Tactical flashlight (underbarrel flashlight) - a flashlight used in conjunction with firearms to illuminate the target, in addition, can be used to temporarily blind and disorient the enemy. Tactical flashlights are both manual and mounted on weapons.
Content
History
The development of tactical flashlights for small arms has a long history.
So, on May 18, 1927, an application was registered in the USSR for the invention of an electric flashlight with a special design for mounting on a Nagan revolver [1] .
Hand Lights
Manual tactical flashlights are usually used only with pistols and revolvers , as larger weapons ( guns , rifles , etc.) are held with both hands. Although almost any hand-held flashlight with certain skills can be used as a tactical one, specially designed for this purpose flashlights have features that make their use more convenient and reliable.
Weapon-mounted flashlights
Tactical flashlights mounted on the weapon allow the shooter to use both hands to work with the weapon. As a rule, this type of tactical flashlights is used in conjunction with guns, rifles and other weapons of relatively large size. Such flashlights are designed in such a way as to withstand harsh operating conditions (strong vibration, shock, splashes, etc.), therefore, as a rule, they are more expensive than manual flashlights. One of the features of flashlights mounted on weapons is that they are always directed parallel to the barrel and, in order to illuminate the object, the arrow must be aimed at it. There is a definite plus: a fairly well-focused flashlight can be used as a target indicator. However, to illuminate an object without moving a weapon, an additional light source is required.
Initially, the lantern mount was different for each weapon model, but over the past two decades there has been a tendency to unify the mount. Initially, the implementation of standards took place in the armed forces of various countries. Over time, the unification of mounts spilled over into the civilian arms market.
For example, many types of weapons equipped with a universal mount ( Picatinny rail or Weaver rail ) can be equipped with any tactical flashlight using special mounts. Mounts are installed on the bar. The mount itself, as a rule, is a detachable ring that reliably holds the flashlight on the weapon.
Features
An important difference between a tactical flashlight and a manual one is the ability to withstand recoil when firing. That is, the tactical flashlight does not stop working during the shooting, does not shift relative to the weapon and does not interrupt its work. Most tactical flashlights have a round body with a diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm), most of the rings that are installed on the slats are available for these parameters.
Most tactical lights have an external power button. In most cases, this button is an option, it is bought separately. But there are models in which the remote button is an integral part of the flashlight. The remote button is connected to the lamp housing with a flexible wire (it can be either twisted or straight). There are radio-controlled tactical lights [2] . Since tactical flashlights are designed to be used with weapons in various critical situations, reliability is given the highest priority during their development.
Nutrition
To supply tactical flashlights, various types of batteries and accumulators are used:
- Lithium batteries - very low self-discharge (long storage time), high capacity per unit weight, gentle discharge characteristic, good performance at low and high temperatures, high price.
- Li-ion batteries 18650 - the most popular battery format for flashlights today. Combines a very high capacity and low self-discharge. The disadvantage is that they quickly set at low temperatures (from -10 degrees) [3] .
- Alkaline batteries - very low self-discharge (long storage time), decreasing discharge characteristic, good performance at low and high temperatures, low price.
- Nickel-metal hydride batteries - high self-discharge (short storage time in charged form), decaying discharge characteristic, good work at low and high temperatures, average price.
Light Source
When developing a lamp, the light source is selected depending on the required light output and operating time. Highly efficient sources are usually used - halogen incandescent lamps with xenon filling or high - power LEDs . Although halogen lamps are a fairly old technology, they still surpass LEDs in the maximum attainable luminous flux [4] , although they are much inferior to them in energy efficiency and lifetime. As a result, halogen lamps provide a powerful stream of light, but they quickly drain batteries and often require lamp replacement. LEDs also have high efficiency and durability, but lose at the maximum achievable brightness.
For example, consider the modern subbarrelled (tactical) flashlights of the same class from EagleTac [5] and Fenix (specifications - according to the ANSI / NEMA FL-1/2009 standard)
| EagleTac T200C2 | EagleTac S200C2 | EagleTac G25C2 Mk II | EagleTac M25C2 | Fenix tk09 | Fenix TK22 (2014) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light-emitting diode | Cree XM-L2 | Cree XM-L2 | Cree XM-L2 | Cree XM-L2 | Cree XP-G2 R5 | Cree XM-L2 U2 |
| Hue | XM-L2 U2 - Cool White XM-L2 T6 - Neutral White | XM-L2 U2 - Cool White XM-L2 T6 - Neutral White | XM-L2 U2 - Cool White XM-L2 T6 - Neutral White | XM-L2 U2 - Cool White XM-L2 T6 - Neutral White | Cold white | Cold white |
| Maximum light output | 913 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 U2) 849 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 T6) | 915 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 U2) 857 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 T6) | 980 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 U2) 911 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 T6) | 980 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 U2) 911 ANSI Lumens (XM-L2 T6) | 450 ANSI Lumens | 920 ANSI Lumens |
| Driver | C3000 TS | C3000 TS | C3300 Extreme, efficiency (efficiency) up to 95% | C3300 Extreme 4, efficiency up to 95% | - | - |
| Maximum Lighting Range | 246 meters (XM-L2 U2) 238 meters (XM-L2 T6) | 381 meters (XM-L2 U2) 366 meters (XM-L2 T6) | 295 meters (XM-L2 U2) 284 meters (XM-L2 T6) | 498 meters (XM-L2 U2). In the M25C2 Turbo version - up to 640 meters | 230 meters | 275 meters |
| Center light angle | 6.9 degrees | 6 degrees | 6.9 degrees | 5.7 degrees | - | - |
| Sidelight Angle | 54 degrees | 57.2 degrees | 58 degrees | 53.1 degrees | - | - |
| Voltage range | 2.7 V to 8.4 V | 2.7 V to 8.4 V | 2.7 V to 12.6 V | 2.7 V to 12.6 V | - | - |
| Type and number of batteries | 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A, or 2 x RCR123A / 16340. With housing extension - up to 2 batteries 18650 | 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A, or 2 x RCR123A / 16340. With housing extension - up to 2 batteries 18650 | Basic equipment - 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A, or 2 x RCR123A / 16340. With extension casing - up to 3 batteries 18650 or up to 4 batteries CR123A, or up to 3 batteries RCR123A / 16340. | Basic equipment - 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A, or 2 x RCR123A / 16340. With extension casing - up to 3 batteries 18650 or up to 4 batteries CR123A, or up to 3 batteries RCR123A / 16340. | 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A | 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A |
| Control | Turn on / off - with the end button. Change of modes - by turning the head. Silent (tactical) inclusion - by incomplete pressing the end button. | Turn on / off - with the end button. Change of modes - by turning the head. Silent (tactical) inclusion - by incomplete pressing the end button. | Turn on / off - with the end button. Change of modes - by turning the head. Silent (tactical) inclusion - by incomplete pressing the end button. | Turn on / off - with the end button. Change of modes - by turning the head. Silent (tactical) inclusion - by incomplete pressing the end button. | Turn on / off - with the end button. Change of modes - a short half-press on the end button. Silent (tactical) inclusion - by incomplete pressing the end button. | Turn on / off - with the end button. Change of modes - side button. Silent (tactical) inclusion - by incomplete pressing the end button. |
| Basic Modes | Turbo - 913 ANSI Lumens Medium - 264 ANSI Lumens Minimum - 9 ANSI Lumens | Turbo - 915/857 ANSI Lumens Medium - 265/246 ANSI Lumens Minimum - 9/8 ANSI Lumens | Turbo - 980/911 ANSI lm Maximum - 449/418 ANSI lumens Medium - 86/80 ANSI lumens Minimum - 7/6 ANSI lm | Turbo - 980/911 ANSI lm Maximum - 449/418 ANSI lumens Medium - 86/80 ANSI lumens Minimum - 7/6 ANSI lm | Turbo - 450 ANSI Lumens Medium - 130 ANSI Lumens Minimum - 15 ANSI Lumens | Turbo - 920 ANSI lumens (when using 2 CR123A for a short time up to 1000 ANSI lumens) Maximum - 400 ANSI Lumens Medium - 120 ANSI Lumens Minimum - 10 ANSI Lumens |
| Special modes | Are absent | Are absent | Strobe light Fast flashes at 100% brightness with a frequency of 1.7 Hz SOS signal Emergency beacon Rare flashes at low brightness 4% with a frequency of 0.4Hz Economy - 141/131 ANSI lumens | Strobe light Fast flashes at 100% brightness with a frequency of 1.7 Hz SOS signal Emergency beacon Rare flashes at low brightness 4% with a frequency of 0.4Hz Economy - 141/131 ANSI lumens | Are absent | Strobe light |
| Operating time on modes | Turbo - 1 h 30 min (1x18650) / 48 min (2xCR123A) Medium - 5 h 24 min (1x18650) / 3 h 42 min (2xCR123A) Minimum - 150 h (1x18650) / 100 h (2xCR123A) | Turbo - 1 h 30 min (1x18650) / 48 min (2xCR123A) Medium - 5 h 24 min (1x18650) / 3 h 42 min (2xCR123A) Minimum - 150 h (1x18650) / 100 h (2xCR123A) | Turbo - 1 h 47 min (1x18650) / 1 h (2xCR123A) Maximum - 3 h 20 min (1x18650) / 1 h 54 min (2xCR123A) Medium - 18 h 45 min (1x18650) / 11 h (2xCR123A) Minimum - 122 h 50 min (1x18650) / more than 100 hours (2xCR123A) Economy - 11 h 51 min (1x18650) / 7 h (2xCR123A) | Turbo - 1 h 47 min (1x18650) / 1 h (2xCR123A) Maximum - 3 h 20 min (1x18650) / 1 h 54 min (2xCR123A) Medium - 18 h 45 min (1x18650) / 11 h (2xCR123A) Minimum - 122 h 50 min (1x18650) / more than 100 hours (2xCR123A) Economy - 11 h 51 min (1x18650) / 7 h (2xCR123A) | Turbo - 2 hours Medium - 7 hours Minimum - 65 hours | Turbo - 1 h 30 min Maximum - 3 h 45 min Medium - 15 h 45 min Minimum - 150 h |
| dimensions | Length - 141 mm Diameter of the head - 33 mm Case diameter - 25.4 mm (1 inch). | Length - 155 mm Diameter of the head - 47 mm Case Diameter - 25.4 mm (1 in.) | Length - 150 mm Diameter of the head - 39.5 mm Case diameter - 25.4 mm (1 inch). | Length - 176 mm Diameter of the head - 62 mm Case diameter - 25.4 mm (1 inch). | Length - 130 mm Diameter of the head - 34 mm Case diameter - 25.4 mm (1 inch). | Length - 147 mm Diameter of the head - 40 mm Case diameter - 25.4 mm (1 inch). |
| Flashlight weight | 122 grams (without batteries) 170 grams (with 1 battery 18650) | 165 grams (without batteries) 210 grams (1 x 18650) | 138 grams (without batteries) | 295 grams (without batteries) | 114 grams (without batteries) 154 grams (1 x 18650) | 157 grams (without batteries) |
| Light filters | Are absent | Are absent | The basic version is optional (purchased separately). KIT version is included. | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Light Filters - EagleTac ET57 RGBY Filter Kit | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Fenix AOF-S + filters | Optional (sold separately). Compatible filters Fenix AOF-L |
| Remote button | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Remote Buttons: G-Series Remote Button with 5.5 "Twisted Cord G-Series Remote Button with 7 "Straight Cord | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Remote Buttons: G-Series Remote Button with 5.5 "Twisted Cord G-Series Remote Button with 7 "Straight Cord | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Remote Buttons: G-Series Remote Button with 5.5 "Twisted Cord G-Series Remote Button with 7 "Straight Cord | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Remote Buttons: G-Series Remote Button with 5.5 "Twisted Cord G-Series Remote Button with 7 "Straight Cord | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Remote Button - Fenix AR102 | Optional (sold separately). Compatible Remote Button - Fenix AR102 |
We also consider previously popular models manufactured by SureFire on halogen lamps and LEDs:
| E1E Executive Elite | E1L Outdoorsman | E2E Executive Elite | E2L Outdoorsman | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power supply | 123A lithium cell (1 pc.) | 123A lithium cell (1 pc.) | 123A lithium cell (2 pcs.) | 123A lithium cell (2 pcs.) |
| Light source | halogen lamp | Light-emitting diode | halogen lamp | Light-emitting diode |
| Maximum brightness | 15 lumens | 45 lumens | 60 lumens | 60 lumens |
| Operating time at max. brightness | 1.5 hours | 8.5 hours | 1.25 hours | 11 hour |
| Lamp Life [6] | 30 hour (before burnout) | 50,000 hours (before the brightness drops by 50%) | 30 hour (before burnout) | 50,000 hours (before the brightness drops by 50%) |
Notes
- ↑ Patent for invention No. 6627 (class 72a, 25-33). An electric torch to the Nagan revolver for firing at night. Actual author - K. M. Sukhov
- ↑ Innovative weapons technology - Tactical radio-controlled flashlights (inaccessible link)
- ↑ Siegtek. The device and features of a modern underbarrel flashlight, installation methods on weapons .
- ↑ This statement is not indisputable, compact hand lanterns with LEDs up to 1200 lumens are already available, and long dual-battery and up to 2800 lumens, for example, with three LEDs
- ↑ American EagleTac flashlights: tactical, weapon, search, underbarrel. LED Flashlights EagleTac. Buy EagleTuck with delivery. . Super flashlight . www.superfonarik.ru. Date of treatment September 10, 2015.
- ↑ Surefire Flashlights and Tactical Products - Frequently Asked Questions (link not available) . Date of treatment March 27, 2008. Archived April 5, 2008.