Abstract: A periscope construction having a ballistic guard formed inside a protective housing, and optical system mounted therein having first and second blocks of optical material mounted at opposite ends; first and second reflective surfaces, and the object and eyepiece viewing surfaces of the respective blocks being generally parallel and forming a parallelogram in cross section; the first and second end surfaces being spaced from each other within the housing with at least one layer of transparent armor therebetween to deflect incoming projectiles away from the object viewing section; and may include at least one layer of transparent armor rigidly positioned at an angle relative to the field of view no less than 300° to a maximum of 360° which is parallel to the field of view. It may further include a high grade metallic band rigidly formed around and adjacent the space between the first and second end surfaces.

Abstract: A periscope construction having a ballistic guard formed inside a protective housing, and optical system mounted therein having first and second blocks of optical material mounted at opposite ends; first and second reflective surfaces, and the object and eyepiece viewing surfaces of the respective blocks being generally parallel and forming a parallelogram in cross section; the first and second end surfaces being spaced from each other within the housing with at least one layer of transparent armor therebetween to deflect incoming projectiles away from the object viewing section; and may include at least one layer of transparent armor rigidly positioned at an angle relative to the field of view no less than 300° to a maximum of 360° which is parallel to the field of view. It may further include a high grade metallic band rigidly formed around and adjacent the space between the first and second end surfaces.