AN/PSQ-42
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (January 2024) |
AN/PSQ-42 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular | |
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U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps | |
Wars | War in Afghanistan, Operation Inherent Resolve |
Production history | |
Designer | L3Harris |
Designed | 2018–2019 |
Manufacturer | L3Harris Elbit Systems of America |
No. built | >13,000 units |
Specifications | |
Weight | <2.5 lbs |
Battery configuration | Helmet mounted 4x AA-type battery pack |
The AN/PSQ-42 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular (ENVG-B) is a
Development
The ENVG-B was reported to be in development as early as 2018, intended to give soldiers better depth perception than the monocular AN/PVS-14 and AN/PSQ-20.[5] Initial production (Directed Requirements Contract) goggles were produced with a black housing, while full rate production (Program of Record Contract) goggles are now produced in a Tan 499 housing.[6]
Design and features
The AN/PSQ-42 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular combines two image intensification tubes with an uncooled thermal imager and is able to operate in an I²-only mode or a fusion mode that combines I² with a thermal image overlay. The overlay is also capable of displaying a compass and augmented reality data from a Nett Warrior device. The ENVG-B can also display wirelessly transmitted weapon sight crosshair and thermal imagery from the Family of Weapon Sights-Individual (FWS-I) thermal imager mounted on a weapon.[7][8] The image-intensifying tubes also allows the user to illuminate, designate, and engage targets conventionally with weapon-mounted infrared laser pointer-illuminator devices such as the AN/PEQ-15.
The entire ENVG-B assembly consists of the ENVG-B goggles themselves, Positioning Assembly (PA), Helmet Mount Assembly (HMA) and battery pack.[9] In a fashion similar to the AN/PSQ-20 and AN/PVS-31, the ENVG-B does not receive power from a battery within the goggle housing itself (such as in the AN/PVS-14). Instead, the goggle receives power from the battery pack mounted on the rear of the soldier's helmet via a circuit that traverses the HMA and PA, with hotshoe connectors at the interface between those components.[8] This shifts the center mass of an ENVG-B equipped helmet toward the wearer's neck, resulting in a more ergonomic balance and reducing neck strain, especially in the prone. The ENVG-B assembly can be mounted on the ACH, ECH and IHPS helmets. A special helmet cover designed to conceal the battery pack and HMA exists for these helmets.[8]
A small infrared illuminator is built into the housing for viewing handheld items like a map, weapon, or radio. A gain control knob is centrally mounted on the bridge of the goggle housing. Both the eyepieces and objective lenses are capable of affixing a protective sacrificial lens, and the objective lenses have removable protective rubber caps with lanyards.
Operational history
The ENVG-B saw its first operational use with 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division during its participation in Operation Allies Refuge in August 2021.
References
- ^ "Enhanced Night Vision Goggle–Binocular (ENVG-B) | L3Harris Fast. Forward". www.l3harris.com. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
- ^ Cox, Matthew (2019-09-25). "These Are the First Units to Get Army's New Night-Vision Binoculars". Military.com. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
- ^ "L3Harris ENVG-B". engage.l3harris.com. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
- ^ Cox, Matthew (2018-10-10). "Army, Marines to Buy Thousands of New Binocular-Style Night-Vision Goggles". Military.com. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
- ^ Cox, Matthew (2018-02-13). "Army to Develop New, Binocular-Style Night Vision Goggles". Military.com. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
- ^ ENVG-B ENHANCED NIGHT VISION GOGGLE-BINOCULAR (PDF). L3Harris. 2021.
- ^ "ENHANCED NIGHT VISION GOGGLE – BINOCULAR (ENVG-B)". United States Army Acquisition Support Center. 2022.
- ^ a b c Fitchlee, Michael (10 March 2021), Bronco Subject Matter Expert Series Episode 1: ENVG-B and FWS-I, Hawaii: 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
- ^ TM 11-5855-343-10 Operator Manual for (FWS-I) AN/PAS35 Family of Weapon Sights - Individual (FWS-I) (PDF). Headquarters, Department of the Army. 1 July 2020. pp. 7–3.
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