Mount

A mount connects a night vision device or J-arm to a shroud, which is typically bolted to a helmet. Different mounts offer various methods of adjustment, such as tilt and height adjustment. Many mounts provide a mechanism to fold the device upwards into a "stowed" position, where the device is kept clear of the user's eyes. This often includes mechanisms that turn the night vision device off when it is stowed.

Shroud

U.S. Shroud

The U.S. military introduced and popularized a modular system where a shroud is bolted to the front of the helmet, which then allows attaching a compatible mount with a simple locking mechanism. Russian ground force helmets such as the 6B47 and LShZ use a shroud that accepts the same mounts, with some visual differences.

Russian Aviation Shroud

This shroud is found on Russian aviator helmets, being used with the ONV-1 Skosok, GEO-NVG1, and GEO-ONV1 goggles. It is attached higher on the helmet than the US type.

Device Interfaces

Over the years, different standards have been developed for the mechanical interfaces between the mount and the night vision device.

What all these interfaces have in common is that they securely attach the device to the mount, while giving the user the ability to quickly attach and remove it.

Bayonet

Norotos Rhino

Norotos Rhino and USGI J-arm

• Only supports pitch adjustment
• Patented force-to-overcome stowing mechanism

Norotos Rhino 2

Norotos Rhino 2

• Improved version of the Norotos Rhino
• All features of Norotos Rhino, plus height adjustment
• Also produced with Dovetail

Dovetail

Wilcox L4 G24

Wilcox L4 G24

One of the most well known mounts, it features height, pitch and distance adjustment, while being extremely lightweight. The flip up/down function on this mount requires depressing a button, which makes sure the device stays deployed or stowed regardless of mechanical force.

Cadex Low Pro

Cadex Low Pro mounted on a PGD ARCH helmet

Although similar in adjustability and format to the G24 mount this one is slightly bulkier while certain features differ. Most notably the Low Pro uses force-to-overcome to flip the mount into stowed position while requiring depressing a button to release and fold down. This allows for quickly getting a device out of the way but ensuring it wont accidentally fall back down. Compared to the G24 the adjustability of height covers a larger span, making it suitable for bridged monocular setups and binocular housings that are particularly tall.

Ball Detent

The ball detent mounting system was introduced to the U.S. military with the AN/AVS-6 aviator binoculars, but later adopted by some ground forces as well. Today, even civilian search and rescue pilots rely on this system.

In contrast to the Dovetail or Bayonet system the mounts do not feature pitch adjustment, with compatible devices solving pitch adjustment internally.

Ball detent mounts include contacts for power supply, which are interrupted when the device is folded into the stowed position. Thus, many devices using ball detent mounts don't feature an internal battery compartment, relying on the power supply of the mount alone.

When stowed, devices using ball detent are much closer to and further back on the helmet than with most Bayonet or Dovetail mounts, making them optimal for their originally intended use inside of vehicles.

ANVIS Issued HGU Aviator Mount

HGU ANVIS Mount (Ground Spec Interchanged)

The original mount developed for the HGU helmet system and the AN/AVS-6.

Wilcox L4 G01

Wilcox L4 G01-T

The Wilcox L4 G01 is intended to be used with AN/AVS-9 binoculars, but instead of aviation for ground use to provide a more rugged mounting system than issued aviation HGU mounts.

A L4 G02 was produced with very slight differences to fit a AN/PVS-23. Both mounts come with a VAS shroud adapter interface.

The mount is powered by either a CR123 battery operated or via an ANVIS or similar battery-pack.

Compared to the newer GSGM, the mount requires interchangeable accessories to switch power source, while the GSGM features a simple switch allowing to switch between the two sources.

The mount features height adjustment that can be released and fixated by the lever at the top.

Wilcox DPAM/GSGM

Wilcox DPAM

The Wilcox GSGM (Ground Spec Goggle Mount) and DPAM (Dual Power Aviators Mount) is the latest version of ball-detent mounting system next to the Wilcox AERONOX. The GSGM offers a more rugged and practical design compared to other ball-detent mounts and is compatible to most ball-detent interface NVGs. Originally it doesn’t come with any VAS shroud interface. Both Wilcox and Ops Core offer separate DPAM VAS insert adapters.

The mount is powered by either a CR123 battery or by ANVIS or similar battery packs. The power sources can be individually changed with a switch on the right side of the mount.

The mount features height adjustment that can be released and fixated by the lever at the top.

Other Mounts

• T-Mount