In hunting, tactical operations, and outdoor exploration, night vision goggles (NVG) and thermal devices have become essential tools. Whether for nighttime scouting, woodland patrol, or low-light tactical missions, these devices provide vision capabilities far beyond the human eye.

One common challenge users face is: how to quickly and securely mount a night vision or thermal device to a helmet? Traditional NVGs are often heavy and require bulky mounting systems. More and more users today are seeking a compact, lightweight, and versatile solution.

This is where the mini thermal monocular comes in. A new generation of products such as the Virgo S2 can be used as a helmet mounted thermal monocular, but also as a thermal red dot sight on pistols or rifles, thanks to its exceptional shock resistance. In other words, one device provides both hands-free helmet use and all-weather firearm targeting.

Virgo S2

Before Mounting

Check Your Helmet Interface

Before mounting any NVG or thermal device, first check whether your helmet has an NVG Shroud/Base Plate. This is the foundation of the entire mounting system.

  • Dovetail Mount: Modern, stable, and widely compatible. Recommended for use with the Virgo S2 mini thermal monocular.
  • Bayonet Mount: An older design that tends to wobble. While still in circulation, it is not recommended for new purchases.
  • No Interface? You must add a Shroud or replace the helmet with one equipped with an NVG mount.

Preparing Core Mounting Components

When building your helmet-mounted setup, several components are essential:

  1. Flip-up Mount (Rhino Mount): The primary support bracket, allowing you to flip the device up when not in use and down instantly when needed.
Flip-up Mount
  1. J-Arm: A dedicated adapter for single-tube NVGs. Its key advantage is that it allows switching between left and right eye use for greater tactical flexibility.
J-Arm

The Virgo S2 also features a removable eye shield, giving users the option to enhance light blocking or keep it off for a wider view.

  • Bridge: Common with binocular NVGs; some models come with their own integrated bridge.
  • Mini Thermal Adapter: Lightweight adapters designed for compact thermal monoculars like the Virgo S2, avoiding the need for bulky bridges.
Helmet with night vision goggles

Step-by-Step Mounting Process

Follow these steps for a stable and reliable installation:

  • Step 1: Insert the Flip-up Mount into the helmet’s Shroud and lock it securely.
  • Step 2: Attach the J-Arm or mini thermal adapter.
  • Step 3: Mount the Virgo S2 mini thermal monocular onto the J-Arm, adjust the flip-up/down angle.
  • Step 4: Fine-tune the eye relief to ensure comfortable long-term use.

With this setup, you have a stable and flexible helmet mounted thermal monocular system ready for tactical or outdoor applications.

Special Notes for Mini Thermal Devices

Compared to traditional NVGs, mini thermal monoculars bring significant advantages. The Virgo S2 in particular is engineered for helmet-mounting and multi-role tactical use:

  • Ultra-Lightweight: Only 115g (without battery), far lighter than traditional night vision goggles, reducing fatigue during long missions.
  • 1.43” Touchscreen Display: Intuitive interface, glove-friendly, quick mode switching.
  • Rugged Durability: IP67 waterproof/dustproof and tested to withstand 1000g/0.4ms shock, making it reliable as a thermal red dot sight for firearms.
  • Multi-Mode Flexibility: Can be used in helmet-mounted hands-free mode, handheld observation mode, or quickly attached to firearms for thermal targeting.
  • Wide Field of View: 13.5° horizontal + 10.1° vertical FOV, ideal for scouting, patrol, and close-range reconnaissance.
  • 60Hz Refresh Rate: Ultra-low latency to avoid motion blur when scanning rapidly.
  • Long Battery Life: Runs over 5 hours, compatible with both CR123 and CR16340 batteries, with quick swap capability in the field.

The Virgo S2 mini thermal monocular is not just a viewing device, but a true multi-purpose tactical optic.

NVGs

Final Words

Mounting a night vision or thermal device on a helmet follows a simple sequence:

Helmet Shroud → Flip-up Mount → J-Arm/Adapter → NVG/Thermal Device

The difference lies in the device itself. Traditional NVGs are heavier and less versatile, while modern mini thermal monoculars like the Virgo S2 offer a lightweight, durable, and multifunctional solution.

For users who need helmet-mounted thermal capability, handheld flexibility, and firearm-ready targeting all in one device, the Virgo S2 is the optimal choice. With IP67 protection, 60Hz refresh rate, and military-grade shock resistance, it delivers true all-weather tactical performance.

Foreseen Optics is now inviting global distributors to join our network. We provide full OEM/ODM customization options along with after-sales and technical support.

Choose the next-generation mini thermal monocular for unmatched efficiency in tactical and outdoor missions.

NVGs applications

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