Unlike active IR laser pointer systems, the HWS is a passive system and emits no muzzle-side signature. While in the NV mode, the HWS not detectable by enemy night vision surveillance systems, providing operators with a stealth means for effective nighttime weapon aiming.

The M550's unique switch allows the operator to instantly drop the holographic reticle's brightness to the NV mode of operation. The operator has the ability to toggle back and forth between the NV mode and the normal day/night operation within fractions of a second. The M550 has 10 distinct night vision settings to provide maximum flexibility to the operator. Typically 3 to 4 brightness settings are not enough to support a host of constantly changing conditions including manufacturing variances in the sensitivities of the image intensifier tubes, varying ambient environments, and varying light gathering sensitivities of the human eye across users. The M550 still maintains the 20 normal brightness settings for normal day/night operations.

The typical configuration is with both the monocular night vision system and the HWS mounted in tandem on the weapon's receiver. Operators can also witness the holographic reticle with head/helmet mounted monocular night vision image intensifier systems, even on a partial cheekweld on the weapon's stock. This allows the operator added flexibility and greater versatility when deploying with night vision systems in the ever changing battlefield environments.

Electronic Features
The HWS uses state-of-the-art digital electronics design. Twenty brightness levels ensure proper brightness control in either low light or very bright sunlight. An on-board microprocessor provides automatic battery check indicator, up/down brightness scrolling and programmable auto shutdown features. All electronics are fully encapsulated in shock absorbing resin compound.
 

The HOLOgraphic Advantage
The Holographic patterns have been designed to be instantly visible in any light, instinctive to center regardless of shooting angle, and to remain in view while sweeping the engagement zone. Reticles of EOTech HOLOgraphic Weapon Sights are designed as large, see-through patterns to achieve lightning quick reticle to target acquisition without covering or obscuring the point of aim.

Heads Up, Full View
The Holographic Weapon Sight (HWS) employs a true Heads-Up Display that eliminates blind spots, constricted vision, or the tunnel vision associated with tubed sights. All user controls are flush to the Holographic Weapon Sight's streamline housing with no protruding knobs, battery compartments or mounting rings blocking vision at the target area. True, 2 eyes open shooting is realized with EOTech HWS. Instant threat identification is achieved by maximizing the operator's peripheral vision and ultimately gaining greater control of the engagement zone.

The Magic of Holography
In holography, all the information required to reconstruct the reticle image is recorded everywhere in the Heads-Up display window. If the window is obstructed by mud, snow, rain, etc., the Holographic Weapon Sight HWS remains fully operational , with point of aim/impact being maintained. Even in such extreme cases where the laminated window is shattered, the Holographic Weapon Sight is fully functional! As long as the operator can see through any portion of the window, the entire reticle pattern is visible on target...the operator can still engage with confidence.

Mounting
The HWS mounts to any universal Picatinny mounting rail (supports standard Weaver dovetail) with an integral mounting platform for adaptation to user preferred eye relief. The EOTech Holographic Sight can interface to any standard issue M16 or M4 variant in either a fixed carryhandle or flattop receiver, and with no modifications to the weapon. The M16 and M4 mounting platforms provide for the functionally critical aspect of co-witnessing the iron sights within the HWS's Heads Up Dsiplay while maintaining the operator’s critical checkweld position.