This is an authentic (& functional), standard issue U.S. Military MS-2000M Infrared Distress Signal Strobe, manufactured by ACR Electronics. It is designed for both overt and covert personnel rescue operations. The device features a green olive drab thermoplastic case and an infrared (IR) filter that can be extended over the flash tube for clandestine signaling. It is powered by two AA batteries and is waterproof down to 200 feet. The unit produces 50 flashes per minute with a peak output of 250,000 lumens.
Warning Label:
"DO NOT EXTEND SHIELD FOR I.R. OPERATION" - It means you must keep the main olive-drab flash guard pushed fully down (retracted) when you want the strobe to function in stealth Infrared (IR) mode. The top of the casing features a flipped-over Infrared filter cap that drops right over the strobe bulb. When the shield is down (retracted), the strobe light flashes through the IR filter in an omnidirectional (360-degree) pattern. This makes it fully visible from any angle to overhead rescue aircraft using Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). If you extend the shield upward: The solid green walls of the shield block the sides of the bulb, converting the omnidirectional signal into a unidirectional (narrow, directional) beam. Extending the shield during IR operation restricts the light output to a single direction. This defeats the purpose of an omnidirectional rescue beacon, making it much harder for friendly search-and-rescue teams to spot you from the air or varying angles.
