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The AN/PVS-18 is no longer a current device. Over ten years ago, it was used alongside the AN/PVS-15 night vision goggles by American special forces. Both have been replaced by the night vision goggles AN/PVS-31 – HERE in the SPARTANAT Review. The civilian version of the AN/PVS-18 is called the M983. What was interesting back then is that they relied on the individual tube as part of a versatile night vision system: It can be handheld, used as a standalone monocular, prepared for left and right mounting as a monocular, and intended for quick mounting on weapons in conjunction with an infrared laser aiming device.
The device fits nicely in hand and here are its technical specifications:
Here we see the AN/PVS-18 flipped up on the helmet.
The mounting points on the helmet are versatile. Here, a Wilcox Rhino is carrying the night vision device.
The markings for the on/off switch on the night vision device.
The battery compartment is equipped with a lanyard. As mentioned, a single AA battery powers the device, allowing for up to 40 hours of night vision use.
The interface to the Rhino arm is a "Dovetail." The diamond-shaped metal part is a significant improvement over the PVS-14 interface used by the US Army in parallel.
The small dot between the power button and the battery compartment is the "Short Range Light Emitting Infrared Diode," a minimalist IR illuminator. The device itself is Auto-Gated, meaning it reacts to too much light.
View from behind on the unobstructed optic.
The larger opening on the device is at the rear.
The AN/PVS-18 mounted. Here with the dovetail in front of the left eye.
And with a simple move in front of the other eye.
And here it is folded up on the helmet. The night vision device has the bikini covers on, which protect the lenses when not in use.
CONCLUSION: A very robust device that has been used by special forces. It is also submersible up to 20 meters.
The L3 Harris AN/PVS-18 is now also available on the civilian market. L3 Harris can be found in Germany at IEA Mil-Optics.
L3 HARRIS on the web
IEA Mil-Optics on the web: i-e-a.de
SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews. Send us your news: [email protected]
SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews. Send us your news: [email protected]
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nvg night vision goggles With your registration, you confirm that you have read the privacy policy.