Specifications:

• Button Position: Side of Optic
• L x W x H:  5.6″ x 2.2″ x 2.9″ (142.2 x 55.9 x 73.7 mm)
• Weight:  13.8 oz (391.2 g)
• Water Resistant:  33ft. (10 m) depth
• Mount:  1″ Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rail
• Windage & Elevation Adjustment:  0.5 MOA per click
• Button Location: Side
• Brightness:  20 daylight settings  &  10 additional settings for Gen I through III
• Power Source:  2 x 1.5 V AA batteries – Supports lithium, alkaline or rechargeable
• Operating Temperature:  -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C)
• Battery Life:

-Lithium: 2,500 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temperature
-Alkaline: 2,200 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temperature

General Information

This manual is an overview of the 558 HWS (Holographic Weapon Sight), and will define the basic operation, features/benefits, and options of this proprietary optical system. The HWS is a state of-the-art optical sighting system, employing holographic sighting technology for small to medium caliber weaponry and launching type plat–forms. The HWS utilizes holographic optics fabrication technology that is used in the production of advanced heads up display in attack fighter aircraft for targeting, gauge reading, weapon system verification, etc. L3 EOTECH has miniaturized the sophisticated sighting heads up display system into a compact and rugged package for use on small arms and other weapon platforms.

Key Attributes

The 558 HWS is a lightweight, non-magnifying, optical sight designed for close to mid range engagements. It allows very fast target acquisition and engagement at short ranges while providing aiming capability out to 300 meters equal to or better than iron sights. The major combat advantage of the HWS is extremely rapid reticle-on-target acquisition. As quickly as a target is identified, the holographic reticle can be superimposed on the target. The sight allows operators to maintain eye contact on the target and to place the holographic reticle onto the target without shifting focus. Operators can quickly acquire the target and reticle in the same focal plane for fast and accurate shot placement.The HWS appears to project the holographic image of a reticle on the target plane. The sight can be used as a bright open reticle image or a fine dot which is limited only by the acuity of the shooter’s eye. The heads up display window allows an undistorted and unrestricted view of the target. The 558 is offered with only one Reticle Option shown below:
          • 0 – 68 minute ring with vertical and horizontal stadia and a 1 MOA aiming dot.

The HWS offers extremely fast target acquisition in Close Quarter Battle (CQB) using the large ring, and aiming precision in longer range engagements (using the MOA Dot) without obscuring the target.

Another advantage of the HWS is the full field of view which allows the operator better situational awareness. The HWS employs a true heads up display (HUD) window that eliminates blind spots and constricted or tunnel vision associated with scope sights. Controls are inset into the HWS housing with no protruding knobs, battery compartment, or rings obscuring the target. Utilizing natural binocular vision is an advantage of this sighting system, as well as additional threat identification through increased operator situational awareness and peripheral vision.

The 558 can operate in tandem with Generation I – III+ night vision intensifier tubes. Operators can see the holographic reticle image with helmet mounted or weapon mounted night vision devices. The HWS is a passive system and emits no signature from frontal or from a peripheral aspect. While in the NV mode, the sight is undetectable by opposing force night vision equipment. The HWS can be positioned behind night vision systems without any “bloom” on the target area.

The primary use of the HWS is for the M4A1 carbine and CQBR in Close Quarters Battle. The HWS is not however, limited to carbines. The HWS can also be used on medium caliber machine guns, grenade launchers, bolt guns, crossbows, and less than lethal projectile launchers. The sight provides a 1X (no magnification) sight  picture and is not designed as a long range sight system, however, it can be used as effectively as iron sights on targets to 300 meters.

The advantage of the HWS is that it provides the operator superior shooting performance, rapid reticle-on-target acquisition, full field of view and accurate shot placement. The HWS can be naturally employed by all levels of users, from novice to the most highly trained operator.

558 Equipment Description

Operation
• Optics: Transmission holography

• Magnification: 1x

• Eye Relief: Unlimited

• Length/Width/Height: 5.6”x2.2”x2.9” (142.3 x 55.9 x 73.7mm)

• Weight: 13.8 oz (391.2g)

• Water Resistant: Submersible to 33 ft (10m)

• Sealing: Fog resistant internal optics

• Color/Finish: Non-reflective black

• Adjustment (per click): Approx. 0.5 MOA (1/2” (12.7mm) at 100 yds (91m)) when zeroing

• Adjustment Range: +/- 40 MOA travel

• Mount: 1” (25.4mm) Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 rail

Display Window
• Optical Surfaces: Anti-Reflection coating on external surfaces

• Window Dimensions: 1.20” x 0.85” (30 x 23mm)

• Front Window Material: Glass 1/8″ (3.17mm) thick

• Rear Window Material: Laminate 3/16” (4.76mm) thick

• Field of View 100 yds (91m): 30 yds (28m) at a 3” eye relief

• Reticle Options:

          0 – 68MOA circle with quadrant ticks with 1 MOA aiming dot

Electrical
• Power Source: 2 x Alkaline or Lithium batteries

• Battery Life: Approximately 2,200 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 with Alkaline and approximately 2,500 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 with Lithium at room temp.

• Brightness Settings: 30 settings with scrolling feature (10 settings for NV use)

• Auto Battery Check Indicator: Flashing reticle upon start-up

• Auto Shut-down: At 8 hrs- programmable to 4 hrs

Location and Description of Major Components

Holographic Window– Contains the embedded holographic reticle pattern that forms a virtual image of the reticle when illuminated by laser light.
Protective Hood– Preassembled, protective hood increases durability of sight housing and protects the sight from impact damage.
Battery Latch – A cam lever that secures the removable battery compartment to the sight and prevents water, dirt, or grime from entering the battery housing.
Battery Cap – Protective housing that contains the power source for the HWS. The compartment is easily and quickly removed for the replacement of batteries.
Universal Mount– Integrated base to mount to either a 1” (25.4mm) Weaver or MIL-STD-1913
rail.
Windage Adjustment– Adjusts the point of aim at 100 yards approx. 1/2 inch per click in a leftward and rightward direction when zeroing.
Elevation Adjustment – Adjusts the point of aim at 100 yards approx. 1/2 inch per click in an upward and downward direction when zeroing.
On/Off, NV Mode, and Brightness Switches– Raised button control interface allows the operator to perform and adjust user settings for appropriate and preferred conditions