Ok. So here is the first of hopefully many photos and updates as I start to get some time with the UTC-Xii. The photos I've uploaded are really small teasers, as the ones that matter are going to be the pictures behind the glass.
Background:
I've searched for an Oasys UTC for some time, but every unit I found didn't leave me with warm and fuzzies. Most of the units floating around have had questionable origins and probably only a handful were legitimately authorized by BAE for civilian purchase.
The Oasys units have two very important things that help them produce a superior image: The BAE Core and BAE's Software. FLIR's uncooled thermal cores have been bested by BAE (and DRS) for the past few years and this can be seen when comparing FLIR products (commercial or military) to their competitive equivalent. BAE's software has helped squeeze out that extra 20% of performance always giving a slight edge when comparing equivalent BAE cored devices (IRD/Trijicon vs Oasys). Sprinkle in a little bit of unobtanium dust, and these units have been highly sought after by "civilian thermal enthusiast" for some time.
Things have changed.... With Trijicon licensing the OASYS line, they've started to open up sales to the civilian market. You can now buy these units from dealers, with a warranty, and have little fear that you're going to receive a broken unit or a visit from Agent Wu. My unit has a manufacturing date of May 2019, so these aren't old-inventory items that have been collecting dust. I'm not sure how long supply will last, but if you always wanted one, now is the time.
On to the photos.......
That new sticker smell!
Photo of the UTC-Xii with and included accessories.
a) UTC-Xii Clip-On Device
b) Operation and Maintenance Manual
c) Soft carry bag
d) USB Cable
e) BNC Video Cable
f) Install Software
g) Laminated Quick Start Guide
h) Mount Adjustment Wrench
i) Energizer CR123 batteries
A quick weigh-in on the scale:
Even though the UTC-Xii is only ~1 oz lighter than the FLIR T-70, the UTC has a significantly larger lens on it. So, this is a bit of an apples to oranges comparison. The class equivalent FLIR T-75 weighs almost a pound more to get the "long-range" designation that the UTC-Xii has.
I will give the FLIR T-70 credit, as it feels durable enough for me to unclip it, grab it like a brick, and use it as a weapon if there was ever a need. The UTC-Xii has a very "petite" feel to it, but thats more my impression than anything to do with its actual durability. They are both mil-spec rated.
Last but not least, here is how the UTC-Xii sits with some of the other NV gear that I could easily grab for a photo and not have to yank off a weapon.
