Hello all,
Over the last several years we have watched the market intently and saw the need for a quality, lower-cost clip-on night vision device. We have seen more and more folks placing PVS-14 monoculars on high recoil weapons/high magnification scopes as a stop-gap. These devices were never designed for this application, but have been jerry-rigged for to extend their use. The most effective way to deploy a PVS-14 is head-mounted for observation with an IR laser on the weapon for aiming.
With that said, I am pleased to announce the new <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="color: #FF0000">TNVC Weapon Mounted Advanced Sighting Platform (WASP) Clip-on Night Vision Device</span></span>. When we made the announcement that TNVC was working on a new night vision device, the internet rumor mill ramped up to full speed. During the course of development, the WASP CNVD underwent many refinements. So, now that we are so close to the release, I figured it’s time to give some factual details.
We set our initial goals to develop an incredibly high quality clip-on night vision device with high resolution at a much more affordable price point than current market products. We feel we have done just that. Lower cost does not have to mean lower quality; quite the opposite, in fact.
The WASP CNVD optic is a proprietary catadioptric lens system, developed exclusively for this platform by our German Optical Engineers who have been working in the optical arena collectively, for 30+ years.
The very first iterations of the WASP were actual dedicated high resolution rifle scopes in the 4x and 8x ranges. We found out early on from our optical engineering folks, that we could clearly design dedicated NV optics well into the 12x arena with virtually no light loss and resolution with our proprietary lens design. We demonstrated the 8x version to many upper Military Operators who were amazed at the clarity of objects at over 2000m!
During the last 4 years, we have drawn from this amazing collective data from these iterations into what you see today in the TNVC WASP CNVD. Yes, we realize we have tested the patience of many who wanted the WASP CNVD released a long time ago. But, we wanted to make sure it was good to go before we brought it to market. No detail was overlooked in the development of the WASP CNVD. Everything had to be perfect. Right down to the carry case that holds the system.
Let’s get down to the specifics now, how does it see and shoot? Well I have personally handled, shot and looked-through every iteration. As the CEO of TNVC, I had to be the biggest critic of the system to make sure it would perform to the very highest standard.
For our comparisons we used every major CNVD on the market, from the AN/PVS-22, 27’s to the CNVD-LR. Presently the WASP CNVD is performing neck and neck with the AN/PVS-22 with optimal magnification from 3-12x and useable magnification in the 13-17x range with adequate moon and/or IR lighting. Most know us to be very conservative in our range estimations and the 3-12x optimal results are from no moon very dark nights.
Below you will see a typical 15x through-the-tube pic at 50 yards we hope will give you a representation of the resolution we are achieving.
<span style="font-style: italic"><span style="color: #FF0000">Note: photographing through night vision does not yield accurate images in the first place. Photographing through a stack of optics, including a CNVD is even more difficult. The images do not show a good representation of what you will actually see with the naked eye. This image was taken through a high quality Schmidt & Bender scope</span></span>.
I was reluctant to post any such through-the-tube pics, but I wanted you all to have a glimpse at what to expect.
On the shoot testing side of the house, we used a McMillan .308 and Remington XM-2010 (300WM). Both platforms are capable of very low sub MOA groups with match ammo. We utilized Federal Gold Medal Match. It is important to note, high quality day optics, with any high quality Clip-On is a must. This also goes for the WASP to bring out the absolute best performance from our system.
We had several shooters (not just yours truly) give their observations and shoot notes.
1.All shooters achieved ¾ MOA at 100m routinely in very low light conditions.
2.Taking the WASP on/off the weapon and reintroducing was always well within in the ½ MOA arena. Accuracy bore sight was ½ MOA
3.Detail Observations:
<span style="font-style: italic">Testing was performed in 1/3 moon conditions, low on the horizon. At 100 yards, identical clarity was obtained from the TNVC WASP and the FLIR AN/PVS-22. Discernible, through both optics, were the small, concentric ring targets. Center point measured 1.0 inch and the corresponding rings were 0.5 inch wide. All were visible which enabled such good ¾ MOA 5 shot grouping with some shots basically in one hole.
Moving to 50 yards created an enormous amount of clarity in both systems. When an SEB target was placed downrange the lettering on the bottom was readable. Running through the magnification ranges 6.5X to 17X, the lettering maintained its clarity (readability)!! Pushing beyond that started to darken the image and the crisp edges of the letters started to blur and become unreadable. While optimum ranges are in the 3X to 12X ranges, this WASP is fully capable of exceeding those specs if the lighting conditions are optimal and, the rifle optic is capable.</span>
PHYSICAL SPEC
Dimensions: 6.38”(L) x 3.82”(W) x 3.38”(H)
Weight (w/o batteries): 27.5 oz
Center of Rear Optic: 1.49” (above rail)
Max Height: 3.08” (above rail)
Power: One (1) CR123A 3Volt Battery
Weapon Mount: Throw Lever-Type QD Mount
Operating Temperature: -40 F (-40 C) to 124 F (51 C)
Storage Temperature: -60 F (-51 C) to 160 F (71 C)
Submersion: None, Water Resistant
SYSTEM SPEC
Generation: Gen3 U.S. ITT PINNACLE and L-3 OMNI VIII Versions Available
Resolution: 3.2 cy/mr (Min), 3.5 cy/mr (Typ)
Signal to Noise: 21 (Minimum)
HALO: 1.0 (Max)
OPTICAL SPEC
Optimum Magnification: 3x to 12x
Magnification: 1x (Unity)
Focus Range: 5 m to Infinity
Field of View: 12°
Objective Lens: Focal Length 80mm
Objective Lens f/Number: f/1.14
Output Optic Exit Pupil Diameter: 36 mm
BORESIGHT SPEC
Accuracy: Factory Aligned to ½ MOA or Better
Adjustments: None
Repeatability: Within ½ MOA
DETECT MAN
Starlight, Low Contrast: 770 m
Starlight, High Contrast: 1080 m
¼ Moonlight, Low Contrast: 1100 m
¼ Moonlight, High Contrast: 1400 m
FACIAL ID RANGES
Starlight, Low Contrast: 75 m
Starlight, High Contrast: 110 m
¼ Moonlight, Low Contrast: 120 m
¼ Moonlight, High Contrast: 135 m
WASP Clip-On RECOIL RATINGS
ITT Tube: Up to/Including .308 (7.62x51mm NATO)
L-3 Tube: Up to/Including .50 BMG
KIT PACKAGE INCLUDES
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/Clutch99/WASP_CNVD_5_zps56423d2d.jpg
The WASP CNVD will be available for Dealer orders at the 2013 SHOT Show. Retail pricing will be announced after the show. We will take retail customer pre-orders after SHOT Show with delivery currently scheduled for mid to late February, 2013. Pre-order customers will be able to take advantage of a special price.
<span style="font-style: italic">Vic Di Cosola</span>
