THE REAL DEAL!...Model MX-991/UNSN #6230-01-463-5816 (BLACK)Made in USA Genuine U.S. Government Issue. Waterproof, Rough Service Light, 90° Angled Head. High impact ABS/polypropylene construction with black oxide brass switch, stainless steel battery spring. Includes Belt Clip, Hanging/Lanyard Bail, 1 Extra Bulb (PR6) + 2 Extra Lenses (1 red + 1 blue) stored in tail-cap compartment, 3 Position Switch: On/Off/Signal (blinker) - uses 2 D Cell Batteries (not included). ****Also available with single LED bulb upgrade option, which increases brightness and battery life by approximately 300%. This feature is installed and tested at our rigging shop. MILITARY HISTORY & BACKGROUND: Nicknamed the "Moonbeam," the MX-99/U flashlight was originally assigned NSN stock number 6230-00-264-8261 (olive drab/ODG) in January 1961, and began entering military service in quantity in 1963. First manufactured by GT Price, and then Fulton Industries, the MX99/U was a further development of the TL-122(D) flashlight of 1944. Like the TL-122, the MX-99/U model utilized two D-cell batteries (military BA-30), a standard PR6 type incandescent bulb, a belt/equipment clip, a tailcap lanyard ring, a multi-mode on/off/momentary (signaling) switch, and a tailcap with storage compartments housing a spare bulb and multiple colored plastic lenses for signaling purposes. Once again during the mid-60's Vietnam era, another series of improvements were introduced which became the current model known as MX-991/U. This flashlight used the nomenclature "FLASHLIGHT: Electric, Portable and Hand Lighting Equipment, 2-cell, w/ lamp and lens filter, w/o batteries, Type I Class A (21108) MX991-U" retaining the identical NSN 6230-00-264-8261. Upgrades to the MX-991/U include an improved, high-impact ABS housing, stainless steel battery spring, improved gasketing (the "U" designation stands for "Underwater"), and a lens reflector set deeply into the lens shroud (to reduce light spillover). In 1973, a final change was made to the design incorporating a guard to prevent accidental operation of the 3-way switch. This modification appears on all MX-991/U flashlights produced since 1975. Alternate colors for different military branches and applications were each assigned their own NSN, with #6230-01-463-5816 designating the color black. COMMENTS: MX-991/U makes an outstanding flashlight for everyday service aboard the ship. The 90-degree head prevents rolling when laid flat. The combination Belt/Gear clip makes for some interesting "quick release" mounting possibilities in small compartments, cabins and engine rooms. The lanyard bail can be used as a hanger as well, enabling suspension from the overhead and/or rigging. The interchangeable colored lenses can be swapped out for red to preserve night vision, or for signaling.
