CHAPTER
3
CURRENT NIGHT-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT CAPABILITIES
1.
GENERAL.
This
chapter provides a brief description of night vision equipment found currently
at rifle squad and platoon levels in the 82d Airborne Division.
2.
NIGHT
VISION EQUIPMENT.
a.
AN/PVS-4.
(1)
Capabilities.
The
AN/PVS-4 is a portable, battery-operated electro-optical instrument used for
observation and aimed fire of weapons at night utilizing the M16 rifle, M249
and M60 machineguns, M72A1 rocket launcher, and M203 grenade launcher. It amplifies
reflected light, such as moonlight, starlight, and skyglow, so that the viewed
scene becomes clearly visible to the operator. The sight does not emit visible
or ir light that can be detected by the enemy. The rubber-cup eyepiece prevents
any amplified light from illuminating the operator. (2)
Characteristics.
(a)
Weight:
3.9
lbs
(b)
Range:
Starlight-400m/Moonlight-600m
(c)
Magnification:
3.8X
(d)
FOV:
15
degrees (3)
Limitations.
The
sight does not emit any visible or ir light, and uses ambient light. It is
difficult to use during movement for constant scanning, and is primarily used
for target acquisition. It is bulky, makes a weapon extremely top-heavy when
mounted, and easily gets caught on vines, grass, and branches. The sight has
a tendency to cause "white-out" to the vision of the firing soldier when used
with the M60 machinegun or the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon. (4)
Considerations.
The sight can be mounted on virtually all infantry small arms. Its variable
magnification and focus make it useful for long-range scanning. It can lose
its zero if jarred. The vision of the operator is obscured from the muzzle
flash after rounds are fired.
b.
AN/PVS-5. (1)
Capabilities.
The
AN/PVS-5 is a battery-operated night vision system that allows the soldier
to perform various tasks during low-light conditions. It can be handcarried
or headstrap-mounted to make it possible to read, do manual tasks, or conduct
surveillance during limited visibility. The ir setting on the control knob
controls an ir beam that can be used for observation in zero illumination or
for signalling. (2)
Characteristics.
(a)
Weight:
1.9
lbs
(b)
Range:
1
Man
size: Starlight-150m/Moonlight-165m
2
Vehicle
size: Starlight-300m/Moonlight-330m
(c)
Magnification:
None
(d)
FOV:
40
degrees (3)
Limitations.
Rain,
fog, sleet, snow, or smoke degrade the operation of the goggles. The goggles
are less effective when viewing into shadows and other darkened areas. They
also require some night light (starlight, moonlight, etc.) to operate. Operation
during low-light levels will produce a noisy or grainy picture. The solid plastic
face piece prevents any peripheral vision when worn with the head harness.
The AN/PVS-5 is not found in Active Component rifle companies. (4)
Considerations.
The
AN/PVS-5 is not as effective as the PVS-7 and has been replaced in most infantry
units. Its greatest advantage is that the dual eyepieces allow it to be used
with binoculars for long-range scanning. c.
AN/PVS-7A. (1)
Capabilities.
The
AN/PVS-7A is a self-contained night vision system worn on the head or hand-held.
It provides improved night-vision capabilities using available light from the
night sky. The goggle enables the user to perform normal tasks such as reading,
walking, driving on the ground, or surveillance during times of darkness. The
goggle may be used with or without the standard battle helmet, and provides
capabilities for all infantry tasks. The head harness provides a snap-on, snap-off
capability for the monocular goggle that leaves the head harness in place.
In the case of extreme darkness, as in a covered area, the goggle has an ir
feature (ir illuminator) that allows viewing up to two meters. A built-in indicator
lets the operator know when the ir illuminator is in use. (2)
Characterists.
(a)
Weight:
1.5
lbs.
(b)
Battery
power:
BA-5567
or "AA"
(c)
Range:
Starlight-75m/Moonlight-100m
(d)
Magnification:
1X
(e)
FOV:
40
degrees (3)
Limitations.
The
ir projector provides light for only a very short distance, and the device
requires some ambient light to be effective. The head harness is fragile and
needs to be padded for jumping, even in the soft case. Additionally, head harness
adjustment must be included in pre-combat inspections. (4)
Considerations.
The
goggle is effective in cloudy starlight to bright moonlight. It can be removed
quickly from the facemask with automatic shutoff. It can be detached from the
facemask and used as a hand-held viewer. When the ir feature is in use, it
is detectable by other night-vision devices. d.
AN/PVS-7B. (1)
Capabilities.
The
AN/PVS-7B is a hand-held, head-mounted, or helmet-mounted night-vision system
that enables walking, driving, weapon firing, short-range surveillance, map
reading, vehicle maintenance, and administering first aid in both moonlight
and starlight. It has an ir projector that provides illumination at close ranges,
and that can be used for signalling. There is a high-light level shutoff if
the device is exposed to damaging levels of bright light. There is a compass
that attaches to the device that allows for reading an azimuth through the
goggles. The helmet-mount is very comfortable since the mount is not resting
on the soldier's head. (2)
Characteristics.
(a)
Weight:
1.5
lbs
(b)
Battery
power:
BA-5567
or 2 X "AA"
(c)
Range:
Starlight-150m/Moonlight-300m
(d)
Magnification:
1X
(e)
FOV:
40
degrees (3)
Limitations.
The
device is made of lightweight plastic that can be easily broken if dropped
or hit against another object during airborne operations or IMT. The head harness
is bulkier than the harness of the PVS-5 or 7A, and is more fragile. The helmet
mount also breaks relatively easily and should be taped or padded in the "up"
position when not in use. (4)
Considerations.
The
ir projector can be adjusted for a wide or narrow beam. The device uses two
different types of batteries, including "AAs" and the BA-5567. The helmet mount
flips up easily and allows for the goggles to be quickly moved on and off the
face. There is a low battery signal light inside the eyepiece. When mounted
on the helmet, the device makes the front of the helmet heavier, (much like
a MILES harness weights down the back of the helmet). Neither the helmet harness
nor the compass are Basic Issue Items, but can be ordered through the supply
system.
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