UANVM Tanto | 50 hours of continuous operation at only 7.52 Oz

• The Nocturn Industries UANVM Tanto is an ultralight night vision monocular engineered to provide a critical tactical advantage by minimizing headborne weight while delivering elite, customizable performance. Its key differentiator is a dual-focus on adaptability: the modular TAPB "Daisho" bridge system allows it to become a true articulating binocular, while its compatibility with various top-tier intensifier tubes allows operators to specify performance. Operators depend on the Tanto to maintain peak situational awareness, free from the fatigue of heavier devices and confident in the customized, high-FOM imagery their mission demands.
• Elite Performance Options: Configure your Tanto with a range of professional-grade, white phosphor image intensifier tubes from leading suppliers. Options include imported Autogated Gen 2+ (1600+ FOM), Elbit Systems (2000-2300+ FOM), and elite L3Harris Unfilmed 20UA and Supergain variants (2300-2750+ FOM), allowing you to tailor the unit's clarity and low-light performance directly to your operational needs.
• Unmatched Lightweight Design: Achieving a system weight as low as 7.52 ounces, the Tanto utilizes ultralight components, including a rugged, 1.2 oz CAGE-coded lens assembly. This significant weight reduction drastically reduces operator neck strain and improves agility for longer, more effective field use without physical penalty.
• Seamless System Adaptability: The Tanto functions as a standalone monocular compatible with standard PVS-14 J-Arms or seamlessly transforms into an articulating binocular using the optional TAPB "Daisho" bridge. This modularity provides operators with a versatile system that can be adapted to any mission requirement in the field.
• Extended Operational Endurance: A single, common CR123A battery powers the device for over 50 hours of continuous runtime. This ensures reliable, uninterrupted performance throughout multi-night operations, reducing logistical burden and increasing operator confidence.

Nocturn Industries Tanto Review

What are some common accessories to add to the Nocturn Industries Tanto?

Helmet Platforms for the Tanto PVS 14 Style NVG

• Ops-Core FAST SF Gen 2: Provides a premier mounting platform for the Tanto, offering a fusion of ballistic protection and lightweight design. Its high-cut shell ensures maximum compatibility with mission-critical gear.
• Galvion Caiman Ballistic: Delivers a highly stable and secure foundation for your night vision system. The Caiman is engineered for demanding environments, providing robust protection and operator comfort for extended use.
• Team Wendy EXFIL SL: Offers an exceptionally lightweight yet protective helmet system, ideal for missions where agility is paramount. Its integrated shroud ensures a solid, reliable interface for your mount and Tanto.

Mounting Solutions for Tanto PVS 14 Style NVG

• Wilcox G24 Mount: The industry-standard breakaway mount for night vision. It provides a highly secure and adjustable connection to the helmet, allowing for precise vertical, tilt, and fore/aft positioning of the Tanto for optimal eye relief.
• Wilcox J-Arm: A rugged and reliable interface for mounting a single Tanto monocular to the Wilcox G24. It enables swift articulation and allows the device to be stowed securely against the helmet when not in use.
• Nocturn Industries Daisho Bridge: The ultimate force multiplier for the Tanto system. This proprietary bridge allows you to pair two Tanto monoculars into a single, true articulating binocular, offering enhanced depth perception and dual-tube capability with minimal added weight.

System Balancing for the Tanto PVS 14 Style NVG

• Ops-Core Counterweight: Optimizes system balance and reduces neck strain during extended operations. This modular weight kit attaches securely to the rear of FAST series helmets, perfectly offsetting the forward weight of the Tanto for improved comfort and stability.
• Team Wendy Counterweight: Engineered to integrate seamlessly with EXFIL helmets, this counterweight kit provides a customizable solution to balance your headborne system. Proper balance enhances operator comfort and endurance, allowing you to stay focused on the mission.

Tanto Night Vision Features & Specifications

The Nocturn Industries U.A.N.V.M. "Tanto" directly addresses the critical need for a lightweight, mission-adaptable night vision system. Its primary value is delivering elite optical performance in an ultralight package, which significantly reduces operator fatigue and enhances battlefield mobility. What makes the Tanto essential is its dual-focus on adaptability: its housing is not only part of the modular "Daisho" bridge system for binocular conversion, but it also serves as a platform for a wide range of user-selectable, high-performance white phosphor image intensifier tubes. This allows operators to build a tool perfectly optimized for their specific operational requirements, from Figure of Merit (FOM) to budget, without accepting the penalty of a heavy, one-size-fits-all device.

Nocturn Tanto Key Features

• Mission-Configurable Performance: The Tanto housing accepts a wide array of top-tier 18mm image intensifier tubes, allowing operators to prioritize performance or budget. Available configurations include imported Gen 2+ autogated tubes, as well as high-performance Elbit Systems and elite L3Harris unfilmed white phosphor options.
• Ultralight CAGE-Coded Optics: The system utilizes a rugged, CAGE-coded 1.2 oz lens assembly, contributing to an operational weight as low as 7.52 ounces. This minimizes strain and enhances operator agility.
• Modular "Daisho" Bridge System: The Tanto is designed to function as a standalone monocular or be paired with a second unit via the optional TAPB "Daisho" bridge, creating a true, fully articulating binocular system for enhanced depth perception.
• Uncompromising Durability: Built to operate in the most severe conditions, the high-impact polymer housing is MIL-STD-810H rated for shock and environmental resistance and is IP68+ certified for submersion.
• Seamless Integration: The housing is compatible with standard PVS-14 J-Arms and other mounting accessories, ensuring it can be immediately integrated into existing helmet and equipment setups.

Nocturn Tanto Specifications

• Physical
  
  • Operational Weight: As low as 7.52 oz (213 g)
  • Lens Assembly: CAGE-coded, 1.2 oz
  • Housing Material: High-Impact Polymer Composite
  • Available Colors: Black.
• Power
  
  • Battery Type: One (1) CR123A
  • Battery Life: 50+ Hours
• Durability
  
  • Waterproof Rating: IP68+
  • Environmental & Impact Rating: MIL-STD-810H
  • Warranty: Lifetime Repair or Replacement
• Performance Options (All White Phosphor)
  
  • Imported Gen 2+: 1600+ FOM, Autogated
  • Elbit Systems Grade A: 2000-2300 FOM
  • Elbit Systems Grade B: 2300+ FOM
  • L3Harris 20UA Unfilmed: 2300+ FOM
  • L3Harris 20UA Supergain: 2750+ FOM

What's in the box of the Nocturn Tanto?

• (1) Nocturn Industries U.A.N.V.M. "Tanto" Monocular
• (1) Image Intensifier Tube Specification Sheet
• (1) Tactical Soft Carrying Case
• (1) Operator's Manual
• (1) CR123A Battery
• (1) Optical Lens Cloth

Tanto NVG FAQs

What is the primary advantage of the Tanto over other monoculars? 

The Tanto's core advantage is its combination of an extremely lightweight design and true system adaptability. At as little as 7.52 ounces, it drastically reduces headborne weight, which increases operator endurance and mobility. This is achieved without sacrificing durability, and its ability to be bridged into a true articulating binocular makes it a uniquely versatile and future-proof platform.

Can the Tanto be converted into a binocular? 

Yes. The Tanto is specifically designed as part of a modular system. Using the optional Nocturn Industries TAPB "Daisho" articulating bridge, two individual Tanto monoculars can be mounted together to form a true articulating binocular. This provides the operator with the depth perception of a dedicated binocular system while retaining the flexibility to separate them back into two monoculars.

What are my options for image intensifier tubes? 

You can configure the Tanto with a range of top-tier, white phosphor image intensifier tubes to match your specific performance needs and budget. We offer a spectrum of options including imported Autogated Gen 2+ (1600+ FOM), high-performance Elbit Systems tubes (2000-2300+ FOM), and elite L3Harris Unfilmed and Supergain variants (2300-2750+ FOM). Each unit's specific performance specifications are available for review.

What is FOM (Figure of Merit) and why is it important? 

Figure of Merit, or FOM, is a number used to quickly judge the overall performance of an image intensifier tube. It is calculated by multiplying the tube's resolution (lp/mm) by its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In practical terms, a higher FOM indicates a cleaner, sharper image, especially in very dark conditions. It is the primary metric for comparing the performance of different intensifier tubes.

What are the differences between the available lens options?

• CAGE-coded Mil-Spec Optics: The baseline configuration, these lenses meet stringent military specifications for durability and optical clarity. They provide a clear, crisp 40° field of view and represent the standard for rugged, reliable performance.
  
• RPO 3.0 Ultralight Optics: Engineered for maximum weight savings, these Rochester Precision Optics (RPO) lenses reduce the objective lens assembly weight to just 1.2 oz. This option is critical for achieving the Tanto's lightest possible configuration (7.52 oz), making it the premier choice for operators who prioritize mobility and reduced neck strain.
  
• Photonis Defense 50° FOV Optics: For operators who require maximum situational awareness, these "Boomslang" lenses from Photonis expand the standard 40° field of view by 25% to a full 50°. This significant increase allows for faster environmental scanning and target acquisition, with a slight weight increase compared to the RPO Ultralight option.

How durable is the Tanto housing? 

The Tanto is built for severe-duty use. Its high-impact polymer housing is certified to the MIL-STD-810H standard for shock, drop, and environmental resistance, and carries an IP68+ waterproof rating, ensuring it can withstand full submersion. It is a ruggedized tool designed for reliability in unforgiving conditions.

What do I need to mount the Tanto to a helmet? 

The Tanto is compatible with any standard PVS-14 style J-Arm for use as a monocular. When used in a binocular configuration with the Daisho bridge, the bridge features a standard dovetail interface for mounting to G24-style helmet mounts. This ensures seamless integration with industry-standard equipment.

How do I order a configuration with RPO lenses or a custom color that isn't listed in stock? 

We accommodate special orders for specific configurations not currently listed in our inventory, including units with RPO 3.0 Ultralight lenses and non-standard housing colors. These builds are handled through a Request for Quote (RFQ) process to ensure we meet your exact specifications.

To initiate a special order, please contact our support team directly. In your request, please specify the housing color, lens type (RPO Ultralight), and your desired image intensifier tube performance characteristics. Our team will then provide you with a customized quote detailing the price and estimated lead time for your specific build.

Where can I purchase the Nocturn Industries Tanto?

The Nocturn Industries Tanto is available exclusively through a network of authorized dealers to ensure quality and authenticity.

Atomic Defense is a premier authorized dealer for Nocturn Industries. Purchasing directly from us ensures you receive a genuine, factory-new device backed by the full manufacturer's warranty. You will also receive our expert customer support, providing you with assistance and confidence both before and after your purchase.