AN/PVS-5
| AN/PVS-5 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Manufacturer(s) | |
| Type | Binocular |
| Tube Format | MX-9916 / 43mm Inverting / Fat ANVIS |
| FoV | 40° / 40° |
| Mount | Head harness |
| Objective(s) | For A, B, Proprietary; For C, PVS-14 compatible threading |
| Eyepiece(s) | Proprietary; PVS-15 and ENVIS compatible threading |
The AN/PVS-5 is a second generation binocular first adopted by the US Army in 1972. It is an early second generation dual tube device consisting of three primary variants, the latter of which lasted in various Military/Gov't forces into the early 2000's.
History
Among the first of western passive head mounted night vision devices, the PVS-5 series night vision goggle is an upgraded version of the prior SU-50 night vision goggles adopted by the USAF in 1971, and offered a significant advantage to ground troops over their prior SU-49/PAS-5 generation 0 goggles.
The AN/PVS-5 contains two 43mm inverting generation 2 image intensifier tubes, which were among the first to utilize a microchannel plate to increase the gain, allowing the device to be used passively without active infrared illumination.
Design
The AN/PVS-5's two 43mm inverting image intensifier tubes are mounted to the unit in pods that can slide horizontally, linked by a pivoting bar to allow the user to adjust the unit to compensate for the user's interpupillary distance symmetrically, which can then be locked into place by tightening the wingnut in between the pods on the top. The pods can tilt vertically to allow the user to observe below or above them by tightening or loosening the threaded side knobs.
The housing of this unit features an outer plastic shell that is mounted to the user's face with a 3-strap head harness. A padded leather cushion is attached to the unit with snaps for the user's comfort.
While the objective focus of each pod can be individually adjusted by rotating the objective lens, the diopters are adjusted by rotating a ring that lies just behind the front of each pod, which is linked to its respective ocular lens assembly by a short rod. This allows the dioptre to be adjusted while the unit is being worn, as the outer shell would otherwise prevent access to the eyepieces.
Depending on the model, the unit is powered by either a single 3 volt BA-5567A/U lead-acid battery, or two 1.5 volt AA batteries.
On the bottom left hand side of the mask, a rotating power switch turns the unit either off, on, or is pulled down and rotated further to turn on the near-IR illuminator mounted between the pods.
Features
- Two second generation image intensifier tubes
- Interpupillary, diopter, focus, and vertical angle adjustment
- Three-point head harness
- Detachable face cushion
- IR illuminator
- Infographic side panel detailing unit's use
Tube specifications
The second generation, 43mm inverting MX-9916 tube (sometimes referred to as 'fat ANVIS') features the following Omni I contract specifications:[1]
| lp/mm | uA/lm | @830 | SNR | Gain> | Gain< | FOM | EBI | MTF25 | Halo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 240 | 15 | 4.5 | 18,000 | 25,000 | 126 | 2.5 | 20@15 | 1.37 |
Variants
The PVS-5 was produced in 3 U.S. Military contract versions, the A, B, and C. Litton sold various models on the commercial market under their own naming convention, swapping the olive drab outer shells for black ones.
| Device | Information | Image |
|---|---|---|
| AN/PVS5A | First production model introduced in 1972. Uses a BA-5567A/U battery inserted into a compartment underneath the device. Some A models were modernized with an outer shell that used standard AA batteries and was based on the C model's shell. The A model is characterized by small objective lenses with a deep blue tint. |  |
| AN/PVS5B | Uses two AA batteries installed in a compartment running sideways along the top of the device, does not have a compartment for BA-5567A/U battery | |
| AN/PVS5C | Can use two AA batteries, each installed in their own compartment on either side of the top edges of the device or a BA-5567A/U battery in a compartment underneath the device. | |
| AN/PVS5D | Commercial upgrade to the PVS5C, with 3rd generation IITs and different lenses. | |
| Litton M802 | Litton produced AN/PVS-5A, with black plastic shell | |
| Litton M909 | Litton produced AN/PVS-5A based model with black outer shell and plastic sleeves on the objective lenses, as well as a thicker face pad | |
| Litton M915A/M912A | Litton produced AN/PVS-5B based model with a black plastic shell. |
