WARRIOR: 1PN138 - Night vision for Russians

During the war in Ukraine, we see many videos, but one thing has been particularly reserved so far: the action at night. Normally, however, the Russian army should also be capable of fighting at night. The 1PN138 is the standard night vision device that belongs to the Ratnik.

This is the complete set with helmet and additional weapon mount. 1PN138 is the Ratnik designation, MN120 is what the manufacturer calls it.

If someone now says that the whole thing is reminiscent of a PVS14, then that is probably not entirely a coincidence. Device data:

Field of view: 40 degrees
Lenses: focal length / aperture 27.5mm / 1: 1.2
Batteries: AA, 1.5V or CR123 3V
Diopter adjustment: -5 to +5
Eye relief: 25 mm
Operating time: not less than 60 hours
Temperature range: -40 to +50 ºC
Dimensions: 120 * 70 * 52 mm
Weight: 350 g

Thankfully, there are people who have looked through and filmed with the 1PN138. After all, a night vision device is only as good as the tube inside it. In terms of performance, the device is roughly equivalent to a Gen 3 night vision monocular from the West.

Green tube, green night. But quite OK for regular troops. However, in two months of war in Ukraine, we have not seen a single image with this night vision device. At the same time, we can also assume that - especially Spetsnaz - have better binoculars with more modern tubes.

The mount for the helmet doesn't look unreasonable, much lighter than a J-Arm for a PVS14.

And that is the brochure for the device.

Here are the technical specifications. You can find the civilian MN120 HERE.

More GEAR GUIDE: DAS RUSSISCHE RATNIK-SYSTEM