Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about USM products, builds, lead times, dealer orders, and export compliance.
What is the current lead time?
Most made-to-order USM products carry a typical lead time of approximately 2 weeks. Lead times can shift based on production scheduling, tube sourcing, and Cerakote batch timing. See the Lead Times page for current windows.
What is FOM?
Figure of Merit (FOM) is a single-number summary of an image intensifier tube's performance, calculated as Resolution (lp/mm) × Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). It's a useful starting point for comparing tubes, but should not be used in isolation — see our Tube Spec Guide for detail on resolution, SNR, halo, EBI, and other specs.
What tube options are available?
USM can supply Gen2+ White Phosphor, NNVT White Phosphor, Elbit White Phosphor, L3 White Phosphor, and handpicked tube sets, depending on availability. Customer-supplied tubes are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Are objectives included?
Objectives are included on configurations where the variant is selected (e.g. RPO Objectives on BELLE). The 'No Objectives' option ships the housing without objective lenses for export-sensitive scenarios or builders sourcing their own optics.
What finishes are available?
Black or FDE Cerakote across all current platforms. Finish timing is scheduled in batch lots and factors into total lead time on made-to-order builds.
Are products made to order?
Most USM products are made to order. Tube selection, finish color, optics configuration, and accessories are confirmed at the time the order or quote is placed.
Can USM sell internationally?
Many night vision components are subject to U.S. export-control laws including ITAR/EAR. International availability depends on the product, the destination, and applicable authorizations. Review the ITAR / Export Notice and contact USM for guidance on a specific configuration.
What does 'No Objectives' mean?
The 'No Objectives' configuration ships the housing without objective lenses. This is intended for export-sensitive or international compliance scenarios where the customer or dealer will source compliant optics separately.
Do housings include tubes?
USM housings are sold as housing/system platforms. Tubes are sold separately or supplied by the customer unless explicitly stated.
What warranty is included?
USM products include a housing warranty subject to USM's written warranty policy. See the Warranty page for full terms and exclusions.
How do dealer orders work?
Dealers apply through the Dealer / Agency form. Approved dealers receive pricing, ordering procedures, batch scheduling guidance, and product documentation. Agencies and procurement teams should also use the Dealer / Agency form for sole-source and W-9 requests.
Do products require export compliance?
Many night vision products, components, optics, image intensifier tubes, and related technical data may be controlled under U.S. export laws. Customers are responsible for compliance with all applicable export-control regulations. USM may cancel or refuse any order that appears to violate these rules.