Description
U.S. Military BA-1100/U 6.5-Volt Mercury Battery for AN/PVS-2 Starlight Night Vision Sights, NSN 6135-00-926-0827, 1980
The U.S. military BA-1100/U, identified by NSN 6135-00-926-0827, is a 6.5-volt nonrechargeable mercury dry battery used to power early military image-intensifier night-vision equipment.
This example was manufactured by P.R. Mallory & Co. of Lexington, North Carolina, under Contract DAAB07-79-D-6743. Its 0180 date code indicates manufacture in January 1980.
The BA-1100/U is best known as the original battery used with the AN/PVS-2, AN/PVS-2A, and AN/PVS-2B “Starlight” night-vision sights.
Historical Significance
The AN/PVS-2 family was part of the first generation of practical passive night-vision equipment fielded by the U.S. military. Unlike earlier infrared systems that required an external infrared light source, Starlight sights amplified the small amount of natural light available from the moon, stars, and sky.
This technology became closely associated with U.S. operations during the Vietnam War and marked a major change in nighttime observation and aimed fire.
The large image intensifier inside the AN/PVS-2 required a compact source of electrical power. The BA-1100/U supplied that power while remaining small enough to fit directly into the sight.
The Army continued supporting the AN/PVS-2 series well into the 1970s. The same BA-1100/U battery type was also used with several other military AN/TVS and Mk-series night-vision systems.
What This Item Is and Does
The BA-1100/U is a 6.5-volt mercury battery designed to fit directly into compatible military night-vision equipment.
Its electrical output powered the circuitry used by the image intensifier. The intensifier amplified very low levels of available light and produced a visible image for the operator.
Army documentation for the AN/PVS-2, AN/PVS-2A, and AN/PVS-2B specifically lists one BA-1100/U battery as required for operation. The same manual gives an approximate battery life of 100 operating hours under normal conditions.
This battery does not contain any night-vision optics or electronics by itself. It is the removable power source for the complete sight.
Key Features
- Official designation: Battery, BA-1100/U
- Battery type: Military dry battery
- Chemistry: Mercury
- Rechargeable: No
- Nominal voltage: 6.5 volts
- NSN: 6135-00-926-0827
- NIIN: 00-926-0827
- Manufacturer: P.R. Mallory & Co.
- Manufacturer location: Lexington, North Carolina
- Date code: 0180
- Manufacture date: January 1980
- Contract: DAAB07-79-D-6743
- Primary documented application: AN/PVS-2
- Additional documented applications: AN/PVS-2A and AN/PVS-2B
- Equipment type powered: Image-intensifier night-vision sights
- Documented AN/PVS-2-series battery life: Approximately 100 hours when new
- Included: One BA-1100/U battery
Why This Item Matters
Original batteries are often missing from surviving Starlight scopes because they were consumable supply items rather than permanent parts of the sight.
A correctly marked BA-1100/U helps complete an AN/PVS-2 display and shows how early passive night-vision technology was actually powered in military service.
The Mallory markings, 1980 date code, contract number, and NSN also make this example useful for collectors interested in military electronics, battery technology, and the evolution of U.S. night-vision equipment.
About This Item
This battery is marked as a BA-1100/U 6.5-volt military dry battery and was manufactured by P.R. Mallory & Co.
The 0180 date code indicates January 1980 production. The contract marking is DAAB07-79-D-6743.
Because this is an original mercury battery manufactured more than four decades ago, its present electrical output and remaining capacity are not guaranteed. It is offered primarily as a collectible, restoration, and display component.
This is a nonrechargeable battery. It should not be opened, disassembled, punctured, heated, or recharged. Because it contains mercury, disposal of a damaged or unwanted battery should follow applicable hazardous-waste regulations.
This listing is for one BA-1100/U battery only. The AN/PVS-2 sight, battery cap, weapon mount, carrying case, and other night-vision equipment are not included.
Ideal For
- AN/PVS-2 Starlight scope displays
- AN/PVS-2A restoration projects
- AN/PVS-2B restoration projects
- Vietnam War equipment collections
- Early night-vision displays
- U.S. military electronics collections
- Image-intensifier technology exhibits
- Military museums
- Cold War equipment collections
- Technical-reference displays
Approx length 2", Approx width 1.5", Approx height 1.5", Approx weight 0.2 lbs.
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