FLIR, a world leader in infrared technology, has announced the addition of the Thermosight R-Series.  The R-Series is priced just under $3500, which is about half the cost of most other high quality thermal sights.  The R-Series is designed for hunting, as well as for military or law enforcement applications.  The R-Series thermal sight comes in a more compact housing than previous FLIR models, increasing its portability.

The FLIR R-Series thermal sight.

Some of the features of the FLIR Thermosight R-series:

• Multiple resolution and lens options
• 3-inch eye relief
• Up to 16x magnification
• Advanced image correction
• Shock reduction system
• Simple, 4-button operation
• Three reticle settings with a repeatable and dependable zero
• Integrated, rubberized lens covers
• LaRue Tactical RCO QD Picatinny rail mount.

The objective lens of the R-Series thermal sight.

The ocular lens of the R-Series thermal sight.

The FLIR R-series is designed for day and night use, though the night vision application will likely provide the best differentiation of heated objects or animals.  Thermal sights have the advantage over conventional night vision optics because they do not require ambient lighting sources.  In addition, thermal scopes can identify heated objects that are in darkened areas, or behind foliage.

The FLIR R-series sight will offer up to (6) different detection palettes, including FLIR’s exclusive InstAlert.  The InstAlert displays the hottest temperatures in red so the shooter can more readily assess and engage targets.  A light shield for the optic lens provides additional protection from dust, rain, or excessive light.

The internal shock reduction system (SRS-M) is capable of withstanding repeated shots from an AR-platform rifle up to .30 caliber.  The R-Series has a water resistant casing that can be submerged up to 3-feet of water without damaging the sight.  FLIR offers a 2-year warranty (3-year with registration) on the scope, and a 10-year warranty on the internal sensor.

The R-Series 4-button controls are enlarged for easier menu scrolling even with gloved shooters.

The 4-button controls are large to ensure gloved shooters can still easily manipulate them.  Every key setting is designed to scroll through the menu in three clicks or less.  The four controls are for:

• Dual power/calibration
• Zoom in/menu navigation
• Main menu
• Zoom out/menu navigation.

The FLIR R-Series comes with a LaRue Tactical RCO quick detach Picatinny rail mount that uses a locking lever for ease of mounting and dismounting.

The LaRue Tactical RCO quick detach mount.

A closer look at the LaRue mount.

The LaRue RCO QD release lever.

Imaging in the R-series depends on the lens selection – 13mm, 19mm, 35mm, and 60mm, with the field of view narrowing as the magnification increases.  The resolution ranges from 240×180 to 640×480, but the majority of options are set at 320×240.