More than two decades after the AN/PVS-14 changed modern warfare by giving ordinary infantry the ability to fight at night, the U.S. Army is preparing for another major step in battlefield vision technology. The Army has chosen three defense companies to develop the new Binocular Night Observation Device (BiNOD), which will replace the older monocular system introduced in 2000.

The contracts were awarded to Elbit Systems of America, L3Harris Technologies, and Photonis Defense as part of the Army’s effort to modernize nighttime combat equipment while maintaining multiple production sources for future needs.

Night combat changed after 2000

Before compact night vision devices were common, military operations at night were very limited. Troops had to rely on moonlight, flares, or small patrols to move in the dark. Early night-vision systems after World War II were large, costly, and mostly used by snipers or reconnaissance teams.

That changed when the AN/PVS-14 entered service in 2000. The lightweight monocular device became affordable enough for mass production and standard issue to frontline troops. Mounted on helmets or rifles, it allowed infantry units to operate far more effectively in darkness and helped turn military operations into a 24-hour capability.

Even though the AN/PVS-14 was successful, it started to show its age. Its single-tube design limited depth perception and field of view. Soldiers often said it felt like looking through a tube, which made moving in tricky terrain harder.

The green phosphor display also caused problems during long use. In low light, people rely on contrast, but green images led the brain to process more color information, which led to greater eye fatigue on long missions.

Army pushes for binocular vision upgrade

The new BiNOD systems are designed to fix many of these problems by using binocular designs instead of monocular ones. Having two tubes improves depth perception, gives a wider field of view, and helps soldiers stay more aware during night operations.

All three systems use white phosphor displays instead of the old green ones, creating black-and-white images. This change helps reduce eye strain and makes it easier for soldiers to see clearly during long missions.

The goggles feature rotating eye tubes that move independently. Soldiers can flip one tube upward to preserve natural vision in one eye while still using enhanced night vision in the other. When both tubes are raised against the helmet, the system powers down automatically to conserve battery life and prevent a visible glow.

Each BiNOD device is waterproof to a depth of 66 feet for at least two hours and can operate in temperatures from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The systems are also compatible with standard military helmet mounts and can be adjusted for individual eye spacing and prescription requirements.

Elbit and L3Harris focus on modular performance

Elbit America’s design uses improved optics for sharper clarity across the whole view compared to current Army systems. The company also made the device modular, so it can be upgraded in the future with features like thermal imaging and optical overlays. The device is designed to reduce neck and eye strain for troops who might wear night-vision gear for up to 10 hours during missions.

L3Harris developed its NOVA system with a strong emphasis on field maintenance and image quality. Each eye tube can be removed with just four screws, making repairs simpler and reducing downtime in combat.

The NOVA goggles use L3Harris’s special unfilmed Gen 3 image intensifier technology. Without the ion barrier film found in most systems, the goggles are more sensitive and work better in very dark conditions. They also have a built-in infrared light for close-up tasks.

Photonis targets urban warfare needs

Photonis Defense chose a different path with its Vyper Pro system, focusing on making it lighter and giving it advanced spectral capabilities. Instead of metal housings, the company uses a carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer to make the device both stronger and lighter.

The Vyper Pro can detect a wider range of light than standard Gen 3 systems, including some infrared lasers and ultraviolet markers that other devices can’t detect.

Photonis also equipped the system with an ultra-fast autogating power supply intended for urban combat. This feature helps protect the image from sudden bright flashes from explosions, muzzle blasts, or streetlights, which can temporarily overwhelm traditional night-vision goggles.