FOR SALE – 1 pc. U-51-2A (У-51-2А / ЭОП У-51-2А) Image Intensifier Tube – NEW OLD STOCK (NOS)

NEW OLD STOCK tube, carefully stored and in excellent physical condition.

Original Soviet U-51-2A (У-51-2А / ЭОП У-51-2А) electro-optical image intensifier (EOP), manufactured for military night vision equipment, optical observation systems, and scientific instruments.

The U-51-2A is a Soviet electro-optical image intensifier designed to amplify extremely low levels of ambient light, allowing observation under moonlight and starlight conditions. These tubes were used in military night vision equipment and are now highly sought after by collectors, restorers, researchers, and enthusiasts building custom night vision systems.

This sale also includes the original Soviet factory operating instruction, providing authentic documentation for installation, handling, storage, and operation.

An excellent addition to any collection of Soviet military electronics or vintage electro-optical equipment.

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⚙️ PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

General Characteristics

• Device Type: Electro-Optical Image Intensifier (EOP)
• Model: U-51-2A (У-51-2А)
• Country of Manufacture: USSR
• Technology: Vacuum electro-optical image intensifier
• Purpose: Passive night vision and low-light image amplification

Optical Characteristics

• Circular image format
• Electrostatic electron focusing
• Green phosphor output screen
• High light amplification for operation under extremely low-light conditions
• Designed for passive night vision under moonlight and starlight

Electrical Characteristics

• Requires dedicated high-voltage power supply
• Designed for operation in original Soviet night vision equipment
• Low power consumption
• Stable operation during continuous use

Performance Features

• Reliable Soviet military-grade construction
• Fast response with no warm-up time
• High sensitivity in low-light environments
• Long operational life
• Suitable for restoration projects, laboratory research, and custom night vision systems

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📖 Original Factory Operating Instructions

The included original Soviet manual contains the following recommendations:

Installation

• The image intensifier is a high-voltage electro-vacuum device and should be handled carefully.
• Avoid mechanical shock, excessive vibration, and operation outside the specified environmental conditions.
• Electrical connections should be made using flexible wires or spring contacts.
• High-voltage terminals must be insulated using PVC tubing or similar insulating material.
• Soldering or welding directly to the tube terminals is not permitted.
• Do not clamp or apply mechanical stress to the glass envelope.
• Do not secure components directly to the tube using hard-setting adhesives or compounds.

Cleaning

• Before installation, clean the optical windows using a lint-free cloth moistened with alcohol or an alcohol-ether mixture.
• Finish cleaning with a dry lint-free cloth.
• Do not use aggressive solvents.

Operating Conditions

• Installation and servicing should be performed in a darkened room.
• Do not expose the tube to direct sunlight while it is not powered.
• Never apply operating voltage before the room has been completely darkened.
• Prevent accidental illumination of the operating image intensifier.
• Ambient lighting may be restored only after reducing the tube supply voltage to a safe level.

Measurement Conditions

Factory measurements were performed at:

• Ambient temperature: up to +30°C
• Relative humidity: not more than 60%

Measurement results are referenced to +20°C.

Storage

Recommended storage conditions:

• Temperature: +5°C to +35°C
• Relative humidity: not more than 70%

The tube should remain inside its protective packaging until immediately before installation or testing.

If moisture condensation is suspected, dry the tube inside a vacuum cabinet at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

Drying with hot air is strictly prohibited, as it may permanently degrade the image intensifier.

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📐 Physical Characteristics

• Cylindrical glass envelope
• Compact design for integration into optical equipment
• Original Soviet manufacture

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⭐ Typical Applications

• Soviet military night vision devices
• Restoration of vintage night vision equipment
• Custom night vision projects
• Scientific optical experiments
• Laboratory research
• Museum exhibits
• Military electronics collections
• Soviet electro-optical device collections

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📦 Package Includes

• 1 × U-51-2A (У-51-2А) Image Intensifier Tube
• Original Soviet factory operating instruction

The tube and documentation will be professionally packed using multiple layers of protective materials to ensure safe international shipping.

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🚚 Shipping & Handling

• Ships within 1–2 business days
• Secure protective packaging for fragile electronic components
• Worldwide air mail with tracking number
• Estimated delivery: 12–21 days, depending on destination

If you are looking for additional Soviet image intensifier tubes, photomultiplier tubes, Geiger-Müller tubes, vacuum tubes, or other vintage electronic components, please feel free to contact me.

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🔁 Returns

Returns are accepted only if the item is not as described.

Please contact me before opening a return request so we can resolve any issue promptly.

Handling time is 5 days, but usually i ship much faster 1-2 days, as i have all items in stock. Despite the war in Ukraine post works well and all items are delivered quite fast. I am responsible for safe delivery of purchased items, so please buy with confidence.