Night vision Clip on Sight

The LVL – AN/PVS-22 UNS (Universal Night Sight) is a high-resolution Clip-On Night Vision Device that mounts to any MIL-STD-1913 rail interface forward of a riflescope. This gives the operator night vision capability from a standard day scope system. The PVS-22 utilizes a fully Mil-Spec Gen 3 PINNACLE Auo-Gated image intensifier tube, a fast f/1.15 catadioptric lens for a brighter and sharper image in starlight, and patented permanent boresight alignment technology. The unit is installed, operated, and removed without tools and without affecting boresight (permanent boresight alignment). The PVS-22 can be mounted in front of a spotting scope for long range reconnaissance, hand held as a night observation device, or placed in front of a riflescope for sniper applications. The UNS is optimized for medium to long-range sniper weapons, rifles, and machine guns including the Mk11, Mk12, M-16A4, SCAR-H, M240, and M-24. OSTI’s patented Shock Mitigation System is specially designed to protect PINNACLE tubes from damage under heavy recoil. PINNACLE tubes are usually not intended for high caliber weapons, but they are perfectly secure with the LVL – AN/PVS-22.

There are many clip-on night vision devices available on the market. Many make claims that simply cannot be backed up. This is why the US Military chose the OSTI PVS-22. It is the original intermediate-distance clip on and will hold resolution, giving the shooter a clear image out to 12x depending on the day scope’s glass and available light. We have achieved this kind of resolution while using a Nightforce NXS 3.5-15×56. Although, the sweet spot for the best resolution is between 6-8X with most day scopes. The large 68mm objective lens will let in much more light than other clip-on systems. Most other clip-on units on the market will have severe image degradation after 4x.

The PVS-22 utilizes the latest ITT Gen 3 PINNACLE technology giving the operator an extremely robust system suited to any environment. The cast housing will stand up to the elements rain or shine and protects the unit from abuse found in the field.

PINNACLE represents the latest and greatest night vision technology. Developed by ITT Technologies, it is the answer to the U.S. Military’s request for Gen4. This request was to eliminate the ion barrier film in the tube that limits the amount of light able to be gathered in the first place. The film is important, though because it also protects the sensitive Photocathode in the tube from the damage caused by positive ions striking it as the light photons are converted into electrons and multiplied. In essence, the film greatly extends the service life of the tube. The military’s request for Gen4 was to eliminate this film to allow the maximum amount of light in to the tube, giving it more light to amplify and resulting in a better, crisper image for the warfighter. The development cycle proved that by eliminating the film, the tubes were becoming damaged very quickly and could not sustain a desirable life. So, ITT’s scientists developed a thinner film than the original barrier used in Gen3 tubes. This new film is 10,000 times thinner than a human hair and allows noticeably more light transfer than the standard, thicker, Gen3 tubes. This new super-thin film technology, combined with an enhanced autogated power supply, improved hole size of the Microchannel Plate, a more sensitive Photocathode, and other advancements, represents ITT’s PINNACLE Technology and is the military specification for the newest Omni VII contract. Because it still uses a film, PINNACLE is Gen3.

PINNACLE gives the user unparalleled imaging and pushes Gen3 technology to the max. The user can operate in environments that, previously, would have been non-permissive to night vision because the system reduces the blooming and halo effects of bright light. The operator no longer needs to worry about getting bright lights blinding him or her or damaging the unit. Of course, this does not mean that the user can walk around in sunlight with his or her PVS-22 turned on, but they will not fry the tube if they are exposed to bright lights through the scope. PINNACLE really shines in lower-light situations where there is less contrast created by ambient light. Details not visible to standard Gen3 tubes can be better seen by PINNACLE units because they can gather more light to better resolve images. This makes PINNACLE units ideal for military and law enforcement units.

We have used the PVS-22 extensively in the field. This UNS is the real deal PVS-22 developed by OSTI and issued to US Forces around the world in the Global War on Terror. Indeed, we get many reports about how these units greatly contribute to terrorists having very bad nights! We have found that the image quality averages highest at about 10x, but will make it to 12x depending on the quality of glass being used behind it. This is an important factor in resolution when deploying the PVS-22. Whenever you stack optics in front of each other, you will assume some image degredation. We have snapped pics behind some various optics such as the Leupold MKIV, Trijicon ACOG NSN, and Elcan Specter DR. In our opinion, the PVS-22 UNS is one of the most versatile units on available. The ability to clip the unit in front of the already-zeroed day optic is extremely advantageous since it means a unit or department does not need to keep certain rifles dedicated to night operations. The adjustable gain gives your military or LE unit a step above commercial tube systems, especially in urban environments where the halo effect is reduced and resolution is enhanced versus commercial I2 systems.

The OSTI PVS-22 is a TRUE NV sniper scope. With its 68mm f/1 objective and shock mitigation system, (unlike the L3’s PVS-24 with a 55mm objective that is only optimized for the ACOG (4x) and Specter DR line of optics), the PVS-22 is the primary choice for high magnification 6-8x uses for true sniper roles. After all, this is what this system was designed and used for. Do not be fooled with other advertisements showing a PVS-24 out in front of a high magnified sniper scope. The PVS-22 and PVS-27 are specifically manufactured for these specific mission roles while using the front line ITT Pinnacle Autogated Intensifier tube that out performs all competition in regards to resolution, clarity and brightness. After all, can the current 500,000+ military users of ITT tube systems be wrong?

The LVL – AN/PVS-22 Universal Night Sight (UNS) may be the most reliable and easiest to use night vision weapon sighting system ever fielded. The UNS also incorporates gain control, which allows the user to adjust the tube brightness (gain) lower to compensate for overly bright or to increase the gain under extreme dark conditions.

The LVL – AN/PVS-22 UNS is a unique night vision system that is small enough to mount in front of any boresighted daytime scope. Scope magnification can range from one to twelve power. The LVL – AN/PVS-22 UNS does not require any boresighting and once mounted the daysight provides the aiming point. The LVL – AN/PVS-22 UNS maintains boresight despite normal misalignments due to mount position errors and does not alter the sighting centerline (parallax is unchanged from dayscope). The LVL – AN/PVS-22 UNS also contains no beam splitter or folded optics to go out of alignment.

The LVL – AN/PVS-22 UNS is lightweight, rugged and adaptable to almost any weapon which will accept a MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail and has shown the ability to withstand the recoil of 5.56 (223) & 7.62 (308) rifles. It has a very fast f/1.12 catadioptic lens and a 40mm output window (eyepiece).

Optimized for medium-range sniper weapons, assault rifles and machine guns Including the MK11, M16, SCAR-H, M240 & 300 Win Mag. Effective on all weapons from carbines to .50 caliber semi-automatic sniper rifles.The LVL – AN/PVS-22 UNS is manufactured with the highest quality Gen III Pinnacle, American Made Image Intensifiers.

Dimensions: 7.08”(L) x 3.0” OD(W) x 2.95”(H Above Rail)
Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Finish: Matte Black, Corrosion Resistant
Power: Two (2) Standard AA Batteries
Rail Mount: Throw Lever
Battery Life: Approx. 40 Hours at Room Temp.
Waterproof: 66’ for 2 Hours

SYSTEM SPEC:

Generation: Gen3 U.S. ITT PINNACLE
Magnification: Unity
Optimum Mag: 4X-12X
Gate: Auto
FOV: 13
Focus Range: 10 Meters – Infinity
Gain: 1,000 – 75,000
Resolution: 3.2 CY/MR (3.5 CY/MR Typical)

OPTICAL:

Objective: 68mm Lens Focal Length
Objective F/: F/1.15
Output Optic: 40mm Exit Pupil Diameter

HUMAN ID:

Star/Low: 740 Meters (75 Meters, Face)
Star/Optimum: 1,050 Meters (110 Meters, Face)
Moon/Low: 1,060 Meters (110 Meters, Face)
Moon/Optimum: 1,340 Meters (135 Meters, Face)

BORESIGHT:

Accuracy: Factory Aligned 1/2 MOA or Better
Retention: Permanent to Within 1 MOA or Better
Adjustments: None
Repeatability: Within 1/2 MOA
INCLUDES: Operator’s Manual, Flip-Up Lens Cap, Soft Carry Case, Light Bridge Cover, Lens Cleaning Kit, Two (2) AA Batteries, Rear Lens Cap