Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging is the use of special cameras that see in the far infrared electromagnetic spectrum (i.e. heat). Newer equipment can highlight things that are warmer than the ambient environment—most often people and vehicles.

Various weapons may also rely on guidance via thermal sensors. However, these can often be spoofed with flares, especially if they mimic the heat signature of the vehicle they are meant to protect.

Battlefield: Bad Company 2
Thermal imaging is used by the UAV-1 drone as its standard view.

Battlefield 3
Thermal imaging is more heavily used in Battlefield 3, with various weapon accessories and vehicle upgrades allowing their users to see in infrared. Other upgrades are available to mask the heat signatures of certain vehicles.

Using an IRNV scope or Thermal Optics, players can more easily see silhouettes of enemy infantry and vehicles. Certain gadgets also give off heat when deployed, such as Anti-tank mines, Radio Beacons, and Micro Air Vehicles.

Infrared radiation can pass through materials that visible light cannot, such as dust clouds and fabric. Smoke from white phosphorus sources can screen in the infrared region as well as the visible.

If a player using thermal imaging is struck by enemy fire, the delicate electronics in the scopes can temporarily malfunction.