As an integrated component of the next generation of advanced observation and civil defense requirements, the SpecterIR sight exemplifies the commitment to ongoing product development and optical excellence at ELCAN Optical Technologies.
ELCAN is part of the Raytheon Commercial Electronics group.

Examining an ELCAN, the first thing you notice is its size and weight. The outside diameter of the rubber covered tube is 2.25 inches. From the front of the mount to the rear of the tube is approximately 6.5 inches, weighing slightly over 1.5 pounds. This scope was obviously designed with the clumsiest raw recruit and harshest combat conditions in mind.

Physical Dimensions

The unit itself consists of a chemical resistant, rubber covered tube affixed atop an integral mount and features 3.4x Magnification and a huge 8 degree FOV. Objective lens diameter is a compact 28mm while the ocular lens is a whopping 38mm. Exit pupil is an impressively large 8.5mm. This is larger than the eye's pupil can dilate to, indicating the potential for impressive low-light ability. The lenses are multi-coated to enhance light transmission as well. Eye relief is just under 3 inches.

The reticle is mounted on an inclined plane to reduce its reflective signature to modern battlefield scanning devices. This increases the rifleman's survivability on the modem battlefield. The reticle itself consists of a floating "picket" or post and 5 horizontal stadia. The uppermost triangular part of the post is illuminated via Beta light and glows green in low light. Aiming is performed with the very tip of the post.

Ranging Capability

To either side of the top of the post are two horizontal stadia. Each stadia is 10 Mils long and spaced 10 Mils apart. There is one additional horizontal stadia to the right of the post slightly lower, but parallel to, the upper stadia. The space between these two stadia is 76cm at 300m, or roughly the distance between a man's head and his belt buckle at 300m.

The reticle is designed for simple, yet effective fire, at normal combat distances. A rudimentary rangefinding capability is provided via the two parallel stadia. To use, an operator simply brackets a standing figure between the two lines with the bottom of the top stadia touching the top of the figure's head. If the bottom stadia is above the figure's belt he is within 300m. If the stadia touches his belt he is at 300m. If the stadia is below his belt he is further than 300m. If the stadia is at his feet he is 600m away.

Once the range has been determined, the proper elevation can be dialed into the mount, the tip of the post put on target, and the shot fired. In the event of scope failure, or if its lenses are obstructed by mud or snow, there are small rubber emergency sights on top of the tube. These consist of a tiny square notch and a corresponding post.

Zero And Sight Adjustment

The lower part of the unit contains the scope adjustments and base. All zeroing and ballistic adjustments are made via the base. The base itself is robustly constructed from heavy cast aluminum. Windage adjustments are made via a large screw at the left front of the mount. Turning this screw clockwise moves the point of impact to the right. Adjustments are 1/4 Mil (not 1/4 MOA!) which equates to .91 inch per click at 100 yards. Clicks are solid and very precise.

Elevation adjustments are made via a horizontal thumbwheel at the rear of the mount. This features a bullet drop compensator calibrated from 200 to 800m in 100m increments. The most common model available is calibrated for the NATO 62-grain SSlO9 5.56x45 load. Another model is available calibrated for the 147-grain NATO 7.62x51 for use on AR-l0s or FALs. Rotating the thumb wheel to the right adds elevation.