STARFLEET ACADEMY
INSTITUTE OF MILITARY OPERATIONS & STUDIES
COLLEGE OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS RESOURCES
EQUIPMENT SCHOOL
OPTICS AND SENSORS
EQPT 106 Manual
Course & Materials prepared by:
Glen Diebold
Course Credits:
http://www.meoptahistory.com/
https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/an-pvs-7.htm
http://www.theppsc.org/Store/Equipment/NVD/NVPG140.htm
https://www.globalsecurity.org
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/wwii-naval-3-infrared-signaling-139342180
This document is a publication of STARFLEET Academy - A department of STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan
Association, Inc. It is intended for the private use of our members. STARFLEET holds no claims to any trademarks, copyrights,
or properties held by any source used for this material, any of its subsidiaries, or on any other company's or person's intellectual
properties which may or may not be contained within.
The contents of this publication are copyright (c) 2010 STARFLEET, The International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc., and the
original authors. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be copied or republished in any or form without the written
consent of the Commandant, STARFLEET Academy or the original author(s). All materials drawn in from sources outside of
STARFLEET are used per Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 107: Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair Use, of the United States code.
The material as used is for educational purposes only and no profit is made from the use of the material. STARFLEET and
STARFLEET Academy are granted irrevocable rights of usage of this material by the original author.
Warning: The material presented in this document is for the entertainment of STARFLEET International
members only and is NOT to be considered a substitute for professional training in real life.
Resource disclaimer: The basis of the resources used in this manual has been reproduced from material
that outlines those elements specifically associated with the United States Armed Forces. The contributors
to this manual, acknowledge that there are many other international military units similar in construct,
purpose, and training to those depicted herein.
However, for this resource document, the material of the US Military has been applied, with no disrespect to
any other countries similarly styled military units intended.
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 1
Technology is advancing to provide the individual solder or special operations operative with
devices to help them perform their tasks. These devices are growing smaller and more compact
with each advancement and are entering the hands of the person in the field each day. The day of
the recon operative sitting and watching for hours on end with a rifle scope or binoculars then
writing the information down is coming to an end.
Laser Marker/ Designator
Used by special operations units to locate and
designate critical targets for destruction using laser
guided ordnance.
This handheld unit produces a high intensity red
laser which can be used at a range of up to 1500
feet. The Designator allows the laser guided
ordnance to locate a specific target which the Special
Operations operative has chosen. Once the laser has
been locked on the desired target the laser guided
munitions can single the object out reducing the
chance of an unwanted target being destroyed.
This 5-pound unit is equipped with a replaceable battery pack allowing the laser to be used for up
to 1 hour.
Night/Day Observation/Fire Control Device (INOD)
The INOD incorporates a daytime optical scope
with an image intensified night scope into a
single low-profile device weighing less than 4
pounds. The device precludes the need to carry
two items of equipment and reducing the bulk of
the two units mounted on the rifle. The INOD
can range man sized targets to a distance of
2.2Km. This unit has been in development since
1999 and is expected for field use by early 2009.
The MI 2558 clandestine signaling device
This is a US Navy US/C-3 RCA MI-2558
clandestine submarine commando operations
signaling device.
The US/C-3 Infrared Signaling scope was designed
for secure night-time signaling with shipboard
infrared-filtered blinkers US/X-12 or signal
searchlights and various beacons. The most
common use is as an infrared beacon placed on a
landing (or pick-up) site by a SEAL or Underwater
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 2
Demolition Team frogman (UDT) team to guide pick-up vessels to the site.
This unit was generally the MI-2558A and MI-2558F used for the battery powered models. As can
be seen, this is the battery version. It uses 2 "D" cell (BA-30 or USN Type C) batteries.
Night Vision
The N-Vision Professional NVP140 is equipped with a superior quality 2nd+ generation intensifier
tube, built-in infrared illuminator and rugged light-weight body. Unit's
precision optical elements are optimized for the best nighttime
resolution using the Super Light Transition lens coating process.
The unit provides 140 features including an automatic brightness
control to protect the intensifier tube as well as user's vision against
sudden bursts of excessive light. The NVP140 is a shock-proof and
designed to withstand force for up to 5G. The unit could be
comfortably head-worn for hours of easy hands-free operations. Its
flip-up lock mechanism allows the user to instantly raise the night
vision visor or simply detach the unit from the head mask assembly.
Additional features include extended ID range, integrated close
range infrared illuminator, internally lit IR and low battery indicators,
weather-proof body with built-in desiccation cartridge, and corrosion-resistant finish. The
Professional 140 has been designed and built to meet requirements of the most demanding
professional users. Unit comes with head strap assembly and carrying case.
GT-14 PASGT Helmet Mount (GT14HLM)
Helmet mount allows you to attach night vision monocular directly to
the PASGT (Personal Armor System Ground Troop) family of
helmets. The helmet mount not only incorporates standard
adjustments, it also has a flip-up/flip-down capability, which allows
the user to move the GT-14 up and out of the way of the face.
N/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggle
The AN/PVS-7 represents the current state of the art in night vision goggles. Initially, it will
augment the AN/PVS-5 NVG, and over time, it will replace the AN/PVS-5. The Marine Corps is
interested in procuring a clip-on Night Vision Magnification Device (NVMD) to satisfy the need to
see targets at the maximum effective range of its weapons.
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 3
The AN/PVS-7B is a single-tube night vision goggle,
Generation III image intensifier which uses prisms
and lenses to provide the user with simulated
binocular vision. The Marine Corps is acquiring the
AN/PVS-7B, a model which incorporates a high light
level protection circuit in a passive, self-contained
image intensifier device which amplifies existing
ambient light to provide the operator a means of
conducting night operations. A soft carrying case,
eyepiece and objective lens cap, and filter are
ancillary items. A demist shield is also provided to
prevent fogging of eyepiece.
The housing is mounted to a face mask assembly
which is held by head straps to the user's head. The
assembly incorporates an infrared (IR) light source
which provides illumination, to permit close-in-
viewing. Fielding is five per infantry squad/battalion
and 75 per Infantry Company. Reconnaissance units are often issued one per unit member. The
AN/PVS-7D is a single tube Image Intensifier system which replace the earlier AN/PVS-5
binocular second generation image intensifier goggle. All AN/PVS-7D systems are presently being
delivered with third generation tubes (MX-10130A).
Tactical NVWS-570
The NVWS-570 is an intensified night vision weapon sight featuring state of the art
generation 3 tube technologies. With growing hostilities throughout the world, The US
ground soldier needs the cover of night to complete crucial mission as directed by
military commanders. The NVWS-570-night vision weapon sight offers superior night
vision target acquisition with super fast coated military optics, crystal clear generation
Three I2 image intensification technology and battle proven MilDot reticle.
Anti reflection coatings (AR), conductive coatings, metallic coatings, and dielectric
coatings. Thin film coatings are extremely thin layers of materials (such as dielectric, gold and
aluminum), which can be applied to the surface of a substrate like glass, metal, or germanium, to
effect a change in its optical properties. Effects such as reflection, refraction, anti-reflection, and
conductivity can be produced and modified by application of the number of layers and the
respective thicknesses of the thin film coatings in relation to the incidental wavelengths of light.
Military specifications relevant to a range of coatings include:
• MIL-C-675: Specifies that a coating will not show degradation to the naked eye after 20
strokes with a rubber pumice eraser. Coatings meeting MIL-C-675 can be cleaned
repeatedly and survive moderate to severe handling.
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 4
• MIL-M-13508: Sets the durability standards for metallic coatings. Coatings will not peel
away from the substrate when pulled with the cellophane tape. Further, no visible damage
to the naked eye will appear after 50 strokes with a dry cheesecloth pad. Gentle, non-
abrasive cleaning is advised.
• MIL-C-14806: Specifies durability of surfaces under environmental stress. Coatings are
tested at high humidity or in brine solutions to determine resistance to chemical attack.
These coatings can survive in humid, or vapor filled areas.
Remote sensor units
Camouflaged Long Endurance Nano-Sensors (CLENS) would be an
order of magnitude smaller than previous surveillance gear of its type
— just 60 millimeters long, and 150 grams.
Darpa, the Pentagon’s far-out research arm, also wants the monitors
to take up a 10,000th of the power of previous sensors. That would
give the CLENS enough juice to keep watch over an area for up to
180 days. These units can be relocated and utilized as a passive
sensor system covering a specific sensor area providing an alarm
system if an object or person enters the sensor range.
The way they’d keep watch would be different, too. Not as an individual sensors, but as a network
of monitors, communicating with ultra wideband radios. The
same frequencies could be used as a kind of radar, to track
objects and people within the sensor net.
“The best way to learn about an adversary what he’s done,
what he’s doing, and what he’s likely to do — is through con-
tinual observation using as many observation mechanisms as
possible. Occasional or periodic snapshots don’t tell us
enough of what we need to know. In order to really under-
stand what’s going on we have to observe our adversaries
and their environment 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
week-in and week-out. “With a data recording device the
sensors can provide a watch system without the need for a
physical operative present. Additionally, the units can be
utilized as an ambush site alarm system, to notify the persons
establishing the ambush that a potential target has entered the target area.
Gunshot Detection
The so-called Individual Gunshot Detection system clips onto a Soldier’s body armor and uses
sensors to hear the “crack-bang” of a shot, then processes the data in milliseconds to indicate the
cardinal direction of the fire’s source and approximate distance. The single sensor system reports
this solution directly to the individual soldier on a visual display and audio alert within a second of
a muzzle blast. The technology is able to detect and provide alert data for variants of both 5.56mm
and 7.62mm sized ammo. The system is powered by two DL 123 batteries.
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 5
Incoming shot announcements are transmitted
to an earpiece while a light-weight wrist display
provides range, azimuth and elevation coordi-
nates of the shooter position. As the Soldier
moves, the system compensates for the
soldier’s motion and continually updates the
threat’s location on the wrist display. A digital
interface is also included to enable immediate
transmittal of shot coordinates to other situa-
tional displays.
This system seems like a good idea for
Afghanistan, given the terrain and cover
afforded ambushing insurgents. With a couple
guys in a squad at strategic positions with
these things and you could zero in on the bad
guys in no time.
Automatic Noise Reduction
The ANR is built into the headsets and helmets used by aircrews and covert reconnaissance
operatives to reduce the electronic noise associated with radio communications. The system
detects the ambient noise signal, reverses the phase and amplitude, and reinserts the signal into
the earpiece to cancel high amplitude noise levels in aircraft and on missions where the sound
may give away the presence of the operative. The ANR reduces temporary and permanent
hearing loss while allowing the operative to hear local sounds more clearly.
The nomenclature for the ANR system has been established as PRU-57(V)P with 4 versions
currently in use. The PRU-57L is utilized by reconnaissance personnel and easily adapts to
standard communications equipment currently in use by Marine, Navy and Army Special
Operations units.
The HSRU-3 is a new handheld radar scope from the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) can provide troops with an ability that was formerly the province of science
fictional superheroes alone—the ability to sense through up to 12 inches of concrete whether
someone is in the next room. The HSRU Radar Scope is expected to be in use in Iraq by spring
of this 2009, according to DARPA's Edward Baranoski. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, the device is
about the size of a telephone handset and will cost about $1,000. Waterproof and rugged, it runs
on AA batteries. Held up to a wall, users will be
able to sense movements as small as breathing up
to fifty feet into the next room.
"It may not change how four-man stacks go into a
room (during clearing operations)," Baranoski said.
"But as they go into a building, it can help them
prioritize what rooms they go into. It will give them
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 6
an extra degree of knowledge, so they know if someone is inside." The handheld Radar Scope is
a remarkable invention and should make the task of searching buildings at least a bit less
dangerous.
Individual radar units
As miniaturization continues to impact electronics the development of a handheld radar unit with a
range of up to 500 meters is in post testing production and is expected to be delivered by late
2010. Currently designated IRad standing for Individual radar system.
The handheld unit which weighs approximately 4.5 pounds includes a self-contained emitter and
receiver which transmits the data to a 2-inch screen which can be worn on the individuals arm.
The unit is directional and covers a field of view of 90 degrees. And can be relocated by moving
the unit to cover a full 360 degrees in less than 1 minute. The unit is back lit for nighttime usage
and produces a location blip up to 500 meters. The screen is graduated to 100, 200 300, 400
meters.
The unit will be able to provide a bearing and distance of objects for the operator and can be used
to gather a moving bearing on an object as the emitter cycles through the transmit receive cycle
every 2.25 seconds. The unit has a working life of 100 hours on the rechargeable battery pack.
Radio frequency jamming
Currently in testing the ARF83/J is being designed to allow the individual solder to scan and jam
radio transmitters in a localized zone. The function is to allow the solder or special operations
operative the ability to prevent the transmission of receivable communications by the enemy in
specific locations such as a headquarters or communications building. The portable unit can
block out transmissions within a distance of 300 feet. The detector can be preset for a specific
frequency, or it will actively scan for all frequencies inside the covered area. The current test units
weigh about 8 pounds and have an active life of up to 96 hours on the included battery pack.
The unit is also being tested to provide a random jamming switching on and off at a random time
and can be set to remain dormant for a specific period before switching on.
The description of the unit’s use is to provide a means of interfering with communications of the
enemy, for the purpose of confusion and disturbance of Command and control.
Russian and Soviet Night vision and sights
Klára
Weight (kg) 0,45
Klara night vision goggles intensity ambient light of stars and
moon. The device allows both a handheld and a hand-free
because head-mounted observation. Klara can be used either
with or without an afocal.
Following specifications characterize the version Klara with afocal
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 7
(to enable the comparison, there are also specifications without an afocal):
monoKlára
MonoKLARA is a universal night vision monocular. It can be used for handheld application with 1x
magnification, or in connection with afocal lens (4x magnification)
as a surveillance device.
Monocular can be attached to a headset for either left or right
eye.
MonoKLARA can be mounted on a weapon and used for short-
range fire, and also with laser rangefinders.
Night vision scope MEOPTA MEO 50 is intended for aiming of small arms. When using an
adapter, it can be fitted to all types of small arms.
• MEO 50 S - automatic rifle (Sa v.z. 58 Pi,
Kalashnikov AK 47, AKM)
• MEO 50 K - universal machine gun (UK vz. 59,
OK, PKM)
• MEO 50 P - multiple LAW (RPG - 7, RPG - 29,
Carl Gustavson M 2, M 3)
• MEO 50 M - sniper rifles (SVD Dragunov, CZ
700)
The ZN 6x night-time dial sight is a special monocular
scope for observing in detail the field being explored and
for arms under lowered visibility and at night when
shooting at long distances. The scope is composed of a
tube with mirror objective integrating a micro channel
image intensifier of 2+ generations and of an eyepiece
part. This eyepiece part includes elements for horizontal
and vertical rectification with a turning knob for adjusting
the shooting distance, furthermore with a knob for
switching on the instrument and lightning up and
regulating the brightness of reticle. The eyepiece is
equipped with rubber eye guard. The scope is designed
for being mounted on ball arms.
Night Sights - technical data
Klára Klára+Afocal Meo 50 ZN 6x
Magnification 0.95x 3.6x 3x 6x
Field of view 48° 8.5° 11° 5.5°
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 8
Resolution 6.97’ 2.2’ 2.2’ 45"
Elevation adjustment
– – ±100’ ±108’
range
100m ... 1
Night channel range 0,2m ... ∞ 10m ... ∞ 400m
100m
Power supply 1.2 ... 3.6V 1.2 ... 3.6V 2 ... 3.5V 2 ... 3.5V
Operating temperature -30 ...
-30 ... +50°C -35 ... +52°C -35 ... +50°C
range +50°C
Dimensions (mm) 95x140x140 110x160x235 190x115x280 135x140x250
Weight (kg) 0.45 1.05 1.2 3.3
Reviewed/Revised June 2022 by Kelli Caplette 9
