Nighthawk™

The Next Generation Handheld X-ray Imager

Viken’s Nighthawk HBI and BTX handheld X-ray are rugged and economical imagers. The Nighthawk HBI is our smallest X-ray imager adept at rooting out concealed contraband in the most challenging environments including passenger vehicles and hidden containers. The Nighthawk BTX is a powerful backscatter and transmission (when equipped with optional DTX arm) handheld X-ray system that boosts enhanced image quality and available 140kV X-ray tube.

Both the Nighthawk HBI and BTX are available with optional PbID™, an XRF-based lead identification capability.

Key features

Traditional Design

The Nighthawk handheld imager boasts a traditional design that enhances operational experience and effectiveness through ergonomics and ease of use.

Advanced Imaging Technology

Nighthawk’s X-ray optical engine provides detailed imaging with enhanced depth perception. The advanced X-ray beam technology enhances visual depth and clarity, delivering enhanced image quality.

The Established Standard in Handheld X-ray Imaging

Nighthawk offers unrivalled backscatter and optional transmission X-ray imaging with ability to detect lead-lined compartments via PBID™.

Ease of Use

6” LCD High Resolution Color display with Android operation allows for minimal training.

Safety and Flexibility

The device features clearly visible warning and indicator lights as well as configurable single/dual trigger modes to ensure safe operation.

Connectivity

Advanced options including WiFi, USB-C, Ethernet and Bluetooth enhance usability by enabling seamless data transfer, remote connectivity.

Detect threats on the go.

The Nighthawk handheld imager’s mobility allows for efficient threat detection in various environments, including confined spaces and remote locations. Its lightweight, rugged design ensures ease of use, making it an invaluable tool for on-the-go security operations.

The Viken Nighthawk HBI is a small, lightweight X-ray imager that provides our most economical solution for your mission.

The Viken Nighthawk BTX is a powerful X-ray imager that provides enhanced image quality in either a 120kV or 140kV configuration.

The Viken Nighthawk BTX with an optional DTX arm is a powerful X-ray backscatter and transmission imager that provides enhanced image quality.

Specification	Raven™ Handheld Imager	Nighthawk™ BTX	Nighthawk™ HBI
X-ray Source	140kV / 160kV	120kV / 140kV	120kV / 140kV
Size	10.9" x 8.9" x 6.4" [278mm x 227mm x 162mm] or smaller	11.1" x 7.8" x 10.9" [282mm x 199mm x 278mm] or smaller	8.5" x 6.5" x 9.1" [215mm x 166mm x 231mm] or smaller
Weight	11.5 [5.2kg] - 12lbs [5.5kg]	9.5-10.7 lbs [4.3-4.8kg]	8.1-9.4lbs [3.7-4.3kg]
Display	7" FHD LCD, 2500nits	6" LCD, 700nits	6" LCD, 700nits
Backscatter Penetration	11-13mm	6.5-10 mm	6-9mm
Resolution	.5 lp/mm; Resolves 1.0mm Wire	.25 lp/mm; Resolves 2.0mm Wire	.33 lp/mm; Resolves 1.5mm Wire
Operating Conditions	-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)	-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)	-4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
Battery Life	Up to 8 hours, hot-swappable; onboard charging via wall adapter	4-6 hours (120kV), 3-5 hours (140kV)	5-6 hours (120kV), 4-5 hours (140kV)
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Celluar (via optional upgrade with customer provided dataplan/SIM), GPS, USB-C †	WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB-C	WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, USB-C
Camera	13 MP color	5 MP color	5 MP color
Special Features	Pb trap detection (PbID), AI Tools and machine learning (featuring automatic Gun detection and more), MatID (material discrimination for Bx and Tx scans), RadID (radioactive material detection), PmID (Precious metals automatic detection), custom body colors	Pb trap detection (PbID), WINGBAR Tablet	Pb trap detection (PbID), WINGBAR Tablet
Key Tx Imaging Accessories	RAVEN DTX, RAVEN-PNL	NIGHTHAWK DTX	NIGHTHAWK DTX

† Can be customized at factory to disable communication modalities for sensitive use environments like EOD or Nuclear facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between backscatter and transmission X-ray imaging?

Transmission imaging requires access to both sides of an object with the source on one side and a detector, like the DTX, and shows density variation through the whole object. Backscatter is single sided with the X-ray imager sending a scanning beam into the target and reading the X-rays that scatter back.

For what samples is X-ray Backscatter better than transmission and vice versa?

Backscatter is good at revealing low-Z organic material (narcotics, explosives, cash, paper) against a metallic background, while transmission is better for dense metallic threats and for seeing the full internal structure of a bag or package.

Why would I want both modalities in one device?

They’re complementary. Backscatter finds organics hidden behind a vehicle panel or drywall when you can’t get behind the surface; transmission tells you what’s inside a suitcase or package once you can position a panel on the far side.

What are X-ray portable Imagers used for?

They are used for portable detection of threats including explosives and drugs anywhere safe and rapid screening is required.

How important is voltage of the X-ray source?

Typically, the higher the voltage of the source, the more X-ray backscatter penetration.
For an entry level Nighthawk HBI with 120kV, the penetration is 6-8 mm while the Raven with 160kV can be as high as 13mm.