A system that integrates night vision capability and thermal targeting sights onto the goggles of dismounted troops has been ordered by the U.S. Army.

The vision system from BAE Systems is called ENVG III/FWS-I and will enhance the capability of soldiers to rapidly and covertly acquire targets in all weather and lighting conditions.

"Supplying the U.S. Army with this new rapid target acquisition technology builds on our heritage as a long-time provider of thermal weapon sights and precision targeting solutions," said Terry Crimmins, vice president and general manager of Survivability and Targeting Solutions at BAE Systems. "The ability to conduct surveillance in any light or weather condition increases mission safety and effectiveness."

Currently a soldier at night spots a target with night vision goggles and then separately sights in on it with the thermal sight on the rifle. With ENVG III/FWS-I, the thermal sight is also on the night vision goggle.

The contract given to BAE Systems for the ENVG III/FWS-I solution is for five years and carries a value of as much as $434 million. An initial order worth $35 million has already been placed.