A special thank you to eggnog3469 for the loaning of this device.

Historic Context

The “Variable Intensity Tactical Illuminating Laser”-2 devices were introduced in 1999. This was one of the rare years when the US was not at war. For context, this device was given an NSN# 4 years after the veritable PEQ-2 was given one. Made by ITT/NVEC, near-peer devices include the LDI OTAL/ITAL and power wise, the PAQ-4C.

A bit of history, the Vital, ATILLA and GCP line were initially manufactured by ITT, then NVEC (Night Vision Equipment Company) purchased the rights. When DRS purchased NVEC, they discontinued most of their I2 line and Nivisys then purchased the rights of these units.

[…] the ATILLA has survived the test of time as one of the best units (in its class) ever produced IMHO. I base this on the simple fact having power pressure pads to control the levels for both the IR laser and IR Illuminator (200mW mind you) was and still is paramount and a HUGE advantage to dial up or down your power needs based on your mission and environment.

Why no laser manufacturer has never done this since that time is still a mystery, but when I think back maybe not. 15-20 years ago, many NV products were manufactured with the real needs of the war fighter in mind. Nowadays it’s all about costs, and if the Mil unit/contract did not call out for a specific feature no matter how good it may be, it will not be incorporated into the system. I.e., PEQ-15 APTIAL from Insight. When I tested the first APTIAL many years ago I asked a top official at Insight on the why of not incorporating this valuable feature. Interesting response was, “some pencil pusher in the Army did not put that requirement in the contract, so we had no reason to include that capability”.

-gajack123

VITAL-1, 2, and 100

The naming convention of these devices is… strange.
There are two variants of the VITAL-2, there is no documentation I could find of the VITAL-1, and the VITAL-100 is not a descendent of the VITAL-1, but instead a more powerful version of the VITAL-2.

Item	NSN #
M001IR (VITAL-2)	5855-01-468-4136
M002IR (VITAL-2)	5855-01-468-4169
M100IR (VITAL-100)	5855-01-468-4188

Features and Quirks

– The device uses an ARMS#16 throw lever mount.
– It has a steady, slow pulse, and fast pulse mode.
– While they generally come with a paddle as well as remote switch, a replacement switch can be fabricated with basic electrical knowledge.
– The VITAL-2 was allegedly created to compete with the PAQ-4C made by Insight.
– The VITAL-2 takes two AA batteries and is rated for 40 hours of continuous use (probably on the lowest setting only).

A “Covert” laser?

In the marketing material, you may see references to this being a “covert” device. In reality, all that means is that the devices only produce laser emissions when there is a “mission need” – due to the variety of controls and actuation methods. (Read: There is no constant-on mode)
But mostly it’s just cool sounding marketing. On that note, “ATILLA” stands for “Acquired Tactical Illuminating Laser Aimer”.

Usage History

Frankly, there isn’t much. You may see a photo here or there (if that), but not much is documented about anyone in particular using these. It is likely that the other big players had enough lasers already in the hands of relevant forces, and given the advantages of standardization, VITAL devices percolated through the military/LEO spheres without gaining holding power.

Comparisons

Item	IR Laser Power	IR Illum. Power	Mass	Released (/NSN assignment)
VITAL-1	???	???	???	???
VITAL-2	0.7 mW	15 mW	221g	1999
VITAL-100	100 mW	15 mW	221g	1999
ATILLA-200	50 mW	150 mW	326g	2002
ATILLA-750	30 mW	150 mW	341g	???
PEQ-2	25 mW	30 mW	210g	1995
PAQ-4C	0.7 mW	n/a	125g	1993
LDI OTAL	3.5 mW	n/a	140g	1999 (?)

Current Market

Due to the variable output of these devices and their stellar reputation, they command a relatively high price these days despite their age. You can expect to pay $800-1000 for a VITAL-2 depending on condition and accessories.

Add’l. Resources