View source for PNV-57

The PNV-57 is a family of night vision binoculars originally developed and produced in the Soviet Union, but later variants also developed and produced in Czechoslovakia and Poland.

The design has several variants, either using Gen. 0 or Gen. 1 [[Image Intensifier|image intensifier tubes]]. They use an external power supply, with a high voltage cable connecting the supply to the binoculars. Most variants then require an external power source to be connected to this power supply. Originally these units are mounted to a tanker cap style helmet with the power supply worn on the back of the cap. With the exception of the later PNV-57E, the device lacks IPD adjustment.

The device is often supplied with additional CBK-1 high voltage rectifiers. The device also comes with a small bottle of sealing grease, that is to be reapplied when the device is taken apart (i.e to replace the rectifiers).<ref name=":0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW-5H-4Tqhs&t=276s</ref><ref name=":1">https://www.rwd-mb3.de/pages/pnw57.htm</ref>

== Variants ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Device
!Generation
!Information
!Image
|-
|PNV-57
|0
|Goggles look like two smooth cylinders with a flat underside.
Painted grey, green, brown and black.

Utilizes V1P/V1PM generation-0 tubes, these are slightly smaller than V-8 and EP-33 tubes.

Early variants of the device had the high voltage cable coming straight out of the transformer, this however caused them to be frequently damaged when put in the box. Thus later models had the cables coming out at an angle.<ref name=":0" />

This variant of the device comes with AF-2 IR filters and A-55 IR emitters. The IR filters are made from a type of glass that has a high manganese content.

The device also comes with spare bulbs for the A-55 light.<ref name=":1" />
|[[File:Device serial.jpg|thumb|Czechoslovakian PNV-57 made in 1968]]
|-
|PNW-57
|0
|Polish copy of the PNV-57. The main difference between the PNW-57 and Czechoslovakian PNV-57 is that it has ear outserts where headphones can be inserted. The device comes in either a green wooden box or grey metal box, similar to its Czechoslovakian counterpart, but with slightly different dimensions and a slightly lighter tone of grey. The device also uses a different type of illuminator with the same plug as the device itself.
The device uses W1P/W1PM tubes of indigenous production.
|
|-
|PNV-57A
|0
|Same as the PNV-57, but uses a different transformer.
|
|-
|PNV57AM
|???
|???
|
|-
|PNV-57AK
|0
|Same as the PNV-57A, but in a box containing two units
|
|-
|PNW-2
|Unknown, but presumably 0
|Unit of Polish origin similar to PNV-57, except that it is a monocular with an adjustable mount. Included in the transport box are two separate monoculars. Very uncommon.<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/NightVision/comments/x94cfa/strange_russian_goggle/</ref>
|
|-
|PNV-57H
|0
|Czech handheld clone of the PNV-57A
Uses a much larger power supply

Large IR lamp fitted to top of unit

Presumably uses the same V1PM tubes as the default Czechoslovak PNV-57 made by [[Tesla]]. [https://forum.astronomie.de/threads/infrarot-nachtsichtgeraet-nachtsichtbrille-pnv-57-binokular.344107/]
|
|-
|PNV-57K
|0
|???
|
|-
|PNV-57T
|0
|Identical to the PNV-57AK, but in a wooden crate marked accordingly
|
|-
|PNV-57E
|1/0+
|Visually and functionally distinct to PNV-57A models.
Looks like two irregularly shaped cylinders with a large protrusion on the upper side, nearer to the eyepieces. 

The unit is painted a green - brown colour, similar to some versions of the PNV-57A

Sometimes seen converted to handheld use, with a power supply mounted on top of the binoculars

Uses generation-1/0+ V-8 tubes. <ref name=":2">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LfyEFIjfgo&t=3s</ref>

Doesn't have the CBK-1 high voltage rectifiers included, as the power supply is different internally.

The device also comes with UFS-8 and KF-19 light blockers and their respective mounts. 

It lacks the grease, as field disassembly was rendered pointless by removal of the rectifiers. <ref name=":1" />
|
|-
|PNV-57EM
|1/0+
|Modernised version of the PNV-57E.
Unlike other versions, the power supply for this variant has a battery compartment, eliminating the need for a separate battery pack.

The binoculars are slightly shorter than the PNV-57E, the front lenses replaced with a shorter version with adjustable focus

Uses upgraded V-8A tubes made by [[Ekran Optical Systems|Ekran]]. <ref name=":2" />
|
|-
|PNV-57ET
|1/0+
|Same as the PNV-57E, but in a box containing two units
|
|-
|PNV-57ETC
|???
|???
|
|-
|PNW-57M
|[[16mm]] generation-2/3 tubes
|Uses the same body as the PNW-57, but different lenses. <ref>http://www.opticstrade.cz/night-vision-devices/pnv-57-m-en/</ref>
The device is of Polish origin, this is certain because of the PNW designation.

The device appears to have removed the bulky transformer (Batteries mounted in the former cable spot?)

The device was also in service with Polish artillery units. <ref>http://pzo.warszawa.pl/oferta/optoelektronika-dla-artylerii/152-mm-ahs-dana/</ref>

The device was created to be compatible with existing surplus PNV-57 accessories. <ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/UssrNvgResearchGroup/comments/1az60vn/what_are_theese_are_theese_gen1_or_gen0/</ref>
|
|-
|BNO
|1/0+
|Magnified binocular version of the PNV-57E
Different front lens design

Power supply, battery compartment and IR illuminator mounted in a long tube mounted on top of the device
|
|-
|BN2
|1/0+
|Similar to the BNO, but with different front lenses and no IR illuminator
|
|}

== References ==
<references />
[[Category:Devices]]