloves due to the small buttons.

Overall, the function of the protective cover is very good and preferable. The noise generated by the cover hitting the rear stop point can be minimized by attaching a small foam or rubber stopper in the center of the battery compartment. The noise when opening could be minimized by a two-step locking mechanism upon closing, especially for short observation breaks.

Stalking

The stalking was conducted using the GoPro headband with an adapter. The headband is lightweight, and the TILO-3Z+ can be positioned well in front of the eye. The RH = Red hot thermal filter was also used here in brightness levels 2-3. Quick adaptation of the eyes to darkness was ensured. Unfortunately, the position of the TILO-3Z+ changed slightly during the stalking movement, which led to an unclear view through the eyepiece. This was very disturbing during the stalk. The rubber headband slips during movement, causing the TILO-3Z+ to move to the side.

A suggestion for improvement on my part is a head cover in connection with an NVG GoPro Mount. Various manufacturers offer this head cover. The head cover cannot be compared in size and weight to the headband, but the position of the TILO-3Z+ in front of the eye remains stable during movement, ensuring undisturbed stalking.

Conclusion of the Hunting Test

The TILO-3Z+ is fundamentally a convincing product for hunting. Particularly noteworthy is its small size and light weight in combination with its powerful thermal imaging sensor. Especially during stalking, assuming the TILO remains cleanly positioned in front of the eye, it shows its strengths.

The functions of the various lights were tested but not used during the hunt. For possible optimization of the TILO-3Z+, in my opinion, all LEDs can be dispensed with. The range estimation function is also a nice feature but negligible for hunting.

Military Test

The military test was also divided into two parts. The TILO-3Z+ was used as an observation device on the helmet and as an attachment device on a rifle with a scope 1.5-6 x 24. The adaptation to the helmet was easily done with the supplied adapters. An Ops-Core Fast Ballistic Helmet was used as the test object. The mounting to the scope was done with a 30mm adapter from ACTinBlack. The adjustments to the TILO-3Z+ were easily possible.

Use on the Helmet

When in use, a night vision device is typically used in conjunction with a red dot sight to engage targets at night. In this case, the GPNVG18 from L3 Insight Technology and the Argus glasses from Theon Sensors were used.

The TILO-3Z+ was additionally attached to the helmet to ensure rapid availability of thermal imaging technology in addition to the night vision device. Due to its small design, this was easily achieved with the TILO. Since the GPNVG tubes contain green phosphor, the TILO-3Z+ was used with the CG = Cold Green thermal filter. This ensures that both eyes are exposed to a green display.

The TILO-3Z+ could be well positioned in front of the eye. Compatibility with the night vision device was ensured. The two devices complement each other well, and due to the different functions of the night vision devices, the user's reconnaissance capabilities were improved. The TILO-3Z+ was used almost daily as shown.

Subsequently, the TILO was used in combination with a Theon Sensors Argus Night Vision Goggles. The night vision goggles were installed as a monocular, so that the user can use the TILO on the left eye and the night vision device on the right eye (shooting eye). The collimation ensured a clear image. This configuration allowed the user to simultaneously use thermal imaging and night vision, providing an invaluable tactical advantage.

With the GPNVG, the function as a headlamp was also not used, as the LEDs are located on the front side. In the upturned position, the use of the lamp function is not practical. In the folded-down position, the function would be possible, but then one eye would be covered by the TILO-3Z+, making it not optimally used. In a combined approach, the use of the IR LED would be possible and appropriate, but due to the brightness in combination with an ITT Gen. 3 tube, it would only be usable in absolute dark rooms (see IR LED test).

The guys from Andres Industries have a theory as to why the IR LED of the TILO was not seen well with US GEN3 tubes: it is due to the wavelength range of the tube. The US tubes do not cover the long-wave IR range (>900 nm) as well as the European tubes. The TILO's IR LED has a wavelength of 940 nm, which is just outside the maximum perception range of the US GEN3 tube.

Use as Attachment Device

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