L3HARRIS BNVD (AN/PVS-31A)

USSOCOM Binocular Night Vision Device High Performance Unfilmed White Phosphor

The AN/PVS-31A Binocular Night Vision Device (BNVD) is compact, lightweight, dual tube Gen3 goggle to replace the legacy AN/PVS-15 in the USSOCOM inventory.  In a sea of dual tube night vision goggles, the AN/PVS-31A is the smallest and lightest unit by far.  Weighing in at just under one pound, this system is almost as light as a monocular, yet packs in the same feature set (and then some) of much heavier devices.  Working directly with U.S. Special Operations Forces' input, the AN/PVS-31A was designed to increase system resolution, significantly reduce head borne weight, improve system of center of gravity, provide additional operational utility, and improve overall operator situational awareness.

The AN/PVS-31A BNVD utilizes L3Harris's latest Gen3 Unfilmed image intensifier tubes, providing unmatched clarity and resolution.  These tubes are variable gain-capable, allowing operators to adjust the brightness of their image as situations on the ground dictate.  Gain adjustment is quick and easy; done by simply rotating the power button.  This centrally-located control activates and deactivates the goggle when pressed and held in for two seconds, making all controls easy to locate and operate without being able to see them and while wearing gloves.  There is no integral infrared illuminator in the AN/PVS-31A BNVD.  This feature was not desired by most operators due to its limited distance functionality and added weight/size.

The AN/PVS-31A can run off a single on-board AA battery or a remote battery pack mounted behind the helmet for extended use.  The remote pack allows the goggle to weigh in even less and acts as a counterweight to the entire system.  It also features built-in dual infrared strobe lights for ground personnel identification.  The strobes can be easily activated by a small protected switch under the battery housing.  One thing to note is that the cable connecting the goggle to the remote battery pack will slightly interfere with the right tube's ability to be pivoted up (see below).

The AN/PVS-31A BNVD has independently pivoting tube housings that allow the operator to run the goggle in a binocular or monocular configuration.  Using two tubes at once allows the eyes to create depth perception and increases the ease in maneuvering terrain and obstacles as well as operating devices such as control panels and door knobs.  However, monocular configurations allow for ease in transitioning between various lighting conditions that often occur on the battlefield and cause operators to switch between night vision weapon-mounted white lights.  The AN/PVS-31A can be configured to adapt to various situations, giving the user the best of both worlds.  Another benefit to the pivoting tube housings is the ability to mount the “flatten” the goggle against the front helmet surface when stowed.  Goggles are often worn throughout the duration of a mission, even in daylight hours, because operators may find themselves in a dark environment.  NVG's are often left in the stowed position until needed so they can be instantly accessed.  But, this causes a snag hazard since the goggles can easily bang into objects while flipped up.  The ability to pivot the tube housings against the helmet surface creates an overall lower profile, increasing operator safety and equipment life.

NOTE 

These items are controlled by the U.S. government and authorized for export only to the country of ultimate destination for use by the ultimate consignee or end-user(s) herein identified. They may not be resold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any person other than the authorized ultimate consignee or end-user(s) either in their original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by U.S. law and regulations.