Stand – alone

Day – night gunner’s sight

DNNS – 1 AI

OPERATING MANUAL
 1 APPLICATION AND TECHNICAL DATA

1.1 Application

DNNS-1AI Stand-alone Day-night gunner’s sight, is intended for surveillance,

distance to target measurement , and target sighting in the course of firing from
T-55 tank at the halt, during day and night under conditions of meteorological
visibility.

DNNS-1AI Sight complement consists of :

− Day-night sight with Laser Rangefinder,
− Power supply block with pertaining cables,
− Protective cap with cleaning system,
− Linkage.

Appearance of the Sight complement is shown in Figures 1 and 2 .

1.2 Description

DNNS-1AI Sight is an optoelectronic device that incorporates :

− Optical system with four parallel channels : day, night, laser transmitter and
laser receiver;
− Movable mirror with protective cap;
− Laser rangefinder ;
− Mechanisms for angle transmission in elevation (from gun to movable mirror);
− Rectification mechanisms – for azimuth and elevation ;
− Reticle for day channel and reticle projector for night channel ;
− Display for presentation of sighting parameters into the day eyepiece ;
− Gunner’s panel with controls for activation of individual funtions;
− Exterior protective cap with the system for cleaning and washing of protective
glass.

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 Power supply and control block is a
secondary supply source that provides all
voltages requisite for Sight operations and
enables decoding and data presentation
on the Sight eyepiece display and on its
own display for the tank commander.
Cables are used to connect the Power
supply block to the Sight, and to the direct
current power supply source (storage
battery on the tank) .

Protective cap with cleaning system is the

armored protected housing that protect
outer parts of the Sight from damage and
also enables cleaning of the front window
with the wiper and the jet of water.

A Linkage is mechanical connection

between gun and Sight and allows
transmission of the gun movements to the
movable mirror.

1.3 Technical data

1.3.1 DNNS-1AI

Day channel

- type …………………………………………...........…… monocular

- magnification………………………………............…… 3x and 7x
- field of view……………………………………….......... 9° i 20°
- resolution …………………………………………........ < 8” i < 20”

Night channel

- type …………………………………………………… passsive II gen., 25 mm

- magnification ………………………………………... 9,5 x
- field of view ……………………………………….…. 5,5°

Angle laying

- range of angle laying for elevation ……………… -5° to + 20°

- accuracy ………….........................................….. <0,3 mrad
- rectification range :
- in elevation …………………… 0-10
- in azimuth…………………...… 0-03

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 Laser rangefinder

- type …………………………………………........…. YAG:Nd

- wavelength ……………………………………….... 1064μm
- measurement range ……………………………… 240-9999 m
- accuracy …………………………………………… ±5m
- target resolution …………………………………… < 30 m

1.3.2 Power supply and Control Block

- operating voltage …………………………….…… 26 V

- secondary voltages …………………………….… 26; 15; 9,5; 2,65 V
- other functions …………………………… Data processing and presentation

2 EXECUTION AND DESCRIPTION

2.1 Execution

DNNS – 1AI Sight (Figure 3) consists of two

main modules:
main sight and its lower section that are
mutually linked by the use of the base ring so
that, after fitting, Sight head will remain outside
and the lower section inside the turret.

Mechanical connection with the gun is

implemented via linkage.

Supply and control block is executed as a

separate unit that is mounted on the turret left-
hand side and then by the use of cables,
connected with the storage battery and the
Sight.

2.2 Description

Main component parts of the Sight are:

- Sight head;
- Lower section consisting of:
- Optical system;
- Laser range finder;
- Linkage;
- Gunner’s panel;
- Protective cap.

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2.2.1 Sight Head

Sight head contains a movable mirror inside of the protective casing.

The movable mirror (Figure 4) represents the optical mirror through which the target
image (terrain) is projected into the optical system in the lower part of the Sight.
Over a Linkage, mirror rotate in elevation in accordance with elevation movement of
the gun , while by azimuth is rotatable within the scope of rectification.

Protective casing (Figure 5) represents the exterior body of the movable mirror fitted
with a protective glass at the inlet orifice.
For the needs of protective glass heating, a special heater is installed along the
glass rim.

2.2.2 Optical system

Optical system (Figures 6 and 7) is accommodated in the lower section of the Sight;
it consists of day channel, night channel and laser transmitting and receiving
channel.
A part of the optical system is shared by all four channels: the protective glass,
movable mirror and main objective. From there, optics is divided into the day and
night components– each with its separate eyepiece.

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 For change of magnification in the day branch, special handle is used for insertion of
lens assembly into the optical path .
Day branch is equipped with a reticle with appropriate graduation; for the night
branch, reticle projector is used to present the night reticle image.
The system is fitted with a green filter, night filter and a filter that protects the gunner
against the reflected laser beam.
Special optical assembly enables projection and presentation of sighting parameters
on the display located in the lower edge of the day eyepieces field of view.

2.2.3 Laser Rangefinder

Laser rangefinder is integrated in the lower Sight section. Laser beam coming from
the transmitter is focussed onto the target through a system of prisms, laser beam
expander and movable mirror; from the target, reflected laser radiation is focused on
the laser diode (via the receiving optics).
Based on the time elapsed after laser beam activation from the transmitter, and
detection of a target reflected radiation on receiving diode, laser measuring logics
will compute the range to the target .
This information is than passed to the supply & control block where decoding is
performed and then, data are communicated for display in the day eyepiece and on
the supply & control block

2.2.4 Linkage

Linkage (Item 3 in Figure 2) is a flexible leverage that serves as a mechanical

connection for transference of angle from the gun to the movable mirror.

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2.2.5 Gunner’s panel

Gunner’s panel (Figure 8) is a box that accommodates Sight controls. The panel is
equipped with switches for:
- Laser activation (LASER);
- Distance measurement (LASER FIRING);
- Switch-on of night branch and contrast adjustment (NIGHT CHANNEL);
- Setting the locked-on range and its display (DISPLAY and SETTING);
- Selection of reticle (RETICLE SELECTOR: NS and NS-1 for night and DS for day);
- Adjustment of display and reticle levels of brightness (BRIGHTNESS).

2.2.6 Protective cap

Protective cap (Figure 9) is the outer casing /housing/ made of armoured sheet-
metal. The cap is equipped with a motor with a wiper for cleaning of protective glass
on the Sight head.
The washing mechanism is actuated by the use of the control panel water pump
switch (Item 2, Figure 2) with the control panel also being fitted with a switch that
actuates the protective glass and eyepiece heaters.

2.3 Power Supply and Control Block

Power supply and control block (Figure 10) is a separate modul that accommodates
secondary voltage supply sources that are requisite for the Sight operation,
electronics block for data decoding, processing and display, and also with handling
switches.

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 The block is installed into the turret - by
the use of appropriate supports with
shock absorbers, and then connected,
by the use of pertaining connecting
cables, to the power supply source
inside the Tank and to the Sight.

3 HANDLING AND USAGE

DNNS – 1AI Sight complement is executed in the manner that enables ease of
handling in the course of surveillance, range measurement, sighting and firing.

3.1 Preparation for Operation

Prior to commencement of Sight operation, within the scope of activities related to

preparations for gun firing, it is necessary to carry out the following preliminary
steps:
− Adjust the eyepiece dioptric power to suit your eye (this is done by turning of
dioptric ring (Item 4, Figure 11);
− By bringing the handle (Item 5, Figure 11) into 3x position, set the magnification
into the surveillance position;
− When the environment is excessively sunlit so that the image “blazes”, turn the
handle (Item 2, Figure 11) and thus activate the green filter.

Within these preparatory activities it is also necessary to check-up the protective

glass on the Sight head for presence of dirt. Also, checkup the Sight for proper
rectification.
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3.2 Operation

After the above preparatory activities have been performed, switch on the Sight
power supply by activation of the switch “POWER” and placing the central rotary
switch to "OPERATION" on the Power supply&control block (Figure 10).
The gunner should now take a look through the eyepiece and shift the turret in
azimuth; he should have a broad field of view and see in the eyepiece the terrain
image, the reticle and a dark field in the lower section. It is in this field that the
sighting parameters will be displayed.
When a target is spotted, by the use of the selector handle, magnigication is to be
set to 7x.

Turning of the gun elevation actuating handle will result in turning of the Sight
movable mirror; in this manner, central sighting mark on the reticle will be brought
into alignment with the target.
Switch on the “LASER” switch on the Gunner’s panel and perform the “lasering” by
depressing the “LASER FIRING” switch (Figure 8).
After lasering, target range (expressed in meters) should be displayed in the
eyepiece, or first and second distance to target – in case of two targets. Distance
/range/ data should also be shown on the power supply & control block display (as
an information to the commander).

Setting the locked-on range is done by activation of the switches “DISPLAY” and
“SETTING” on Gunner’s panel, whereby the set value is displayed on the both
displays – in the eyepiece and the power supply & control block .

It is also been provided, by signaling with light-emitting diodes in

day eyepiece, and on the power supply & control block, information for following
parameters :
− Gun is being charged,
− Low laser output power,
− Target within locked-on range .

Layout and meaning of each of the Sight display symbols is shown in Figure 13.

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Based on the measured target range, the gunner will be in a position to do the
sighting; by turning the gun movement handle he will keep shifting in elevation the
movable mirror in the Sight head - until the reticle graduation mark that equals the
measured range and ammunition type, overlaps with the selected target.

In this manner, the gun will be set at an angle that coincides with the target
range and ready for firing.

Appearance of the day reticle is shown in Figure 14 and that of the night reticle in
Figure 15.

Оn the day reticle, there are graduated disks for HE, HEAT and MG (coupled
machine gun) ammunition. To denote relevant range, graduation sizes are marked
in hectometres.
Scale ranges are :
− 400 to 3000 m for HEAT
− 400 to 5000 m for HE
− 200 to 1600 m for MG
The amount of one notch is 200m, and labeled are notches for each 10 hm.

Night reticle has the graduation for HE and MG, but without numerical markings.
Selection of a reticles and adjustment of intensity of its brightness is carried out by
the use of the selector switch located on the gunner’s panel.

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 For operations that are to be performed in night conditions, the night channel of a
Sight should be activated first via the appropriate selector on the Gunner’s panel;
image intensifier enhancement is adjusted by turning of the same selector.
In case of too intense illumination of surroundings, the night filter should be
activated by depressing the button on the Sight lower surface (Item 2, Figure 12).

3.3 Rectification

In order that the sighting line can be aligned with the gun axis, the Sight is fitted with
mechanisms for rectification in azimuth and elevation (Figure 12).
Rectification is carried out by the use of rectification monocular; the rectification
monocular are placed in the gun barrel and the day reticle central sighting mark
(cross) should overlap with a chosen point target located at a distance of 1000 to
1200 meters.
If, when target is viewed through the rectification monoculars eyepiece, it is
established that the reticle cross-hairs do not coincide with the same point, the
gunner is directed how to move the gun until the monoculars reticle cross-hairs
overlap with the selected point target. Then, by shifting the rectification mechanism,
the gunner should turn the Sight head movable mirror until the central sighting mark
of the Sight reticle, too, coincides with the same point target.

3.4 Usage

DNNS – 1AI Sight is a device that is reliable and easy to operate, if handled
properly. Improper handling can result in damages that could affect the accuracy
and even make the Sight unusable.

To ensure permanent combat readiness and durability of the Sighting Device, due
care should be paid attention to the following issues:
− The Device must be mounted by a competent establishment in conformity with
the governing technology;
− No excessive force must be exerted on mechanisms and handles;
− When not in use, protective cover on the armoured cap must be kept shut at all
times;
− Protective glass in the Sight head must be kept clean;
− Excessive force must not be applied to linkage in any direction - neither when it
is being used nor when other works are performed in the tank;
− If any source of intensive point or enduring light occurs during operation under
night conditions, be sure to immediately turn off the night channel or to close the
cover on the armoured cap (Item 3, Figure 9);
− Be sure to always have the night filter switched on in day conditions.

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3.5 Preservation and Maintenance

Sight Device combat readiness is retained by proper handling, careful

transportation, skilful maintenance and timely overhaul.

To accomplish proper usage and maintenance objectives, be sure to adhere to the

following rules:

- The Sight should be kept clean. If it was exposed to water, snow or dust, the first
time an opportunity arises after cessation of operations, it is necessary to clean it
with a dry cloth; for cleaning of the optical surfaces, use the pertaining cleansing
accessories (soft brush);
- To remove dirt from optical surfaces, use soft hairbrush that belongs to the spare
tools and accessories kit and then, wipe it clean by the use of a dry flannel cloth.
Apply gentle circular motions and start the cleaning at the centre and move towards
the periphery of the optical surfaces;
- Optical surfaces of the Sight must not be touched with bare hands since the sweat
that can be present on the fingers causes corrosion in the optical glass layers due to
which, after some time, stains will appear that can never be removed;
- Removal of adhesives or lubricants is not allowed in order not to spoil the sealing
and anti-corrosion protection substances;
- Night filter must be switched on in daylight operating conditions;
- Desiccators, placed in the Sight lower section and in the protective cap, should be
checked-up on regular basis, replace desiccating substance if its colour turns pink;
- When operating the Laser Range Finder, pay attention to the following points:
No mechanical obstacles (such as tree branches or any other objects) should be
present at a distance of less than 200 meters from the tank. Laser radiation
reflected from a close target (mechanical obstacle) is hazardous to human sight and
can affect all crew members and other personnel in the vicinity of the tank – with the
exception of the gunner looking through the eyepiece who is automatically protected
by the filter inside the eyepiece which attenuates laser radiation by more than 1000x.
In the event of an uncontrolled discharge, not even the gunner will be protected
while not looking through the eyepiece.
Laser actions against close targets (less than the above specified range) can cause
permanent view impairment to the crew and the surrounding troops. Laser receiver
can also be damaged to the extent that the Sight would have to be dismounted and
taken for repair to the competent repair shop;
When the Sight is in operation and its laser range finder is being used, the crew is
forbidden to openly look in the direction of the Sight protective glass; any observer
whose eye happens to be on the direct route of a laser beam will suffer complete
and permanent blindness.
- In tank preparation for fording, pay attention not to have sealing grease come in
touch with the protective glass. Sealing grease should be used to seal only: the hole
through which the lid opening wire exits from its shielding (Item 3, Figure 9), the bolt
through which cables come out of the turret and the shield with the opening wire;
- Any Sight repairs are to be performed solely by the competent optical workshop.

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