Military

AN/AVS-6, AVIATION NIGHT VISION IMAGING SYSTEM (ANVIS)

Anvis is a lightweight, high performance passive third generation image intensifier system designed specifically for helicopter pilots during night flights including noe missions.

The first official fieldings of the ANVIS (V)3 occurred in June 2002 and will continue into the foreseeable future along with the cascading of the best of the existing ANVIS. The goal is to eventually upgrade the goggles of every Army Aviation Unit to a better ANVIS than they now have. The ANVIS Fielding and Cascading Manager will contact each unit receiving upgraded systems approximately 90 days prior to the scheduled event to do the necessary coordination and preparation. The (V)3 goggles feature enhanced third generation image intensification tube technology combined with gated power supplies that enable the aviator to operate over a wider range of lighting conditions than ever before.

ACQUISITION CATEGORY: III

ACQUISITION PHASE: MS III Production/Deployment

PE & LINE #: SSN: K35601

NSN: 5855-01-138-4749 AN/AVS-6(V)1
AN/AVS-6(V)1A

DESCRIPTION: The ANVIS is a lightweight, high performance passive third generation image intensifier system designed specifically for use by helicopter pilots during night flights including Nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) missions. ANVIS is designed to recognize terrain obstacles at an altitude of 200 feet and below, at a maximum speed of 150 knots, and at light levels down to overcast starlight. The system mounts on an SPH-4 helmet using a mount assembly that replaces the normal visor. When not in use, the binocular assembly can be flipped up and/or easily removed from the helmet if necessary. ANVIS consists of a binocular system with each monocular unit composed of an objective lens assembly, an 18mm (MX-10160 or MX-10160A) third generation image intensifier tube assembly, and an eyepiece assembly. Fielding is two per attack helicopter (AH-1 only), three per utility helicopter, four per cargo helicopter (CH-47) and two per scout helicopter.

TRANSPORTATION CHARACTERISTICS / LIMITATIONS: Shipping/storage case including contents. 15" x 15" x 8",

Weight = 5 lbs. No special transportation requirements.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

3QFY89 Accelerated production authorized, funding increased $7M in FY90 and FY91.

Feb 90 100% phase-in of improved fiber optics to correct distortion problem.

Mar 90 OMNIBUS II contracts awarded to ITT (6022 units) and EOS (formerly Varian, 4019 units).

Nov 92 OMNIBUS III Contracts awarded to ITT (600) and Litton (400).

Dec 93 First delivery under OMNIBUS III Contracts.

REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT: Night Vision System for Army Aircraft - Approved 3 Jan 75.

TYPE CLASSIFICATION: Standard approved Sep 82.