Adventure Tactical adds new IR sensor to VIP and Trilobyte lights to support special forces facing asymmetric threats.

On May 5, 2025, Adventure Tactical, the defense division of the Canadian company Adventure Lights Inc., announced an infrared (IR) sensor upgrade for its VIP light and Trilobyte beacon products. The announcement was made ahead of SOF Week 2025, which will be held from May 6 to 8 at the Tampa Convention Centre, where Adventure Tactical will present the update and other products at Level 3, Booth #255. According to the company, the sensor upgrade significantly increases the range of detection and early warning, and is intended to enhance the operational effectiveness of users in environments where IR and laser-based threats have become more prevalent.
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The IR sensor upgrade significantly increases the range of detection and early warning, and is intended to enhance the operational effectiveness of the VIP light and Trilobyte beacon series. (Picture source: Adventure Tactical)

Adventure Tactical has been producing safety and signaling beacons for military, security forces, and expedition use for more than 30 years. The company manufactures portable visual and infrared lights, remote controls, and programmable systems that are used by the armed forces of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other Ministries of Defense. Adventure Tactical's products incorporate proprietary technologies including Mockingbird, AutoSync, and self-healing mesh networks used in S.M.A.R.T. Beacons. The company maintains partnerships with Galvion and Robotics Centre. This IR sensor update was developed in response to operational requirements identified by military users, specifically those facing asymmetric threats with increased use of Laser Range Finders and IR detection equipment.

The company has integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and early warning systems into its lighting equipment for over 15 years. These systems are currently in use by 24 NATO member countries and by end users in the United States, Europe, Scandinavia, and the Middle East. The IR sensor upgrade announced on May 5 is designed to expand early detection capability across a broader range of threat technologies. According to Adventure Tactical, the update will also support survivability and improve situational awareness, while maintaining compatibility with command and control systems. The company has indicated that the same sensor enhancement will be included in other products over time.

Tim Ford, President of Adventure Tactical, stated that the IR sensor upgrade was developed in response to observations from frontline users. He described the new sensor as an addition to existing technologies, contributing to improved early warning capacity. Ford also noted that Adventure Tactical’s manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, Europe, and the United States, which enables the company to offer its products without tariffs and with export license compliance. He emphasized that the upgrade would be applied to existing product families and said it would be presented at SOF Week as part of the company's overall product line.

The Trilobyte series consists of helmet-mounted lights configured for Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and Command and Control (C2) functions. The devices use patented optics and electronics to emit light over a 180-degree half hemisphere, without being blocked by the battery compartment. The interface allows for navigation through multiple functions, including Red, Green, White, and IR outputs. Short Wave IR (SWIR) options are available upon request. The product design includes separation of visual, IR, and programming modes, tactile feedback through raised control features, and sequential vibration alerts (Multivibe) for operational mode awareness. Technologies such as AutoSync, Mockingbird, and Broadcast Group AutoSync are integrated for group signaling and coordination. These lights are interoperable with battle command systems and continue to function independently of digital communications, according to the company.

Adventure Tactical's light systems are currently in use by 24 NATO member countries and by end users in the United States, Europe, Scandinavia, and the Middle East. (Picture source: Adventure Tactical)

The Trilobyte Gen5 helmet light is powered by one AA Lithium (1.65Vdc) or AA Alkaline (1.5Vdc) battery. It uses a 3M Dual Lock mounting system, with housing constructed from impact-resistant polycarbonate and a shock-absorbing polymer base. The lens is also made of high-impact polycarbonate. The device is operational between -40°C to +60°C with lithium batteries, and -20°C to +60°C with alkaline or rechargeable AA batteries. The unit is hermetically sealed and waterproof to IP67 standards. In clear, moonless conditions, its visual or near-infrared output can be seen at distances up to 5 kilometers. Available beacon modes include programmable outputs at 850/950 nm, 1064 nm, and 1550 nm, with versions offering combinations of two visible colors and IR/SWIR.

The VIP series of signal lights includes models designed for military, law enforcement, and K9 applications. All VIP models offer dual spectrum lighting options—such as Red, Blue, Green, and IR—with both Steady-On and Strobe operational modes. These lights are compact, lightweight, and designed for attachment to clothing or gear. The devices are used in both covert and overt conditions and support identification and tracking functions during operations. The series is designed for portability and is used in a range of environments.

The VIP Original marker light offers IR and green illumination, including a rapid IR flash mode. Its casing is made of high-impact polycarbonate and is waterproof up to 100 meters. It includes a MOLLE-compatible removable clip and an O-ring seal for water resistance. Operating temperatures range from -20°C to +65°C. It is powered by a 3Vdc Lithium 123A battery and can be detected at a distance of up to 32 kilometers at night. It measures 7.6 x 2.5 x 3 cm and weighs 112 grams. Lighting modes include a 200 BPM flash, a steady light, and an SOS mode. These features are intended to support personnel safety and recovery in field conditions.

Three versions of the VIP are currently available: the Government Model, the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Model, and the Gen 4 Mockingbird Model. Each includes five dual-spectrum LEDs with four rotary switch positions. The Government Model includes two IR and three visible green LEDs and requires rotating through two IR modes before activating the visible green light. The NSW Model includes two IR and three green LEDs and allows rotation in either direction, offering immediate IR or visible output. The Gen 4 Mockingbird Model combines the features of both the Government and NSW models. Users can switch between configurations by reversing the polarity of the battery. The five 10mm LEDs in the VIP lights can be operated in Flashing (60 per second), SOS, or Steady-On modes, using either visible green or IR light. The IR modes require night vision devices for detection.