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 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).

Variants

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. 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.	Czechoslovakian PNV-57 made in 1968
PNW-57/PNW-57A	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 difference between PNW-57 and PNW-57A are not yet fully clear. The device uses W1P/W1PM tubes of indigenous production.
PNV-57A	0	Same as the PNV-57, but uses a different transformer. The transformer replaced the obsolete CBK-1 kenotrons with modern diodes. The cables also come out at an angle to avoid them getting damaged by long term storage.
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. Sometimes the kit has a tank helmet with a specialized mount on it. The mount in question appears to have an adjustable IPD. Rarely, there's also a bridge of two pods possibly called PNV-4.
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.
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. 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.
PNV-57EH	1/0+	Recon variant presumably made in Czechoslovakia.
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.
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. 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. The device was created to be compatible with existing surplus PNV-57 accessories.
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