2008-05-04 09:56:33 - One of the three different binoculars brought about by the decision of the US Army to meet the unique needs of individual warfighters, the M22 binoculars are considered the primary field binocular for both the Army and the Marine Corps.

M22 binoculars replaced the old metal M19. Having almost the same features, M22 binoculars are considered better than the M19 binoculars since they have better range pickup. M22 binoculars are equipped with a 7x50 magnification, which enable them to deliver high light transmission, a precise, horizontal and vertical, mil-radian reticle for location and distance determination. Aside from these qualities, M22

binoculars have a field of view of 130 meters at 1, 000 meters, thus, they are best used for field observation and fire direction.

Another feature that makes the M22 binoculars stand out is its resistance to temperature (hot and cold). They can withstand temperatures up to 170 Fahrenheit. Thus, people, particularly warfighters, can use these binoculars in any climate throughout the world.

The M22 binoculars measure 7.1 inches x 7.4 inches and weigh 2.7 pounds. These binoculars are also equipped with fold-down eyepiece cups for personnel who wear glasses to lessen the distance between the eyes and the eyepiece lenses.

A black rubber-coated housing covers the system of the binoculars, providing a non-slip and non-reflective outer surface while also protecting the unit from minor bumps and shocks. These features make the M22 binoculars fog-proof and water-proof. In fact, they are submersible to a depth of 15 feet.

The M22 binoculars also contain laser protection filters on the surface of the lens located behind the objective lens, as well as protective covers for the objective and eyepiece lenses. The laser filters prevent harmful eye damage from rangefinders and other combat measuring/targeting devices.

The reticle pattern of the M22 binoculars is different than the M19 binocular reticle. A reticle, graduated with a horizontal scale depicting 5-meter increments at a range of 1, 000 meters, is provided in the left eyepiece. The vertical scale is graduated, depicting 30-meter increments at 1, 000 meters below the horizontal line and 5-meter increments at 1, 000 meters above the horizontal line. This is because one of the telescopes of the M22 binoculars includes a horizontal and vertical reticle graduated in 10-mil increments.

If direct sunlight enters the M22 binoculars, a portion of this light will be reflected back, producing a glint which may be detectable at positions in the general target field. The binocular body must be replaced if it breaks, since it is not repairable.

Although tagged as the Reference Standard in Light Weight, Portable Military Binoculars, the M22 binoculars were found to be too large to meet the needs of all warfighters. Since they can't afford to hamper their military operations, the US Army acquired a smaller version of the binocular system. Thus the birth of the M24 mini binoculars.

Binoculars have long played critical role in many tactical military operations since they were first invented in the first half of the 19th century. They were then considered as one-size-fits-all kind of item. In 2000, US Army decided that they needed mission-specific binoculars. Aside from the M22 binoculars, the US Army also uses M24 and M25 binoculars.

The M22 binoculars are available through Northrop Grumman Corporation, the prime contractor.