The PNK-6 (Ukrainian: ПНК-6) is a Ukrainian commander's panoramic tank optic used on the T-84 Oplot-M tank. It was developed by the Sokol Central Design Bureau (TsKB Sokol) and later by its successor NPK Fotopribor (now part of UkrOboronProm) which produced the optic.[1][2][3] It combines features such as a day sight, a thermal sight and a laser rangefinder. It also features duplicate controls of the gunner's station, allowing the tank commander to operate the weaponry.[2]

PNK-6

While the T-84 Oplot-M has been the only application thus far, the optic has also been offered to be used on Ukrainian T-64B, T-72 and T-80 tanks.[citation needed]

Turret of the T-84 Oplot-M. The large PNK-6 can be seen on top.

Features and specifications

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The system has a two-axis stabilizer with a 0.05 milliradian error margin. It can traverse all around with a minimum elevation of -20° and a maximum of 60°. The daylight optic has three magnification levels to choose between: 1.2×, 6× and 12×. The maximum effective range where a tank target can be identified is 5500 metres.[3]

Thermals

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The thermal camera is based on the Catherine-FC from the French company Thales, similar to the Russian Sosna-U gunner's sight.[4] The identification range on the thermal camera is 500 metres less than the day channel, giving a maximum of 5000 metres for detection.[3]

Laser rangefinder

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The laser rangefinder of the system has a minimum range of 200 metres and a maximum range of 9500 metres.[3]

Components

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PNK-6 with subcomponents

The PNK-6 sight complex features multiple subcomponents.[3]

  • TKN-6 - The optical instruments which are on the tank exterior
  • EB-6 - Electrical unit
  • BUG-6 - Main control unit
  • BK-6 - Switching unit
  • Four-bar linkage drive unit
  • Gun position sensor
  • Weaponry traverse control unit
  • Thermal optics control panel

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Танковый панорамный прицельный комплекс ПНК-6". 2021-04-11. Archived from the original on 2021-04-11. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  2. ^ a b "Украинский танковый панорамный прицел ПНК-6 стоит на ровне с зарубежными аналогами". Военный информатор (in Russian). 2013-07-08. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  3. ^ a b c d e Gordienko, V. I.; Khomchenko, A. Ya. (2010). "ОСОБЕННОСТИ ИНТЕГРИРОВАНИЯ ПАНОРАМНОГО ПРИЦЕЛЬНОГО КОМПЛЕКСА В СИСТЕМУ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ОГНЕМ ТАНКА" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on May 8, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  4. ^ "A new sight for the modernized T-90". A new sight for the modernized T-90. Retrieved 2023-04-14.