The AN/PVS-5 is a dual-tube night-vision goggle used for aviation and ground support. It uses second-generation image-intensifier tubes. 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 US Army night vision for aviation. The AN/PVS-5C was not approved for flight because of its high-light cut off 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. Photographic evidence from Operation Eagle Claw shows US military personnel at Desert One in Iran using in the AN/PVS-5 NVGs.[citation needed]

AN/PVS-5
AN/PVS-5A night vision google worn by US soldier in 1988.
TypePassive
Place of originUnited States
CategoryHead/helmet mountable
Service history
In service1972–present[1]
Used byUnited States Armed Forces
WarsVietnam War
Persian Gulf War
War in Afghanistan
Iraq War
Production history
Designed1971
ManufacturerITT Industries
Litton Industries
VariantsAN/PVS-5, AN/PVS-5A, AN/PVS-5B, AN/PVS-5C
Specifications
Weight850 grams
Dimensions (L×H×W)6.5" x 6.8" x 4.7"
Resolution (lp/mm)>32 lp/mm
Mode of OperationPassive
II tubeMX-9916
Field of vision (°)40 degrees
Range of detection50m (Starlight) 150m (Moonlight)
System zoom
Generation2

By today's standards the PVS-5 was a 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.

References

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  1. ^ McLean, William E.; Rash, Clarence E.; McEntire, Joseph; Braithwaite, Malcolm G.; Mora, John C. (May 1998). "A Performance History of AN/PVS-5 and ANVIS Image Intensification Systems in U.S. Army Aviation (Reprint)" (PDF). U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 October 2004. Retrieved 10 June 2022.

See Also

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