AN/PVS-7
The AN/PVS-7 is a single tube biocular night vision device. Third-generation image intensifiers are able to be installed and are standard for military night vision. Most newer PVS-7 intensifier tubes are auto-gated to prevent image intensifier damage if exposed to intense light. The goggles have a built-in infrared Illuminator for low-light situations. They are waterproof and charged with nitrogen to prevent internal condensation while moving between extreme temperatures.
AN/PVS-7 | |
---|---|
Type | Passive/Active |
Place of origin | United States |
Category | Head-mountable |
Service history | |
In service | 1988–present[1] |
Used by | United States Armed Forces Philippine Army Argentine Army Canadian Forces Australian Army |
Wars | United States invasion of Panama Persian Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War |
Production history | |
Designer | ITT Industries Litton Industries[2] |
Designed | 1982 |
Manufacturer | ITT Industries Litton Industries Northrop Grumman L3 Communications Armasight, Inc |
Variants | AN/PVS-7A, AN/PVS-7B, AN/PVS-7C, AN/PVS-7D |
Specifications | |
Weight | 680 grams |
Dimensions (L×H×W) | 5.8" x 3.1" x 6.1" |
Resolution (lp/mm) | >64 lp/mm |
Tube form factor | 18mm |
Field of vision (°) | 40 degrees |
Range of detection | 325m (Starlight) |
Range of recognition | 225m (Starlight) |
System zoom | 1× |
Generation | 2 or 3 |
They were designed to replace the older AN/PVS-5 from the Vietnam War.[3] Though slowly being phased out by the AN/PVS-14, the AN/PVS-7 is still being used by the United States Armed Forces with hundreds of thousands in service.[2]
The designation AN/PVS translates to Army/Navy Portable Visual Search, according to Joint Electronics Type Designation System guidelines.
References
- Pike, John. "AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggle". FAS Military Analysis Network. Archived from the original on 24 September 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
- "Night Vision History". Armasight.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-21. Retrieved 2013-08-17.
- "A Performance History of AN/PVS-5 and ANVIS Image Intensification Systems in U.S. Army Aviation" (PDF). Usaarl.mil. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-11-14. Retrieved 2013-08-17.