L-3 EOTech Holographic Weapons Systems

HWS Night Vision Compatability

The Model 550 HOLOgraphic Weapon Sight (HWS) is fully compatible with all generation levels of night vision intensifier tubes. A special night vision (NV) setting allows the operator to immediately drop the brightness intensity of the holographic reticle to eliminate any "halo" effect while viewing through an image intensifier tube. The M550 can be positioned in tandem behind night vision intensifiers without any "bloom" of the target area. Now, operators can combine the proven night vision technological advantage with a superior close quarters weapon optic to achieve greatly enhanced weapon aiming - in complete darkness.

Unlike active IR laser pointer systems, the HWS is a passive system and emits no muzzle-side signature. While in the NV mode, the HWS not detectable by enemy night vision surveillance systems, providing operators with a stealth means for effective nighttime weapon aiming.

The M550's unique switch allows the operator to instantly drop the holographic reticle's brightness to the NV mode of operation. The operator has the ability to toggle back and forth between the NV mode and the normal day/night operation within fractions of a second. The M550 has 10 distinct night vision settings to provide maximum flexibility to the operator. Typically 3 to 4 brightness settings are not enough to support a host of constantly changing conditions including manufacturing variances in the sensitivities of the image intensifier tubes, varying ambient environments, and varying light gathering sensitivities of the human eye across users. The M550 still maintains the 20 normal brightness settings for normal day/night operations.

The typical configuration is with both the monocular night vision system and the HWS mounted in tandem on the weapon's receiver. Operators can also witness the holographic reticle with head/helmet mounted monocular night vision image intensifier systems, even on a partial cheekweld on the weapon's stock. This allows the operator added flexibility and greater versatility when deploying with night vision systems in the ever changing battlefield environments.

Field of View: Aimpoint Comp and EOTech HWS

The EOTEch advantage is clear to see. EOTech's HWS's field of view is nearly 4 times as wide as the Aimpoint Comp M2's. The greater field of view means improved situational awareness and faster threat identification. The HWS offers 10 night vision reticle settings compared to the Aimpoint Comp's four settings.

Aimpoint Comp

EOTech HWS

* These photographs are not altered. Both images were taken through an ITT AN/PVS-14 Night Vision Scope mounted 2” behind the optic. The camera was an equal distance from the PVS-14.