AN/PVS-5

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.

AN/PVS-5
AN/PVS-5A night vision goggle worn by a US soldier in 1988.
Type	Passive
Place of origin	United States
Category	Head/helmet mountable
Service history
In service	1972–present[1]
Used by	United States Armed Forces
Wars	Vietnam War Operation Eagle Claw Persian Gulf War War in Afghanistan Iraq War
Production history
Designed	1971
Manufacturer	ITT Industries Litton Industries
Variants	AN/PVS-5, AN/PVS-5A, AN/PVS-5B, AN/PVS-5C
Specifications
Weight	850 grams
Dimensions (L×H×W)	6.5" x 6.8" x 4.7"
Resolution (lp/mm)	>32 lp/mm
Mode of Operation	Passive
II tube	MX-9916
Field of vision (°)	40 degrees
Range of detection	50m (Starlight) 150m (Moonlight)
System zoom	1×
Generation	2

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.

In accordance with the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), the "AN/PVS-5" designation represents the 5th design of an Army-Navy electronic device for portable visual detection equipment. The JETDS system also now is used to name all Department of Defense electronic systems.

History

Photographic evidence from Operation Eagle Claw shows US military personnel at staging area Desert One in Iran using in the AN/PVS-5 NVGs.^{[citation needed]}