Each Cyclops contains two di-electric lenses, protected in a waterproof casing, made from an advanced Luran polymer, which is impervious to water. It works in a similar way to the human eye, focussing the incoming energy to the rear of the eye through a lens and reflecting back a strong signal. A passive system with no moving parts, it requires no maintenance, just a wipe with a damp cloth.

The Magic Eye Technology was developed by the British Ministry of Defence for military use, and they still hold world wide patent rights. The Magic Eye was used during the Falklands War. A reflector was suspended below a helicopter, and when an incoming deadly Exocet missile was detected, the helicopter would fly away from the ship. Since the Cyclops had a greater radar return than the ship, the missile would follow the helicopter. Once the missile was drawn away from the ship, the detector would be dumped into the water.

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