In this article we’re going to take a close look at the AN/PVS-30 Clip-on Sniper Night Sight (COSNS) as used by the U.S. Army and other armed forces.
A Night Vision Scope let’s you see in the dark – and in particular accurately aim a weapon in the darkness.
Here’s the gear we’re going to review:
These types of sights use Image Intensification (II or I2) technology to amplify any available ambient light.
What sort of light?
Anything really – moonlight, starlight – even in partially overcast skies.
As such, these are passive night vision devices.
The AN/PVS-30 and it’s kind don’t project any sort of signal or energy that your opponent can zero in on.
With that said, these don’t work in total darkness either.
Or during the day.
(For those purposes a thermal weapon sight like the AN/PAS-13 is more versatile.
Let’s talk about the “Clip-on” aspect to this sight.
This sight is meant to be mounted in-line with the existing day optic sight on a rifle.
A variable gain Image Intensification Tube (IIT) is used – and that means it can be adjusted depending on the ambient light levels.
This is Gen III night vision technology – some of the most advanced available.
Does the scope look big? It is – it weights 2.9 lbs, but it will run for 24 hours on a single DL 123 battery.
How well does it work?
When used in conjunction with the M110 and M2010 day optic sight, it provides for personnel-sized target recognition at quarter moon illumination in clear air to a range of 600 meters.
What is the AN/PVS-30 used with? The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System is the most obvious choice.
(Photo by Photo by Thomas Alvarez, Idaho Army National Guard)
The AN/PVS-30 is mounted on any MIL-STD-1913 “picatinny” rail for quick and easy mounting to or dismounting from the weapon.
The clip on sight does not affect the zero of the day optical sight.
Here the AN/PVS-30 looks to be used in conjunction with an IR aiming laser.
The invisible IR laser beam would be easily seen through the AN/PVS-30 – as these IIT based devices can easily use this wavelength of IR light.
(Unlike the human eye.)
AN/PVS-30 Clip On Sniper Night Sight – In Summary
The AN/PVS-30 is a Clip On Sniper Night Sight.
It uses a Gen III Image Intensification Tube to provide passive night vision.
It is meant to be used in conjunction with a regular day telescopic scope.
It is available commercially, but it falls under ITAR regulations and cannot be exported outside of the United States.
References
M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle (Wikipedia)
M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System
Photo Credits
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Much of the photos in this article are provided by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), or the manufacturers – and are the property of the manufacturers.
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