2.3x40 Russian Binocular ? why ?

Hi There,
Why would the Russian design and make a 2.3x40mm binocular ? That's was 2.3 power x 40mm objective
size. Why did they make these fine binoculars.
I am just looking for some input on these.
Yes I have some and they work nicly.
They are great for extra wide view of the
night skies such as the summer milky way.
David

That would have a 17.4mm exit pupil! There must be some mistake there.

Or else they were genetically engineering a race of super soldiers who had eyes like owls for night vision. ;-)

I've got pairs of Russian 2.3X11 and 2.5X30 opera glasses, which are handy for constellations, and using behind a Telrad. Are your ones binoculars or opera glasses?

My old boss was always after a decent low power/ wide field pair of binoculars for hunting purposes.
Renato