Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. The U.S. Army AN/TVS-2 Night Vision Sight for Team Weapons is a first generation night vision device, first developed during the Vietnam war era, which quickly went through several different revisions. This particular scope is version 2B. While very large and heavy by "modern" standards, the 20 pound passive starlight TVS 2s were considered state of the art when it came to the capabilities of U.S. troops fighting at night.
These scopes first entered service at the height of the Vietnam War, and despite their cumbersome size and weight, they did prove its use among Soldiers and Marines in their patrol bases. They allowed machine gun and artillery emplacements to function far later at night than previous night vision solutions had.
These early design night vision devices were passive, and did not emit any light of their own, relying on incoming light. This was then amplified using a photocathode and an image intensifier tube in order to significantly increase image contrast. As they emit no light of any kind (IR/UV/etc) they are not detectable, however this also means that they are of limited use when there is no ambient light, which is why they are usually termed "starlight" scopes. Clear nights with star or moon light are optimal, while a cloudy night with no moon far from a city renders them ineffective.
The AN/TVS-2B was intended as a scope for team weapons, and has a large sight rail dovetail on the bottom, as well as adjustments for windage. A switch on the upper left activates the scope, which can be used during the day with the large adjustable front filter. The rubber eyeshield has an internal "flapper" closure that prevents light from escaping the back of the scope into the eye when not wanted.
This scope was in service for years, and the data label on the right side of the scope gives information regarding the version information, as well as when it was overhauled:
U.S. ARMY
NIGHT VISION SIGHT
SUBASSY. MX-7794B/TVS-2B
N.S.N. 5855-00-409-0915
SERIAL NO. 1910
OVERHAULED AT S.A.A.D.
DATE 93 03
The scope does function, and includes an adapter that uses 4 "AA" batteries to power it. The image it gave was good, and it emits the characteristic high-pitched "flash" type noise of the photo multiplier tube. Also included are the service records from the last time it was overhauled..
The original transit chest measures approximately 30" x 10" x 10", and is in very good condition with all latches working, and the internal foam padding in good condition. External finish is nice, with original U.S. Markings. Carry handle works good as well.
A great chance to pick up an early generation night vision scope.
- This product is not available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon