AN/PVS-5
AN/PVS-5 | |
---|---|
Type | Passive |
Place of origin | United States of America |
Category | Head/Helmet mountable |
Service history | |
In service | 1972 – present[1] |
Used by | United States Armed Forces |
Wars |
Vietnam War Gulf War Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Iraqi Freedom |
Production history | |
Designed | 1971 |
Manufacturer |
ITT Industries Litton Industries |
Variants | AN/PVS-5, AN/PVS-5A, AN/PVS-5B, AN/PVS-5C |
Specifications | |
Weight | 850 grams |
Dimensions (LxHxW) | 6.5" x 6.8" x 4.7" |
Resolution (lp/mm) | >20 lp/mm |
Mode of Operation | Passive |
II Tube | MX-9916 |
Field Of Vision | 40 degrees |
Range of Detection | 50m (Starlight) 150m (Moonlight) |
System Zoom | 1× |
Generation | 2 |
The AN/PVS-5 is a dual-tube night-vision goggle used for aviation and ground support. It uses second-generation image-intensifier tubes which are poor for today's standards. The United States Army still has PVS-5 on supply but are very rarely used. The AN/PVS-5 is based on the SU-50 which was a first-generation night-vision goggle adapted by the United States Air Force in 1971. From 1972 until 1990 the AN/PVS-5 was the mainstay in United States Army night vision for aviation. The AN/PVS-5C was not approved for flight because of its auto-gated feature causing the goggle to shut off in bright light. For ground troops the AN/PVS-5 was the sole night-vision goggle until the adaptation of the improved AN/PVS-7.
By today's standards the PVS-5 was a real safety risk for pilots, issues such as a limited field of view, poor light amplification, inability to read maps, and its excessive weight made it difficult to fly while operating them. In 1982 tests were being made for a suitable replacement for the AN/PVS-5 specifically for aviation, this led to the adaptation of the AN/AVS-6 ANVIS in 1989. The ANVIS was the first night-vision goggle used by the United States Army specifically designed for aviation.
The designation AN/PVS translates to Army/Navy Portable Visual Search, according to Joint Electronics Type Designation System guidelines.