Night Vision
AN/PVS-15 Night Vision Goggle (M953)
1900s - 2000s. Gen 3 AN/PVS-15 night vision binocular (M953) is one of the most popular ground operation binocular systems issued to USOCOM operators. It offers the same performance of aviation binocular like the AN/VIS-9/6 NVG. Binocular system surpasses single tube system at land navigation and vehicle operation as users appreciate better depth of view. Self-contained /rugged tube housing design, features eye span adjustment, easy to manipulate objective focus ring and eyepiece focus ring, built in IR flood illuminator with optional spot lens, onboard battery compartment, no need for external battery pack. Unit powered by a single AA battery. Submersible to 66 feet for two hours.
Wilcox PVS-15 metal interface shoe, replacing the original plastic interface shoe.
Wilcox filter cover assemblies, assemblies feature an amber lens that quickly attached and detaches to a variety of Night Vision Goggles and Scopes. The unique padded rubber eye cup protects the eye socket from impact injury and the amber filter greatly reduces green eye splash, common condition to all users of NVG devices.
Night vision magnetic compass displays a compass overlaying the night vision scene. The compass is automatically focused for simple operation and easily activated by a momentary-pressure switch, illuminating the compass bearings but not degrading low-light performance of the night vision image. The compass allows you to quickly check your directional heading while navigating the night time environment.
Litton Skull Crusher NVG Head Face Mount (Stationary version)
Developed by Litton in 1980s - 1900s.
Fit NVGs with dovetail mounts, e.g. PVS-15, PVS-18 NVG.
Provide a light-weighted, low profile, hand-free use with NVGs.
Stationary version without flip up feature.
Head harness is fully adjustable to different head sizes.
Nylon chin cup, forehead pads, and cheek pads comfortably secure the head face mount on user’s face.
Photos feature the head face mount with the PVS-15 NVG.
Litton Skull Crusher NVG Head Face Mount (Flip-up version)
Developed by Litton in 1900s.
Fit NVGs with dovetail mounts, e.g. PVS-15, PVS-18 NVG.
Provide a light-weighted, low profile, hand-free use with NVGs.
Flip up version for ease of use and versatility.
Head harness is fully adjustable to different head sizes.
Nylon chin cup, forehead pads, and cheek pads comfortably secure the head face mount on user’s face.
Photos feature the head face mount with the PVS-15 NVG.
ITT NVG Magnetic Compass Assembly
Night vision magnetic compass (NSN 5855-01-381-6052) displays a compass that overlays the night vision scene. The compass is automatically focused for simple operation and easily activated by a momentary-pressure switch. Thus, illuminating the compass bearings but not degrading low-light performance of the night vision image. The compass allows you to quickly check your directional heading while navigating the dark environment. It fits popular NVGs (e.g. PVS-15, PVS-18, PVS-14). Period: 2000s.
AN/PVS-5A Night Vision Goggle
AN/PVS-5A dual-tube night vision goggle (NVG), an iconic NVG in the 1980s and 1990s, was widely used by the US military for aviation and ground support. With different mounts and straps, the AN/PVS-5 can be mounted onto CVC helmet and SPH-4 helmet. This NVG was later replaced by the AN/PVS-7 and AN/VAS-6 ANVIS NVG.
Photos: AN/PVS-5A (Gen II tubes) in a AN/PVS-5C housing.
Night vision technology uses image intensification that allows you to view details in low light environments by intensifying the existing light spectrum. Low levels of ambient light pass through a photocathode that converts the photons to electrons of light, amplifying them before they are passed through a green phosphor screen where they are converted into visible light. Generation 2 tubes were developed in the late 1960’s and offer 20,000 times light amplification with the development of the micro-channel plate (MCP) which allowed higher electron gains and made observation possible down to about a quarter moonlight. Images are brighter, with higher resolution and reliability. Gen 2 tubes have a life expectancy of about 2,500 hours up to about 4,000 hours in higher end tubes.
