Preview: Armasight Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm Thermal Optic

Armasight’s Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm optic represents a quantum leap in thermal imaging technology. A military-grade thermal scope, the Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm thermal optic, along with other models in the lineup, can be used in just about any environmental condition you put it in, providing high object detection in low daylight or total darkness, as well as in smoke, haze and even fog.

Sporting a 35 mm objective lens and different reticle types, the Armasight Contractor 640 thermal optic’s display also has multiple color palettes. (Photo courtesy Armasight)

Unlike other night-vision technologies that work by amplifying tiny traces of visible light or illuminating targets with an infrared system, Armasight’s Contractor lineup boasts Arma-COR Thermal Core technology, which has 12 micron pixels for high-performance imaging. According to the company, the Contractor series is the first thermal optic lineup to arrive on the market that includes such technology. Thermal sensor resolution is 640x480 pixels. The Contractor 640’s display has a 1024x768 pixel resolution that runs at a buttery smooth 60 Hz, plus USB and WiFi video streaming to a computer or mobile device. On-screen graphics are easy to read, thanks to the bright high-resolution display. There’s no need to worry about eye fatigue using this thermal optic. The onboard memory provides up to four hours of video recording. In addition, the Contractor can be powered by either two internal CR123A batteries or a small external USB battery pack, due to its low power consumption.

Regarding the optics themselves, the Contractor 640 thermal sight has a 35 mm objective lens, 2.3X to 9.2X magnification, 45 mm of eye relief, a 12.6 to 9.4 degree field of view and a whopping 1,305-meter detection range on a six-foot target. A flexible eye cup keeps unwanted light out of your sight plane, allowing use of the thermal optic without distraction. Additionally, the eye cup can be adjusted and is detachable.

The thermal sensor’s signal is processed by a dedicated module responsible for amplification, upscaling, recording and power distribution. Combined with the thermal sensor, these items are referred to as the “Core.” For displaying thermal images, Armasight uses AMOLED technology which has true black levels, vivid colors, energy efficiency and a wider operating temperature range. (Photo courtesy Armasight)

A focus ring is located near the front of the Contractor 640 thermal optic and has large grooves for easy manipulation. Diopter control is also performed with a dedicated ring that is mounted in front of the eyecup.

For navigating the rich feature set there is an innovative turret system that adjusts digital zoom and switches the multiple color palettes and reticles quickly and intuitively to adapt to changing conditions and environments. The two adjustment turrets have a tactile click feel (not audible) and are large enough to manipulate with gloved hands. Along with rotating the turrets, they can be pushed (push once or three times, or hold down) to confirm selections and access different features. Equally easy to use is the large on-off switch on top of the optic, located between the adjustment turrets. A button behind turret two begins recording to onboard memory. The Contractor also comes equipped with a digital compass and inclinometer that will help calculate distance, direction and angles.

A cross dot is one the non-scalable reticles available to use on the Armasight Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm thermal sight. Besides the cross dot, you can choose from a standard dot, cross, t-dot, line-dot, crosshair and chevron. (Photo courtesy Armasight)

Another key feature is picture-in-picture, allowing you to maintain a wide field of view while zoomed in on a target. Plus, Armasight has a mobile app available for Android and iOS that provides a live stream to your phone or tablet, plus Kestrel connectivity.

Gray in color, the housing is made of aluminum and is quite robust. There is also a lens cap for the front lens that is attached to the optic with a small wire. Overall size is 7.9 inches long, 3.4 inches wide and 3.7 inches in height. With all its advanced technology stuffed in a small package, the Contractor 640 is not lightweight at 1.77 pounds.

Armasight’s Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm thermal sight with its handy quick-detach mount. Although it looks small, the Contractor 640, built around the ArmaCORE 12 Micron sensor, packs image processing, wireless communication, GPS and internal memory in a single housing that also reduces power consumption by 35%, allowing it to run continuously for up to four hours on two CR123 batteries. (Photo courtesy Armasight)

Besides being a heavy attachment for your rifle, all that cutting-edge thermal technology does not come cheap. MSRP for the Armasight Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm thermal optic is $5,499. But remember, you get what you pay for, which in this case is about as advanced of a thermal optic you can find outside of the military. It’s among the best thermal optics for rifles in its category, and for the price you are getting a lot for your money. Included with purchase is a quick-detach Picatinny rail mount, USB-C charging and data cable, two CR123A batteries, a thermal zeroing target, lens cloth and soft case. If a 35 mm optic is too small for your thermal imaging needs, Armasight also offers Contractor models with 50 mm and 75 mm objective lenses, along with a smaller 25 mm model.

Be on the lookout for a full review of the Armasight Contractor 640 2.3-9.2X 35 mm thermal optic in a future issue of the digital magazine.

Learn more about the Armasight product lineup at armasight.com.