PVS-24 IWNS-I2 AN/PVS-24 PVS24

I was able to hold a PVS-24 in my hands the other week and I must say it is a really compact and impressive system. While I did not get to test it out on the range, my impression was that it was probably a well performing sight. You know how you can just tell when something feels right? The PVS-24 is one of those things.

Like the PVS-22, the PVS-24 is designed for use in conjunction with existing day sights to allow rapid transition between day and night operations with the need to re-boresight. The system has demonstrated range performance out to 600 meters to enhance the operator's ability to effectively engage targets at night or under low light conditions such as dusk or dawn. The AN/PVS-24 is also a combat proven system that provides the user a flexible, effective tool for conducting night tactical operations. The Morovision website has some pretty good specs on it: PVS-24 Clip-On Night Vision Sight

It is my understanding that the PVS-24 comes with either an L3 tube inside of it, or an ITT tube inside. I always recommend an ITT tube. Reasons being that ITT gets the Omnibus contracts which support our military.

The PVS-24 was developed and manufactured by Insight Technologies, but you can get it from several different sources depending on the tube you want inside. It is a popular clip-on sight for a reason.

Surveillance Platforms & Kits that Utilize Night Vision and other Electro-Optical Components

An innovative new product line of Surveillance Platforms & Kits that give users new ways of integrating optical and electro-optical components and systems has been created a released by Morovision. These kits allow users the ability to combine new and existing optical and electro-optical devices on a variety of different platforms including a shoulder mount that has a Weaver/Picatinny rail on it called the Roc Stoc, a tactical tripod, and a flat pod. The kits were created to help increase the number and types of missions the integrated components and systems can be used for. The possible configurations for each different platform are almost limitless. If you are a spotter or in recon or conducting surveillance on the go, or even a photographer, these kits and the Roc Stoc platform are definitely something you'll want to take a look at.

Night Vision Equipment Compatible Laser Aiming Devices

Laser Devices is known for state-of-the-art lasers, tactical lights and training systems. Used by military and law enforcement professionals worldwide, Laser Devices products are U.S.A manufactured and some of the highest quality, the most reliable, pointing devices that can be bought. Most products are for LE and Military only. You can find the best selection, of their night vision compatible laser aiming systems at the Morovision Night Vision website.

The line-up includes the newer DBAL-I2 series, which is the cutting-edge replacement for the AN/PEQ-2A combining an infrared laser pointer and infrared pointer/illuminator in a lightweight, rugged metal housing. As well as the DBAL-A2, which is currently in service by special operations forces worldwide and is also contracted the U.S. Department of Defense as the AN/PEG-15A. Also included in the line-up are the OTAL, ITAL and EOLAD Series of laser pointing devices.

Qioptics brings the MIRIR Thermal Weapon Sight to the U.S.

The MIRIR Thermal Weapon Sight is part of a family of thermal weapon sights introduced to the domestic U.S. via Qioptics. The family includes the MIRIR Thermal Weapon Sight, The MIRIR CQB Thermal Weapon Sight ( designed for shorter range surveillance and target engagement ), the MIRIR+ ( slightly improved range over the MIRIR ) and the SMIRIR Thermal Weapon Sight ( which has a "low profile" and low centre of mass ) but the same performance as the MIRIR+. All MIRIR thermal sights utilize a low power uncooled IR thermal core and state-of-the-art optics for excellent detection.

The fully ruggedized and qualified designs offer image optimization features and 24 hour operational capability. Objective lens options include a 9° field of view x2.7 magnification for the MIRIR, a 24° field of view for the MIRIR CQB, a 6.7° field of view for the MIRIR+, and 6.7° FOV for the SMIRIR.

Interface brackets are available to mount MIRIR sights to a wide variety of different weapons.

The low power consumption of this technology allows the MIRIR to operate with only 4 commercially available AA batteries, greatly reducing through life costs.

I personally viewed through a MIRIR thermal sight and found it impressive. The image was very clear for an uncooled core, and the zoom features and controls worked flawlessly. Other controls and settings were easily manipulated.

Overall, the MIRIR was a well thought-out, ruggidized and user friendly thermal weapon sight.

It is an excellent choice for surveillance and target engagement.

MUNS PVS-27 offers slightly more magnification than the UNS PVS-22

For the shooter who wants a little more than what the PVS-22 has to offer, there is the Magnum Universal Night Vision or MUNS. Just like it's little brother, the Magnum Universal Night Sight™ (MUNS™) utilizes a full MIL-SPEC Gen 3 (AUTOGATED PINNACLE®) image intensifier tube, an extremely fast f/1.0 catadioptric lens for a brighter and sharper image in starlight, and patented permanent boresight alignment technology. The MUNS™, however, gathers twice as much light as the AN/PVS-22 Universal Night Sight™ (UNS™) PINNACLE® and can be used against targets at 1.5 times the range of the AN/PVS-22.

Spending a little more money might be worth the performance value. If you're considering a PVS-22, I recommend taking a look at the PVS-27 before making your
decision.

Cheers.

Kind of important and noteworthy news regarding the night vision industry that I failed to mention. My bad.

LOS ANGELES -- April 22, 2008 -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) announced today that it has completed the sale of its Electro-Optical Systems business for $175 million in cash to L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL). Electro-Optical Systems produces night vision and applied optics products.

The PVS-7 5X 135mm Catadioptric Lens Binocular Gen 3 PINNACLE® is the perfect tool for passive, long-range night time surveillance.

A catadioptric optical system is one where lenses and curved mirrors are used to form the Image-forming optical system. Catadioptric systems are commonly used in telescopes and in lightweight, long focal length lenses for cameras.

The 5x Catadioptric lens replaces the standard 1x lens of the standard issue PVS-7B/D goggle type converting it into a binocular. The optical design is a fast f/1.6 in a package with a total length of only 3.5” and a weight of 520 grams. The design exhibits low chromatic aberration, and provides crisp imagery over its full 450-910nm (extended blue) operating range.