From what i can tell, Russia also got the license to manufacture the Catherine-XP in 2011 as per Rosoboronexport.
The Catherine FC (Compact) operates in the 8-12 mu spectral band, weighs less than 5.5 kg.
The Catherine XP (Extended Performance) is supposedly a more modern, compact high-performance imager (less than 3 kg) designed for high-resolution imagery and increased range over older models. The XP variant “offers superior image processing and extended detection capabilities”, as seen in its deployment on platforms like the Crotale NG.
That was introduced in 2012, but mass produced past 2016.
I was wrong, not spreading propaganda. Lighten up a little 👍
From what I can see, theres a difference between IDENTIFICATION range, RECOGNITION RANGE and DETECTION RANGE. The Catherine FC/X can DETECT targets (tanks in this case) in Wide Field-of-View (WFOV) at a max of 4km vs. 11km in Narrow Field-of-View (NFOV). So, it can tell SOMETHING is there at 4 or 11km
it can RECOGNISE targets (tanks) at 4.5km in NFOV. (Oh, thats a tank, NOT a car/bus/truck)
it can IDENTIFY in NFOV at 2.5km. (Oh, that IS a T-72/80/90, NOT an Abrams/Leopard)
This doesn’t include the teleconverter btw.
Info for the Irbis-K is vague as I cannot find any source differentiating its identification ranges/detection ranges/recognition ranges, using WFOV OR NFOV. All I can find is the stated 3.2km IDENTIFICATION range for TANKS. So we know it can discern a tank from a truck at 3.2km.
I did find another sight, the Agat-MDT (commanders thermal sight), which has a 2.5km detection range but, when used in tandem with the Irbis-K, allows for them to ‘see’ out to 4.5km (either detection, identification or recognition range).
So from what i have seen, i can say that the Irbis-K alone is NOT better than the FC/X at RECOGNISING targets, but in tandem with the Agat-MDT, it COULD be. If you could please find any source disproving me or any additional info, please do so.