AR Display Optics for U.S. Soldier Vision Systems

The U.S. Army has contracted Kopin to develop novel see-through Augmented Reality (AR) display optics for dismounted soldier vision system applications, delivering increased optical performance, nighttime visibility, and reductions in SWaP By William Mackenzie / 24 Jun 2024

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
New Partnership to Integrate Laser Technologies into Naval Robotic Crawler
Follow DA

Kopin Corporation, a provider of optical solutions and high-performance micro-displays for defense applications, is set to develop novel see-through Augmented Reality (AR) display optics for dismounted soldier vision system applications.

In receipt of a new contract from the U.S. Army, Kopin will develop novel AR optics to provide an improvement over prior system approaches. The company is set to deliver: 

  • Increased optical performance
  • Daylight readability
  • Visual and ergonomic comfort
  • Nighttime visibility 
  • Reductions in weight, size, and power consumption

For over 25 years, the Army has been developing systems that provide increasingly higher amounts of data to dismounted soldiers during combat operations, in order to increase situational awareness and improve combat effectiveness. 

Kopin asserts that the data and video imagery supplied by previous solutions has been hampered by optical viewing approaches that create undesirable “side-effects.” This includes visual dissonance and cognitive disorder resulting from the ergonomics, human factors performance, and other technical shortcomings of these systems. Kopin aims to improve on these systems and advance optical capabilities. 

Bill Maffucci, Kopin’s Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy, commented; “We believe successful execution of this new Army contract can fully enable the widespread implementation of new, user-centric dismounted soldier vision products that soldiers will adopt, and finally achieve the Army’s goal of fielding a fully digitized day and night soldier head-mounted visual information system.

“We are very pleased to be selected for this important development, and we believe Kopin’s unique ability to not only develop the necessary optics but also to create a specific microdisplay that is optimized for the application will allow us to succeed where others have been unable to address the Army’s needs fully.”

Find suppliers and manufacturers of Optical Components >>

Posted by William Mackenzie Edited by William Mackenzie, Junior Editor and Copywriter practised in digital content creation and writing about defense and marine technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

The Importance of VPX Development Chassis for Defense Platforms

LCR explains how VPX development chassis support high-power payloads with advanced cooling options, while accelerating application development for critical embedded systems

Jun 13, 2025
Troposcatter Communication System Debuts in Asia Pacific at Indo Defence

Spectra Group introduces its mobile, satellite-independent Troposcatter on the Move system at Indo Defence 2025, enhancing resilient communications across maritime and littoral environments

Jun 13, 2025
UK MOD & GA-ASI Finalize Sustainment Contract for MQ-9B-Based Protector RG Mk1

The UK MOD and GA-ASI have signed a contract to support and sustain the RAF’s Protector RG Mk1, based on the MQ-9B

Jun 12, 2025
Neousys Brings Rugged Edge AI to IDET 2025 with Elvac

Neousys Technology displayed its rugged edge AI computers at IDET 2025, partnering with Elvac to showcase advanced solutions for armored vehicles, security drones, and UGVs

Jun 12, 2025
Advanced Unmanned Helicopter Systems for Critical Defense & Government Missions

Defense Advancement is showcasing Sabrobotix advanced unmanned helicopter platforms for mission-critical defense and government applications

Jun 12, 2025
Trillium Launches Advanced Gimbal for Medium & Long Range Reconnaissance

Trillium Engineering’s new HD45 LV R delivers advanced imaging performance in an ultra-light gimbal, optimized for long range and medium range ISR missions

Jun 11, 2025

Featured Content

Trillium Launches Advanced Gimbal for Medium & Long Range Reconnaissance

Trillium Engineering’s new HD45 LV R delivers advanced imaging performance in an ultra-light gimbal, optimized for long range and medium range ISR missions

Jun 11, 2025
Honeywell Unveils New Lightweight Tactical-Grade IMU

Honeywell has launched the HG3900 IMU, a compact tactical-grade unit with reduced size and power consumption while maintaining near-navigation-grade performance levels

Jun 10, 2025
Teledyne Marine Showcases Integrated Maritime Security Capabilities at SeaSEC Challenge 2025

Teledyne Marine joined SeaSEC Challenge 2025 to demonstrate integrated sonar, acoustic, and AUV technologies in live maritime threat scenarios, supporting international efforts to protect critical underwater infrastructure

Jun 05, 2025
Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.