Night Vision Equipment Built in Pakistan: IOP Overview

Institute of Optronics (IOP) is the manufacturer of Night Vision Equipment for the Pakistan Armed Forces. The department works under Defence Production Division. I am glad to know Pakistan not only is one of the leading manufacturer’s but also exports these equipments. Lets get into more details;

What is IOP and Its Role?

Institute of Optronics (IOP) has established state-of-the-art military specifications production and testing facilities of night vision devices, based on Image Intensifier Tubes. The Night Vision Systems, without turning the night into day, vastly improve the ability of the Armed Forces to undertake a number of vital functions related to force effectiveness. Command and control, surveillance, movements both tactical and logistical and accuracy of firepower are some of the areas of activities in which the Night Vision Devices are playing a formidable and vital role.

Institute of Optronics is playing a key role in this field and has established Military Specifications production and testing facilities of following night vision devices, based on second generation Image Intensifier Tubes;

Products & Equipment:

Crew Served Night Vision Weapon Sight (TVS – 5A):

This system is produced to provide military advantage during night for crew served weapons including heavy and medium machine guns. Recoil-less rifles, Cannons and Missile launchers and is manufactured in accordance with US military specification MIL-N-40964(B)ER.

Individual Served Night Vision Weapon Sight ( PVS – 4A)

This site is fitted with interchangeable reticle pattern which provides night time advantage for individual served weapons including 5.56mm and 7.62mm rifles, light and medium machine guns, rocket launchers and grenade launchers. It is manufactured in accordance with US military specification MIL-N-40963(B)ER.

High Performance Night Vision Goggles (PVS – 5C)

This is the most highly advanced night vision goggles available any where in the world. This uses two 18mm wafer type image intensifier tube and is specially designed for night driving, reconnaissance, surveillance, low-level helicopter operations and assorted security duties. These are manufactured in accordance with US military specification MIL-N-40965 E.

High Performance Night Vision Binoculars (NVB – 4A and NVB – 5A)

These are light weight, hand held, passive night vision devices for general purpose long range observation and surveillance by forward area observers, tank commanders, border patrols and special forces. Two version of these binoculars are being produced, one with a 4 X magnification and other with 6x magnification. These are manufactured in accordance with US military specification MIL-I-49052(F).

Driver’s Night Vision Periscope (DNVP – 1A)

The Drivers Night Vision Periscope is a binocular display viewer, used for used for closed hatch as well as open hatch driving of combat vehicles. This can be used by drivers of Tanks, Armoured Personnel carrier and various other combat vehicles. It has a field view of 450 and rotation view of 700 with auto-switching to emergency battery operation facility. These are manufactured in accordance with US military specification MIL-I-49040(E).

Aviator’s Night Vision Goggle

The aviator night vision goggle is state of the art high performance night vision equipment employing two 18mm image intensifier tubes enabling the pilot almost daylight flying conditions. It has a unity magnification with a 400 field of view and can focus from 25cm to infinity. These are manufactured in accordance with US military specification MIL-N-49065 (E).

Future:

An indigenization programme to progressively develop and manufacture components in Pakistan for night vision systems is being vigorously pursued. The future plans of this institute include the establishment of facilities for night vision devices based on Thermal Imaging Techniques for all types of armoured vehicles and helicopters.

Below two pictures : Courtesy : PAK DEFENCE Forum