US Army tests new night vision equipment

The PVS-14 and the PAS-13 will soon be a thing of the past. The future brings the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle - Binocular (ENVG-B), Family Weapon Sights - Individual (FWS-I) and Nett Warrior. All of these have now been extensively tested for three weeks by soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division.

The ENVG-B is a fusion device, combining a night vision device with a thermal imaging device. This makes it very difficult for the opponent to hide in the darkness.

With the FWS-I, it is possible to display the weapon sight in the ENVG-B. This allows targets to be engaged from safety cover. Essentially, it's a Cornershot for everyone.

Of course, this works seamlessly during the day and night, as the FSW-I is a thermal imaging device.

The real advantage, however, is achieved through Nett Warrior. This software displays all possible location information in the field of view of the ENVG-B. This includes positions of your own, suspected enemies, waypoints, etc.

New waypoints can quickly be shared with everyone by the group leader. The displayed information can be selected or hidden as desired. We are already familiar with this from various shooter games like Ghost Recon or Battlefield.

5,000 units of the ENVG-B have already been procured, and more will follow. In June of this year, the first devices will be issued to the fighting force. This will be the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry Division. Hopefully, the guys will have enough batteries with them on the battlefield.

ARMY online: www.army.mil