L-3 Warrior Systems, L-3's Night Vision Division, has developed and deployed one of the most significant innovations in night vision technology, the Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (GPNVG-18). The purpose of the GPNVG-18 is to provide the operator with a large amount of information, which allows him to move faster in the so-called OODA cycle (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act - observe, orientate, decide, act). The most impressive feature of the GPNVG-18 is the presence of four separate image intensifiers or image intensifiers (hereinafter referred to as tubes) with four separate lenses grouped in panoramic orientation. The two center lenses point forward like traditional double-tube glasses, giving the operator greater depth of perception, while two more tubes point slightly outward from the center to improve peripheral vision. The two tubes on the left and the two tubes on the right are connected to form eyepieces. The operator sees an image in the two center tubes that overlaps slightly with the image from the two outer tubes, resulting in an unprecedented 97 ° field of view. This is an absolute breakthrough in technology for special operations forces. Each pair of tubes on the right and left are combined into one assembly unit and suspended on a bridge like ANVIS goggles (pilot's night vision system), which allows the operator to adjust the distance between the pupils. These pairs of tubes can be easily removed and handled as independent hand-held optical devices. The lintel itself is longitudinally adjustable with a ratchet mechanism and can be configured in two different factory configurations for two different helmet mountings: ball lock (ANVIS) or dovetail (BNVS).
The GPNVG-18 is powered by a separate battery pack connected to the unit via a standard ANVIS cable. The battery pack contains four CR123A three-volt batteries with a battery life of about thirty hours. The GPNVG-18 can receive power for a short time when installed in a Wilcox Panoramic Mount, designed for use by special military units. The separate battery pack also serves as an auxiliary function, acting as a counterweight, which is very important considering the weight of the glasses is approximately 765 grams.
Adjustment and tuning of the system is very important in order to obtain the best possible image for the operator. One of the main focus adjustments in night vision goggles is the diopter. Adjustment of optical power or diopter correction is traditionally done by turning the diopter ring. This allows the glasses to be focused depending on the individual vision of the operator.
The GPNVG-18 uses the commercial Gen3 18mm MX-10160 image intensifiers as used in ANVIS goggles. These tubing is easy to service using the L3's no-solder interchangeable tubing design. This is a very useful feature as the modular tubing from the L3 can be quickly replaced with common tools. The GPNVG-18 has a fully modular chassis with an easy-to-service jumper (bridge).
Wearing the GPNVG-18 is a very unique experience. For those accustomed to the narrow field of view of standard glasses, with a field of view of 97 °, the night now looks completely different. There is no loss of visual acuity in the external channels, so the image is always very clear. After wearing these glasses for about five minutes, your brain does not even see the faintly visible dark semicircle in the place where the images overlap.
The GPNVG-18 night vision goggles allow the operator to do more, as his field of view is now the same as in the daytime. The GPNVG-18 represents an extraordinary development in night vision technology, giving the modern soldier more combat capabilities and greater efficiency.
The export of night vision equipment and related accessories (including user manuals) is strictly regulated by the US Department of Defense in accordance with the International Arms Trade Regulations (ITAR). Any export of such items from the United States is punishable by imprisonment and fines. In addition, non-US citizens are not allowed to look into Gen3 night vision goggles, even in the United States. Persons who provided such an opportunity are punished according to the law (up to and including imprisonment).
Specifications
Manufacturer: L-3 Warrior Systems
Dimensions (inches): 5.625 (length) x 8.50 (width) x 3.75 (height)
Weight: 765 grams
Coating: anti-corrosion
Power supply: Four 3 Volt CR123A batteries (external unit)
Battery life: approximately 30 hours
Immersion: one meter for two hours
Optics:
Generation: Gen3 U. S. L-3
Tube type: four 18mm MX-10160
Resolution: 64 line pairs / mm, minimum
Auto strobing
Magnification: 1x
Field of view: 97 °
Diopter: Clip-on lenses +0.5 to -2.5
Focus: 18 to infinity
Kit: GPNVG glasses, battery box, connecting cable, diopter lenses, sturdy storage case, transport case, batteries, lens cleaning kit
