Soviet/Russian Tank Sight Collection


This is a comprehensive list of Soviet/Russian tank sights. This list includes many production sights and limited production batches. 


Note, this list will be expanded and reworked over time, depending on newly discovered information, in addition, this list will be expanded with more vehicles in the future.)

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Publications Used:
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OPTICAL OBSERVATION DEVICES


TKN-3, TKN-3M, TKN-3MK

TKN-3M

The TKN type combined binocular periscopes are intended for battlefield observation, terrain navigation and target designation in both day and night conditions. TKN devices are installed on T-72, T-64, T-62, T-55 tanks. 

The main difference between the night vision devices TKN-3, TKN-3M, and TKN-3MK is that they are fitted with image-converter tubes of different generations featuring different technical characteristics. 

TKN-3 night vision device uses a Gen. 0 image-converter. Its night channel mode only functions in active mode. 

TKN-3M version uses a Gen. I image-converter tube. Its night channel operates both in active and passive modes. Some of the sights were provided with a sighting reticle for firing a PKT machine gun. 

TKN-3MK version used a Gen. II+ image-converter tube.  Its night channel operates both in active and passive modes. Additional an OU-3GK infrared searchlight can be used to illuminate targets. 

The 3 different variants of the TKN-3 are all interchangeable. All sights support different filters, eyepiece heaters and an iris in the night channel. 

Sight characteristics:


TKN-AI

TKN-AI inside of modernized BMP-2M

The TKN-AI commander's periscope is intended for battlefield observation, terrain navigation and target designation in both day and night conditions, and measurement of target range with a ranging reticle. 

TKN-AI dimensions are identical to the TKN-3 family. The commander's periscope is fitted with a Gen.II+  image-converter tube and a laser illuminator. 

The 2 reticles operate in 2 different ways. One of the reticles is intended for measuring angles and the other is for measuring target range. The electro-optical night channel has an angle-measuring reticle and a five-digit indicator that displays the current operating mode and target range in meters. 

Additionally, the electro-optical channel features a passive jam-protected mode used in twilight and under continuous light interference and an active pulse mode, which gives a two-fold increase in operating range, detects enemies electro-optical devices by the glare of their optics at a distance of up to 3000m.

Sight characteristics:


TKN-1SM


The TKN-1SM commander's periscope is primarily designed for night operations. It is equipped on
T-55 tanks, their later modifications and armoured personnel carriers such as BTR-60. The sight replaces old TKN-1S, TKN-1BS and TKN-1TS observation devices. 

The TKN-1SM is a periscopic sighting device fitted with a Gen II+ image-converter tube, allowing the sight to operate in passive mode and jam-protected mode. 

For the commander's comfort, the device is fitted with a binocular eyepiece allowing him to carry out observation with two eyes. The eyepieces have a heating circuit and an illuminated reticle. The brightness of the reticle can be adjusted depending on ambient light levels. 

Sight characteristics: 


TVK-1, TVK-2, TVK-3


The TVK-1, TVK-2 and TVK-3 day/night driver viewers are intended to replace the separate day and night devices used in older armoured fighting vehicles. Fitted with either a Gen II+ or Gen III image-converter tube, the TVK series viewers offer different things.

Replace the older TNPO-16, TNPO-170 and TNP-350B and the night viewers TVNE-1P and TVN-5 observation devices.  

The sights also offer an increased view range at night from 50-70 meters to around 250 meters without the usage of an illuminator of illuminated surroundings. Increased resistance of the night channel against flashes, fire, searchlights and expanded the dynamic range of operating illumination to 1000 lx

Quick mode switching between day and night channels using a knob. 

Sight characteristic: 


1PN22M2M


The 1PN22M2M periscopic sight is designed for terrain observation and for targetting the 2A28 gun. Additionally, the sight is utilized for guiding ATGMs from the BMP-1. 

1PN22M2M is based on the 1PN22M2, but uses a Gen II+ image-converter tube, providing higher image quality.

Sight characteristics: 


1PN61 Battlefield surveillance periscope


The 1PN61 periscope is designed for operation under ambient night illumination and in full darkness with an illuminator. It is used as part of electro-optical systems "Nard", "Rys" and PRP-4M "Deitrei". 

1PN61 allows range measurement and indicates it in digital form on a remote display. 

Sight characteristics: 


TVN-5, TVN-5L


The TVN-5 and TVN-5L night vision devices are designed for driving armoured vehicles during night conditions. An IRL searchlight and an IR filter can be fitted to the sight to increase visibility in conditions with the illumination of less than 3 x 10-3 lx. 

The TVN-5 is primarily mounted on tanks, while TVN-5L is mounted on lighter vehicles such as the BMP-3 and other light armoured vehicles.  

Sight characteristics:


MK-4


The MK.4 is a prismatic all-round indirect vision device for terrain observation. To increase the FoV in the vertical axis, the sight block can be turned to its horizontal axis to widen the FoV.

Sight characteristics: 


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UPGRADED NIGHT VISION DEVICES: 

[TPN-1K/TPN-1KS, TPN-3K/TPN-3KS, 1K13K/1K13KS/1K13D, 1PN22K/1PN22KS, BPK-2K/BPK-2KS/BPK-2KI]

The listed sights are intended to improve the tactical and technical characteristics of organic gunner's sight and dramatically enhance the capabilities of armoured fighting (vehicles tanks and IFVs). Modernization of sights includes the replacement of their image-converter tube with a new Gen II+ ICT on sight (Variant K) or Gen III ICT on sight (Variant KS). 

The 1K13D sight considerably extends the operational capabilities of the carrier's fire-control systems and measures target range with an in-built laser rangefinder with an accuracy of ~10m. 

The BPK-2KI sight can receive power from a built-in battery when the vehicles power supply system fails. 

Sight characteristics: 


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SIGHTS FOR ARMOURED VEHICLES: 


AGAT-S


AGAT-S commander's observation sighting and viewing periscope is designed for terrain observation, detection and recognition of moving and stationary targets, for conducting fire from the main, from the coaxial machine gun by day and night, while the tank is moving or stationary. 

The sight incorporates a manual aiming angle-setting mechanism and range-measuring scales. AGAT-S is part of the 1A45 fire-control system which is present on T-80U and T-90 tanks. 

Sight characteristics: 


AGAT-M
T01-K04

AGAT-M commander's day/night periscope is designed for battlefield surveillance, detection and recognition of moving and stationary targets. Additionally, it is used for conducting fire from the main gun and from the coaxial machine gun during day and night conditions. 

The AGAT-M periscope has optical channels: 
  • Zero-magnification (Z-MAG) day channel and multiple-magnification (M-MAG) day channel.
  • Night channel incorporates a wide-aperture lens and a Gen III image-converter tube (ICT) 
AGAT-M offers: 
  • Increased range when using the passive mode
  • Even resolution over the entire field of view
  • Increased resistance to flashes and bright light sources
  • Automatic brightness control of ICT for different time conditions and illumination conditions 

Sight characteristics: 


Buran-PA

Buran-PA gunner's night sighting system is designed for battlefield observation, detection and recognition of moving and stationary targets, for conducting aimed fire from the main gun and from the coaxial machine gun at night and twilight. 

Buran-PA is part of the T-80Us early 1A38 FCS and part of a small batch on T-90 tanks with 1A45T FCS.

Buran-M

The Buran-PA gunner's night sighting device is designed for battlefield observation, detection and recognition of moving and stationary targets during day/night conditions. 

The sight incorporates a wide-aperture lens and a 3rd generation ICT. 
Buran-M provides the gunner with: 
  • Increased vision range in passive mode
  • Even resolution over the entire field of view
  • Increased resistance to flashes and bright lights
  • Automatic brightness controls for ICT

Sight characteristics: 


TPD-K1
(Gunner's laser ranging sight)



The TPD-K1 tank gunner's laser ranging sight is designed for battlefield observation and recognition of moving and stationary targets during day/day conditions. 
One of the main features which 1A40-1 offered was the ability to generate a lateral lead correction when a moving target is being aimed at. 

TPD-K1 was primarily mounted on T-64, T-80 and T-72 tanks. 


Sight characteristics: 


PNK-4S

The PNK-4S (PNK-4SR) periscope is a commanders observation device. 
The PNK-4SR periscope incorporates the TKN-4SR combined night sight. The TKN-4S and TKN-4SR sights differ from each other in their design of the night channels. 
  • The TKN-4S sight is based on a two-channel Gen 1 ICT
  • The TKN-4SR sight is based on a Gen 2 ICT. 

The TKN-4SR is an upgraded version of the TKN-4S model. This variant offers: 
  • Allows the observation of terrain under low ambient illumination
  • Automatic brightness controls for ICT to prevent bright sources of light from blinding the view
  • Provides contrast images over the entire field of view
The TKN-4S sight provides:
  • Designation of targets for the gunner
  • Observation of air targets within the limits of the forward-facing mirror tilt angle 

Sight characteristics:



T01-K01/T01-K01T/T01-K01R

TKN-4G/TKN-4GA

The TKN-4G and TKN-4GA sights are designed for installation on all types of armoured fighting vehicles. The TKN-4GA is equipped on the BTR-80A armoured personnel carrier (where it replaces the 1P3-9 and TPN3-42). 

The TKN-4G and TKN-4GA sights incorporate a zero-magnification day channel and multiple-magnification combined channel. The multiple-magnification combined channel can be used in both day and night conditions. This is achieved through the usage of an ICT Gen (X) module or collecting lens. The sights can also be equipped with light filters to protect the operator's eyes from getting blinded by laser beams. 

The main differences between the TKN-4G and TKN-4GA sights are:
  • Different mounting dimensions 
  • different carrier-to-head cover levers
  • TKN-4G is equipped with a special reticle to fire 30mm autocannon, while TKN-4GA uses a reticle for using 12.7mm heavy MG.

Sight characteristics:


1PN96

1P67

1PN71

TPN-1K


The TPN-1K upgraded night vision sight was designed to enhance the operational capabilities of T-55, T-62 and T-64 tanks under low ambient light level illumination. The TPN-1K fitted the standard TPN-1 sight mount. While the previous generation sight used an older generation ICT tube, the new upgraded version could be outfitted with either Gen II+ or Gen III ICT. Additionally, the sight could be equipped with an improved IR illuminator, which delivered 0.15W of emitted power. 

Sight characteristics: 


TPN-3K

1K13-2 "Bug"

1K13

TPN-3

BPK-2

The BPK-2 sight was designed to be installed in BMP-2 IFV and BMD APV vehicles. The sight offered the ability to observe the battlefield using passive/active modes during the night. BPK-2 did not offer an inbuilt rangefinder, instead used a ranging scale inbuilt into the optics. 

Sight characteristics: 

PPN-D "Sozh"


FIRE CONTROL SYSTEMS: 


1A33

1A33-1

1A33-2

1A33A-2

1A34M 

1A40-1M

1A40-2M

1A42

1A42-2M

1A43

Sighting system (AL1. 335. 006). Application: FCS 1A42 ("Irtysh"), FCS tanks T-72AG, T-72AMG, T-72UMG. Composition: wind sensor 1B11, roll sensor 1B43, switch block 1V216, 1V216M or 1V216M-1, ballistic computer 1V517 (early batches), 1V517M (T-72AG, T-72AMG, T-72UMG tanks), 1V528 (T-80U tank (Object 219AS), 1V528-1 (T-64U tanks (Object 447AM-1), T-80UD (Object 478B)), T-90 (Object 188), T-90A (Object 188A1)) or 1B528-2 (tanks T-90S (Object 188S), T-90SA (Object 188SA)), sight-rangefinder-tracking device 1G46

The 1A43 Fire-Control System was used to carry out: 
  • Search, detect and identify stationary and mobile targets
  • Offer 2-Plain stabilization paired with the main gun
1A43 featured an integrated laser rangefinder, automated target lead, provide commands for the autoloader to provide specific shells. Additionally, this FCS offered the usage of an inbuilt ballistics computer, that would generate ballistics for different shells being loaded. 

The 1A43 FCS consisted of; 
  • Daylight optomechanical sight with a variable FoV adjustment, from 20 (with a magnification of x2.7) to 4.5 (with a magnification of x12)
  • 2-Plain gyroscopic stabilizer paired with gun line of sight 
  • Inbuilt laser rangefinder 
  • Laser-beam riding rocket guidance module
  • Sight head protective glass and eyepiece heating device 
  • Manual range setting device 
  • Sighting, rangefinder, and laser beam channel calibration devices
  • Line of sight and main gun bore alignment device 

Sight characteristics: 

1A45

1A45-1

1A45M

1A45T


Thermal Observation Devices and Multichannel Observation Devices


TPV-module compact thermal imaging module

The TPV module is a thermal imaging module designed to be equipped on the Bakcha-U combined day/night gunner's sight. The sight can be used for retrofitting airborne assault and infantry fighting vehicles and T-72 tanks as part of an upgrade program. 

Sight characteristics: 


T01-P06 "Nocturne"


T01-P06 "Nocturne" is a tank-mounted thermal-imaging sight. The sight was designed for battlefield observation, surveillance, detection, and recognition of mobile and stationary targets. 

The sight could be fitted onto the T-72 when modernizing the 1A40 FCS and replacing the 1K13 auxiliary night sight. 

Sight characteristics: 




Sight characteristics: 

T01-P05 "Progress-2"

Sight System "Rubezh"

Multichannel Gunner's sight 'Sosna'

Multichannel Gunner's sight 'Sosna-U'

Multichannel Gunner's sight 'Buklet'

Thermal Imaging sight "Tisas"

The "Tisas" thermal imaging sight was created to be fitted on T-72M1 tanks, replacing the older TPN electrooptical auxiliary night sights. 

"Tisas" offered: 
  • Detection and identification of stationary and mobile targets in day/night and different weather conditions.
  • Rigid physical coupling with main FCS and gun. 
  • Provide important service information on the main display such as; target range, type of ammunition loaded. 
"Tisas" advantages: 
  • Optical detection range of 5000m
  • Day/Night capabilities
  • Absence of emitted thermal signatures during night operations
  • Generation and input of ballistic corrections for different ammunition types 
"Tisas" is composed of: 
  • Thermal-imaging channel consisting of a thermal imaging camera and a gunner's control panel 
  • Gunner's and commander's viewers 
  • Roll sensors 
Sight characteristics: 


Thermal Imaging sight "Plisa"

The 'Plisa' thermal imaging sight was created to be mounted on T-80U variants, such as the T-80UE-1. 

The sight allowed the gunner to perform terrain surveillance, detect targets and acquire them at longer ranges. 'Plisa' also provided the commander with a duplication sight allowing him to fire with the main weapon system. 

Sight characteristics: 


Thermal Imaging sight "ESSA"

Thermal Imaging sight Vesna-K

PPNK
(Commanders panoramic surveillance device) 

Thermal Imaging sight IRBIS-K
The Irbis-K thermal imaging sight is a tank-mounted system, primarily for Object 188 (T-90). The sight is intended to provide improved combat observation, target observation, target detection, target identification, and target engagement. 

Sight characteristics: 


Commander's thermal imaging sight AGAT-MDT
T01-K04DT


The T01-K04DT commander's thermal imaging sight is designed to replace standard commander's night vision observation devices on; T-72, T-80, and T-90 tanks. The sight features a new 640x512 pixel matrix plate, domestically produced in Russia by the "Orion" joint-stock company. Additionally, the sight incorporates an integrated laser rangefinder. 

Sight characteristics: 



Multichannel Gunner's sight "Sodema"
(PPND B03S03)
The PPND B03S03 "Sodema" multi-channel gunner's sight is made for the modernization of BMP-3 IFVs. "Sodema" replaces the "Sozh" and "Vesna-K" sight systems and drastically improves the vehicle's observation range, due to the usage of the Catherine-FC thermal imaging module. Additionally, the sight features an inbuilt laser rangefinder and an inbuilt ATGM guidance module. 

The whole sight system consists of a thermal imaging channel, laser-rangefinder channel, ATGM guidance channel, computing block with a control pane, and video output screen. 


Sight characteristics: 


TKN-4GA-03

The TKN-4GA-03 thermal combined universal sight is designed for conducting surveillance in combat conditions, searching, detecting, identifying targets and providing the ability to fire 30mm autocannons (2A72, 2A42, etc.) and a PKT(M) machine gun, all in day/night conditions. 

The modification of the TKN-4GA-03 is an upgraded TKN-4GA-02 sight with a VPS control unit and an all-day thermal imaging channel placed in the housing (instead of a combined day-night EOP). The use of a thermal imaging channel in the TKN-4GA-03 sight makes it possible to carry out surveillance, conduct targeted firing at ground and air targets around the clock, including in adverse conditions:
  • Smoke
  • Fog 
  • Dust
  • Snowfall
  • Rain

The TKN-4GA-03 sight provides an increased targetting and detection range, almost by 1.5-2 times compared to the serial product sights, regardless of the level of external illumination, time of day, seasonal and weather conditions, and features of the combat situation on the ground, when using only the passive mode.

The sight is designed for installation on wheeled armoured personnel carriers such as BTR-80, BTR-82, BTR-82A, as well as in other vehicles such as BMP, BMD, MT-LBM, PT.

The TKN-4GA-03 sight consists of:
- Thermal multiple-magnification channel
- Day channel with zero-magnification

Sight characteristics: 

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