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I have become increasingly interested in night vision gear (NV) and what it offers to law enforcement and civilian users. Most of us realize from the first Gulf War that NV has revolutionized the modern battlefield and is a crucial advantage exploited by our armed forces. As often happens with technology, this advantage is now becoming available to the LE and civilian markets. I have found American Technologies Network Corp (ATN) based in San Francisco, California one of the best sources of advanced NV equipment. ATN night vision products come with an industry leading two year warranty with some items covered for three years. ATN offers many versions or types of night vision devices across the different technological designations, i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Generation. NV weapon sights, goggles, binoculars, monoculars, and day/night systems are all available from ATN. Thermal imaging equipment is also offered.
PS22-3a mounted on an Armalite AR-10-A4 with Leupold Mk4 3.5-10x40mm scope. I found the ring adapter, even though incorrect in size to attach to the 40mm objective, a good interface between the PS22-3a and scope. The picatinney adapter held the PS22-3a securely in place range testing.
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It seems every piece of NV equipment I use from ATN impresses me. The PS22-3a is no exception. In fact, it sets the bar even higher for my future expectations. The PS22-3a is a top of the line 3rd Generation device using handpicked image intensification tubes (IIT) for the highest performance. Generation 3 devices are considered so technologically advanced that exporting Gen 3 night vision equipment from the US without a valid export permit issued by the US State Dept is strictly prohibited. The PS22-3a meets or exceeds military specifications with a resolution of 64-72 lp/mm and Signal to Noise (SNR) ratio minimum of 20. Resolution is defined as the ability of a night vision system to distinguish between objects close together. Image intensifier resolution is measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). SNR is a measure of the light signal reaching the eye divided by the perceived noise as seen by the eye. A tube’s SNR determines the low light resolution of the image tube. A high SNR translates into the tubes better ability to resolve objects with good contrast under low-light conditions. Many experts in the field feel the SNR is the best indicator of an image intensifiers performance because SNR is directly related to the photocathode’s sensitivity and accounts for phosphor efficiency and micro-channel plate (MCP) operating voltage. ATN’s webpage is a great source of information, not just for ATN products, but for how night vision works in general.
The ATN PS22-3a comes in a sturdy Pelican case with good instruction on use. Operating controls are minimal with a simple on/off switch and robust easy to grasp focus ring. Battery compartment is easy to reach as well.
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The PS22-3a is designed to mount in front of a day optic scope. That sounds pretty simple and self-explanatory. However, this feature blows away previous attempts to adapt a day optic scope for use at night. The entire concept is based on wanting to give the user the convenience of using their day optic at night without have to switch out aiming devices or having to dedicate a weapon solely for use at night. Any weapon can be adapted for night use as long as the PS22-3a can be placed in front of a suitable day optic device. The available choices for the day optic that are compatible to use with the PS22-3a is wide ranging. One important advantage of the PS22-3a concept is not requiring the optic to be sighted in every time it is employed, since the day optic never moves. The PS22-3a is attached or detached with no impact on the day optic’s point of aim and parallax is not an issue. Another benefit of the PS22-3a is that a scope’s reticle does not need to be illuminated or IR compatible for it to be visible when using the PS22-3a. This differs from NV products that mount to the rear of the scope.
The ATN PS22-3a can be pressed into service as a hand held NV device. This is a less obtrusive role as compared to viewing thru the unit sitting behind a rifle scope.
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Previous attempts to adapt a day optic for night use involved devices mounted behind the optic. This caused obvious eye relief issues unless the day optic was shifted forward allowing for the NV device. In my opinion, this is self defeating as this causes the need for the weapon system to be sighted in again or a weapon solely dedicated to night use. This negates the convenience and familiarity of using one weapon system across multiple scenarios. I would suggest mounting an ATN NV scope specifically designed for use in night operations, the Mars 6x-3 for example, and not go thru the hassle of the constant on/off procedure needed for designs not mounting in front of the day optic. I do not care what anyone says, if an aiming device is moved it needs sighted in again to guarantee peace of mind for accurate shot placement, especially if the weapon is intended for engagement ranges past 50 yds. The PS22-3a offers the versatility of allowing a LE agency or civilian to take advantage of NV technology without having to use limited resources on setting up a weapon solely for night time tasks.
PS22-3a mated up to a Leupold Mk4 CQ/T. The Leupold CQ/T and Trijicon ACOG are considered the ideal pairings for the PS22-3a.
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One key component of the ATN PS22-3a is its adaptability. A plethora of mounting options are available, including a 7/8” weaver mount, ARMS quick release adaptor, picatinny rail, and scope ring adaptor mount with different size inserts for the various scope objectives one may encounter. A platform ring is also available for using the ATN IR450 illuminator with the PS22-3a if desired. Loosely speaking, the IR450 is an infra-red “flashlight” that increases the available ambient light for the PS22-3a process resulting in brighter images. This enables the passive 3rd Generation PS22-3a to operate under the most adverse ambient light conditions, a cloudless moonless night in the middle of nowhere is an example. The interior of a large factory or warehouse is another example. Tactically, one must be cautious when using IR illuminators because anyone in the vicinity with NV gear will be alerted to your position when used. This is probably not a huge consideration for the LE or civilian user—not yet anyway. The PS22-3a is right at home on any AR style weapon platform equipped with full length picatinny rails. I tested the PS22-3a on various AR-15 models, combined with the Trijicon ACOG and Leupold Mk4 CQ/T optics. My personal favorite is the PS22-3a used in conjunction with the Armalite .AR-10A4 chambered in .308Win and Leupold Mk4 3.5-10x scope. This package translates into a hard hitting weapon fully capable of taking advantage of the PS22-3a’s viewing range.
The Trijicon ACOG and PS22-3a on a Springfield SocomII (with a modified stock) is a lethal combination. Nighttime would no longer be cover from the hard-hitting SocomII chambered in .308Win.
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Using the PS22-3a with a bolt action rifle is a little more problematic due to the mounting requirements. The optional ATN scope ring adaptor is workable, but I have concerns over long term durability and keeping it in place. I prefer to utilize the MIRS Scope Mount from McCann Industries with the PS22-3a. I have an MIRS mounted on a Savage Model 10FP McMillan chambered in .308Win. The 14.5oz. MIRS mounts simply and securely and is available for several different bolt action rifle models and gives the user the ultimate flexibility in mounting the PS22-3a, IR illuminators, and tactical lights. A picture is worth a thousand words in describing the MIRS Scope Mount. The decision on using the McCann Industries’ MIRS Scope Mount should be based on how often the PS22-3a will be used with a specific bolt action rifle. The ATN scope mount adaptor will more than suffice if the bolt action is not your primary platform for the PS22-3a.
The PS22-3a and Trijicon ACOG on SIG 556.
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The PS22-3a is better utilized on scopes with smaller objective lenses. A scope with an objective lens larger than 40mm decreases the PS22-3a’s 13degree field of view. This is due to the PS22-3a’s 21mm exit pupil. The optimum scope magnification range to use with PS22-3a is between 1x-6x, with 2.5x-4x being the real sweet spot. ATN literature points to the Trijicon 4x20 ACOG and Leupold CQ/T as the ideal set-up with the PS22-3a based on the exit pupil to objective lens considerations. Choosing a high magnification scope, a 6.5-20x50mm objective lens model for example, is counter-productive considering 3rd Generation NV devices have a listed detection range of approximately 350 yards and recognition range of 300 yards with both measurements highly dependent on ambient light conditions. I have found 300 yard detection and 220 yard recognition ranges are a more realistic expectation. These ranges do not require a high magnification scope for effective target engagement. This was supported by my range testing of the PS22-3a. Buyers beware of claims from manufacturers stating figures that greatly exceed these for other 3rd Gen devices. There is a subjective quality to what is meant by detection and recognition, not to mention ambient light conditions and object being viewed. ATN is expecting to release a PS22 model with a 40mm exit pupil later this year designed for use with scopes sporting 40-60mm objective lenses.
Savage FP10 equipped with McCann Industries MIRS scope rail. The scope and adapter does not have to be flush to allow for a crisp image. The Leupold Mk4 4.5-14x50mm field of view was slightly reduced compared to other optics. I still did not find this a detriment to use. One thing discovered is that the reticle illumination should be kept at a minimum for use with the PS22-3a.
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The PS22-3a can be utilized as a hand held NV device for general observation roles. This expands its possible uses in the LE or civilian market. Its compact size measuring approximately 5”x 3”x 3” and weighing only a little over 1lbs. allows for easy carrying and unobtrusive use compared to if it was mounted on a weapon and used for observation. The PS22-3a’s simple controls consists of a clearly marked off/on switch, easily adjustable focusing ring, and accessible battery compartment for the one required CR123A battery. Battery life is rated at 50 hours of use. The PS22-3a’s quick detach and attach method allow for easy use back and forth between hand held use and weapons mounted. More versatility is gained with PS22-3a adaptability for use with spotting scopes and cameras.
Picture of Aimpoint and PS22-3a on STAG Arms AR-15 with full-length hand rail. I prefer some kind on magnification with my optics. The Aimpoint is utilized by many military and LE units. The full-length rail on the AR platform lends itself to utilizing the PS22-3a with choice of optic.
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Range testing took place on a variety of rifles ranging from AR-15, AR-10, and Savage FP10 bolt action models with optics used consisting of the Trijicon 4x20 ACOG, Leupold Mk4 CQ/T, and Leupold Mk4 3x9, 3.5x10, and 4.5x14 scopes. The image quality was excellent with the optics crystal clear day image qualities transformed into crisp green tinted images by the PS22-3a. One observation is that the user should refrain from turning on any illuminated reticles too brightly as I found this washed out the green background. The normal black reticle on the Leupold CQ/T and Mark 4 scopes showed up just fine against the bright green background. The PS22-3a proved easy to detach and mount between the different weapons and optics. The day optics’ zeros were not effected out to a tested 250 yard range. The PS22-3a remained clear and with minimum “blooming” or random black spots that NV devices can experience. The Automatic Brightness Control incorporated in the PS22-3a automatically adjusts the brightness of the Image Intensifier Tube to the optimal setting and shuts the unit down if unexpectedly exposed to a bright or intense light. This protects both the PS22-3a and user from damage. This is especially important with an NV unit used as an aiming device. The day optics cross hairs or aiming point must remain undisturbed for accurate shot placement. The PS22-3a turns any day optic into a very capable medium range night weapon sight. I would not hesitate to take shots out to 300yds with an ACOG, Leupold Mk4 CQ/T, or Mk4 variable power scope on man size targets and engage material targets farther afield. Field of view was narrowed when utilizing the PS22-3a’s as compared to the normal field of view inherent in the day optic. The key thing is too make sure a person or department trains in the use of the PS22-3a to become familiar with the NV device. I found during use in any residential or urban setting, where ambient light is plentiful, it is easy to blend into dark shadows keeping hidden while observing activity with the PS22-3a.
3rd Generation NV gear is expensive with the PS22-3a no exception with a $5,995 price tag. The great advantage I found with ATN is that often the same basic design is offered across different technologically Generations. For example, if the PS22-3a is the concept an individual or department wants but the price tag is prohibitive, a similar product is available in a 2nd Generation type model PS22-2. This gives great flexibility in fitting a person or department’s needs into tight budget requirements. The forward mounting ability is present with the PS22-2 at a reduced price compared to the 3rd Generation PS22-3a albeit with reduced viewing range capabilities. Unless one was previously exposed to 3rd Generation NV, the 2nd Generation PS22-2’s ability would surely dazzle its owner. ATN prides itself in not only servicing the military and LE market, but also civilian consumer, thus the justification for keeping a wide ranging product line available. ATN’s website is must see for anyone considering the purchase of night vision products. The PS22-3a maximizes an individual or departments dollars spent to night vision capability gained ratio appreciably.
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