Thermal Beacon develops optical identification friend or foe (IFF) systems for military, security, maritime, and emergency response operations. The company’s portfolio includes STANAG 2129-compliant infrared beacons operating across the NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR spectrum while remaining undetectable.
Built using solid-state technology, the company’s ruggedized IFF solutions are designed to MIL-STD-810G standards for operation in demanding field environments. Applications include personnel identification, vehicle tracking, search and rescue missions, tactical coordination, and security operations.
Multi-Spectral Infrared Identification
Thermal Beacon’s optical IFF systems are designed to generate detectable infrared signatures for use with thermal imaging systems, image intensifiers, and SWIR cameras. Depending on the configuration, the systems can emit across visible, near-infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, and long-wave infrared wavelengths.
Several products allow users to select between thermal-only operation, near-infrared-only signaling, or simultaneous multi-spectral output. The systems are designed with SWaP optimization in mind while supporting medium- and long-range detectability.
Compact SWIR Identification Beacon
Keychain Beacon
The Keychain Beacon is a compact IFF device incorporating a high-output SWIR emitter designed to produce a detectable signature for InGaAs cameras during covert operations.
Orion Helmet
The beacon features an aircraft-grade aluminum housing and operates for multiple hours using a single CR123 battery. The device offers a wide field of view, detection ranges of up to three kilometers, IP67 waterproof protection, and optional custom wavelength configurations.
Helmet-Mounted Multi-Spectral Systems
FireFly
FireFly is a helmet-mounted, medium-range, multi-spectral beacon. The controller can operate with either an MWIR-emitting MS-OMR head or a combined MWIR/LWIR-emitting TRF-2 head.
The system incorporates an infrared emitter designed to radiate a thermal signature detectable by MWIR and LWIR cameras. The beacon also emits in NIR, SWIR, and visible green wavelengths.
FireFly includes haptic feedback functionality for operating mode changes and low battery indication without requiring visual confirmation. The unit is IP67-rated and designed with SWaP optimization.
ORION
ORION is a medium-range, helmet-mounted, multi-spectral beacon incorporating an infrared emitter designed to radiate a detectable thermal signature for LWIR and MWIR cameras. The system also emits in NIR, SWIR, and visible green wavelengths.
The device can operate using either one 18650 battery or two CR123 batteries. Haptic feedback provides battery status and operating mode indication without requiring a visual check.
ORION supports multi-kilometer detectability and features IP67 waterproof protection together with SWaP-optimized construction.
TRFlash-2
TRFlash-2 is a helmet-mounted, omnidirectional, multi-spectral infrared beacon incorporating proprietary far-infrared emitters designed to radiate MWIR and LWIR energy.
The system also emits in NIR and SWIR wavelengths and is designed for multi-kilometer detectability while maintaining SWaP optimization.
Vehicle and Personnel Identification Beacons
MS-OMR II C
The MS-OMR II C is a multi-spectral, omni-directional, medium-range beacon designed for vehicle- and helmet-mounted applications.
The system radiates primarily in the thermal spectrum, most efficiently at 3-5 microns, and is intended for use with military vehicles, yachts, police SWAT teams, search and rescue operations, emergency services, and mountain rescue teams.
FireFly
The multi-spectral version allows users to select between:
- Thermal-only operation for thermal cameras
- Near-infrared-only operation for image intensifiers and SLS systems
- Simultaneous thermal and near-infrared operation
Its mechanical design supports installation in multiple configurations.
MS-OMR III
The MS-OMR III is a vehicle-mounted, multi-spectral, omni-directional, medium-range beacon designed for thermal-spectrum identification applications.
The system radiates most efficiently in the 3-5 micron range and supports thermal-only, near-infrared-only, or simultaneous thermal and near-infrared operation.
Applications include military vehicles, yachts, police SWAT teams, search and rescue operations, emergency services, and mountain rescue teams.
MS-OMR II
The MS-OMR II is a multi-spectral, omni-directional, medium-range identification beacon designed for use by dismounted soldiers, military vehicles, pilots, yachts, police SWAT teams, search and rescue personnel, emergency services, and mountain rescue teams.
The system radiates primarily in the thermal spectrum and allows users to select thermal-only, near-infrared-only, or simultaneous thermal and near-infrared operating modes.
Directional Infrared Beacons
DMR-MK-II
The DMR-MK-II directional beacon operates in the 3-12 micron and 3-5 micron wavelength ranges.
The system provides detection ranges of up to three kilometers using 3-5 micron cameras with InSb detectors and 250 mm lenses. Detection ranges of up to 15 kilometers are specified when used with airborne optics such as Litening systems.
The beacon features a 40-degree radiation divergence and operates from a 12VDC external power source.
MS-DMR MKII
The MS-DMR MKII is a personal, multi-spectrum thermal beacon designed to be carried by the user.
The system includes a personal battery unit and can connect using either a three-meter flexible
cable for mounted installation or a short rigid connection for handheld operation.
The beacon allows users to select:
- Thermal-only operation
- Near-infrared-only operation
- Simultaneous thermal and near-infrared operation
Long-Range and Specialized Systems
MK-IV
The MK-IV optical IFF system is designed for friend-or-foe and positive force identification applications.
MK-IV
The system complies with STANAG 2129 requirements and supports signaling in the 3-5 micron and 8-12 micron wavelength ranges, with optional signaling at 0.8 microns.
The MK-IV system is currently in service.
Natally
The Natally beacon operates across 3-5 micron, 8-12 micron, and near-infrared wavelengths.
Specified detection ranges include:
- Up to two kilometers using an 8-12 micron MCT camera at narrow field
- Up to four kilometers using a 3-5 micron camera with an InSb detector and 250 mm lens
- Up to eight kilometers using infrared light intensifiers
The system features omni-directional radiation divergence, aluminum construction, and operation from a 7.4 VDC MR-2800 battery.
OEM Modules for Search and Rescue
Thermal Beacon also develops OEM infrared modules for search and rescue applications.
The DMR-OEM module radiates primarily in the thermal spectrum, most efficiently at 3-5 microns, without emitting radiation in the visible or near-infrared regions. Based on solid-state technology with no moving parts, the module is designed to provide compact size, low power consumption, and lightweight integration.
The module is intended for integration into RF beacon systems used in emergency response applications involving yachts, aircraft, vehicles, mountaineers, skiers, and offshore personnel.
Optical IFF Systems for Tactical and Rescue Operations
Thermal Beacon’s optical IFF portfolio includes helmet-mounted, vehicle-mounted, directional, and OEM infrared identification systems designed for tactical, security, maritime, and rescue applications.
Operating across multiple infrared wavelength bands, the company’s systems support covert identification capabilities for personnel, vehicles, and emergency response teams in demanding operational environments.
