Primarily, the purpose of night vision devices is to produce image usable in tactical situations and provide advantage on the battlefield. Night vision devices can be a hand-held, head mounted, or helmet mounted night vision system that enable walking, driving, weapon firing, short-range surveillance, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and administering first aid in both moonlight and starlight.

Many environmental factors can affect performance of night vision devices (NVDs), such as cloudy nights, fog, rain and other adverse conditions.

Conditions That Affect NVD Performance

  • All traditional NVDs require some ambient light (moonlight, starlight, etc.) to operate. The level of performance depends upon the level of light.
  • Ambient light, hence the performance of the night vision device is reduced by passing cloud cover, while operating under trees, in building shadows, etc.

  • The night vision device is less effective viewing into shadows and other darkened areas.
  • The night vision device is less effective through rain, fog, sleet, snow, smoke, and other reflective material.
  • The night vision device will not “see” through dense smoke, walls, vehicles, humans, animals etc, etc.
  • If operating a vehicle, make sure to use dual tube (two independent channels) night vision goggles for better depth perception. CAUTION: DO NOT USE monocular or pseudo binocular (one objective and two eyepieces – PVS-7 type) to operate a vehicle, as these systems do not have adequate depth of field. Adjust vehicular speed to prevent over-driving the range of view when conditions of possible reduction or loss of vision exist. When utilizing night vision devices for driving purposes, the goggles must not be used in the hand-held mode. The goggles must be worn in the head mounted or helmet mounted position.

General Information

IR Illumination Caution

The IR source is a light that is invisible to the unaided eye for use during conditions of extreme darkness. However, the light from the IR source can be detected by the enemy using night vision devices. The IR spot/flood lens accessory does not reduce the ability of an enemy to detect the illuminator.

BACKLIGHT & HIGH-LIGHT

The NVD will not be turned off automatically when disconnected from the head mount or helmet mount. Turn off the night vision device by the power switch to prevent exposure to the enemy.

High light Cut-off. The goggles will automatically cut off after 70 ±30 seconds of operation in daylight or bright room light, except in fluorescent lighting. Individual bright lights (headlights, flashlights, or other concentrated light sources) will not actuate the high light detector located on the front of the goggles. To turn the goggles back on, turn the power switch to RESET/OFF position and then to ON again.

AVAILABILITY TO GENERAL PUBLIC

Certain night vision devices are not available for sale to general public. This is NOT because there are laws limiting civilian ownership of night vision devices. The main reason for night vision availability, or lack thereof, is the military demand. Oftentimes the demand for night vision image intensifiers, and the night vision devices built around them is unpredictable, leading to shortages, and rarely to surplus. The US federal government is the world’s largest customer buying night vision devices. If it wasn’t for military demand for night vision technology it would not have existed. Therefore, most suppliers reserve truly the best equipment for their best customer (military).

Night Vision ACCESSORIES & Their Use

Demist Shields – The demist shields are used to prevent the eyepiece lenses from becoming fogged.

LIF – The LIF is recommended to be used with night vision device in tactical situations at all times to protect the night vision device against damaging IR laser exposure.

Sacrificial Window – A replaceable sacrificial window is supplied to protect the objective lens during operation in adverse conditions.

Compass –Enables the operator to see azimuth readings in the night vision device’s viewing area.

Tethering Cord –Enables the user to attach the compass or 3X-magnifier to his/herself to guard against dropping or losing these items.

3X Magnifier – The 3X magnifier is a lens assembly, which can be added to the night vision device’s objective lens to extend the operator’s observation.

Headmount – secures the night vision goggles, binocular or monocular to the operator’s head for night viewing, and provides freehand support for use with a weapon, protective mask or other purposes. It is adjustable and cushioned. The thin brow pad used for large heads comes attached to the head mount and the thick or medium brow pads are stored in the carrying case.

Carrying & Transportation and Storage cases – provided for transportation and protection of the night vision devices, and accessories