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This page details all information about night vision specific to the U.S.A..
This page details all information about night vision specific to the U.S.A..


== Image Intensifiers ==
== Military ==
The U.S. military has an ongoing line of procurement contracts for image intensifiers called [[Omnibus]] (or Omni for short).
Being the largest military of the world, the [[United States Armed Forces]] are the main driving force behind the development and popularization of night vision.


== Devices ==
== Retailers ==
Over the decades, the U.S. military has issued many different night vision devices for different roles.


Night vision devices are designated by the prefix ''AN/PVS'' (which translates to ''Army/Navy Portable Visual Search''<ref>MIL-STD-196G http://everyspec.com/MIL-STD/MIL-STD-0100-0299/MIL-STD-196G_55809/</ref>) followed by a dash and a number.
* TNVC
* Nightvisionguys
* Steele Industries
* Apollo Gear Co.
* Nocturnal Tendencies


A list of the most noteworthy devices includes:
== Manufacturers ==


* [[AN/PVS-5]]
* [[Elbit Systems Of America|Elbit Systems of America]]
* [[AN/PVS-7]]
* [[L3Harris]]
* [[AN/PVS-14]]
* [[ITT Industries]]
* [[AN/PVS-15]]
* AB NightVision Inc
* [[AN/PVS-18]]
* Low Light Innovations
* [[AN/PVS-21]]
* [[AN/PVS-23]]
* [[AN/PVS-24]]
* [[AN/PVS-27]]
* [[AN/PVS-31]]


= Export =
== Export ==
The export of night vision equipment is controlled in accordance with the ''International Traffic in Arms'' (ITAR) regime, which is defined in Title 22 in the Code of Federal Regulations Part 120-130.<ref>https://nightvisionuniverse.com/pages/export-regulations</ref>
The export of night vision equipment is controlled in accordance with the ''International Traffic in Arms Regulations'' (ITAR), which are defined in Title 22 in the Code of Federal Regulations Part 120-130.<ref>https://nightvisionuniverse.com/pages/export-regulations</ref>


ITAR defines the ''United States Munitions List'' (USML)<ref>https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title22-vol1/pdf/CFR-2020-title22-vol1-sec121-1.pdf</ref> of controlled items grouped by category.
ITAR defines the ''United States Munitions List'' (USML)<ref>https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title22-vol1/pdf/CFR-2020-title22-vol1-sec121-1.pdf</ref> of controlled items grouped by category.


Among others, category XII contains devices and weapon sights using image intensifiers with a sensitivity over 350 μA/lm and Gen. 3 image intensifiers (or later).
Among others, category XII contains devices and weapon sights using [[Image Intensifier|image intensifiers]] with a [[sensitivity]] over 350 μA/lm and Gen. 3 image intensifiers (or later).


Exporting ITAR controlled equipment & information without a license is a punishable crime.
Exporting ITAR controlled equipment & information without adequate permission is a punishable crime.


''Note'':
=== Notes ===
 
* ITAR only applies in the United States, which means ITAR controlled items that are already outside of the U.S.A. are not subject to any additional restrictions.
* Restricted devices and image intensifiers still regulary find their way into the international market by:
* Items imported to the U.S. might not be able to be exported again if they fall under ITAR.
** rare occurences of companies exporting legally
* ITAR is not absolute.
** U.S. military bases in other countries selling off surplus & damaged equipment
** For some items that fall under ITAR it is possible to obtain export permission as a civilian (e.g. housings not used by the military)
** illegal smuggling
** Government agencies and search and rescue organizations can obtain export permissions for otherwise strictly controlled items<ref>https://www.asu-nvg.com/Documents%20and%20Settings/39/Site%20Documents/Product%20Spec%20Sheets/MX-10160_F9800_Int.pdf</ref>
* In most countries, trading and owning ITAR controlled equipment is completely legal.
* Equipment imported to the U.S. might not be able to be exported again if it falls under ITAR.
* Allthough theoretically possible, permission to legally export ITAR regulated night vision equipment is generally seen as unobtainable.
* It seems like exceptions have been made for Gen. 3 image intensifiers with low FOM.<ref>https://www.asu-nvg.com/Documents%20and%20Settings/39/Site%20Documents/Product%20Spec%20Sheets/MX-10160_F9800_Int.pdf</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Country]]

Latest revision as of 08:32, 4 June 2024

This page details all information about night vision specific to the U.S.A..

Military[edit | edit source]

Being the largest military of the world, the United States Armed Forces are the main driving force behind the development and popularization of night vision.

Retailers[edit | edit source]

  • TNVC
  • Nightvisionguys
  • Steele Industries
  • Apollo Gear Co.
  • Nocturnal Tendencies

Manufacturers[edit | edit source]

Export[edit | edit source]

The export of night vision equipment is controlled in accordance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which are defined in Title 22 in the Code of Federal Regulations Part 120-130.[1]

ITAR defines the United States Munitions List (USML)[2] of controlled items grouped by category.

Among others, category XII contains devices and weapon sights using image intensifiers with a sensitivity over 350 μA/lm and Gen. 3 image intensifiers (or later).

Exporting ITAR controlled equipment & information without adequate permission is a punishable crime.

Notes[edit | edit source]

  • ITAR only applies in the United States, which means ITAR controlled items that are already outside of the U.S.A. are not subject to any additional restrictions.
  • Items imported to the U.S. might not be able to be exported again if they fall under ITAR.
  • ITAR is not absolute.
    • For some items that fall under ITAR it is possible to obtain export permission as a civilian (e.g. housings not used by the military)
    • Government agencies and search and rescue organizations can obtain export permissions for otherwise strictly controlled items[3]

References[edit | edit source]