TNVC Named North American Distributor for AN/PVS-21

Tactical Night Vision Company is proud to announce we have been named the North American Distributor for Sensor Technology Systems (STS)

STS is most known for the AN/PVS-21 LPNVG

http://www.tnvc.com/shop/anpvs-21-lpnvg

The AN/PVS-21 LPNVG is unlike any other night vision system. Designed for aggressive special operations, it features incredible characteristics found only in this incredible unit. The AN/PVS-21 is a Low Profile Night Vision Goggle that utilizes sensor fusion technology to move the image intensifier tubes out of line with the optics creating two very unique benefits. First, it allows the width of the unit to be significantly shorter than most other NVG’s. In most cases, this translates to 3-4” less protrusion from the operator’s face. Low profile is very important in close confines. It better allows the operator to fit into smaller spaces and keeps the unit from snagging on obstacles and gear.

The second benefit ties into the unit’s patented see-through optics. The AN/PVS-21 uses a patented “folded optics” system that projects the night vision image into a pair of see-through optics. This means that the operator can literally see through the lenses regardless of whether or not the unit is engaged. See through optics add a whole new level of versatility. No longer does the tube control the brightness of the image. If an operator is exposed to too much ambient light, the image simply fades out and the actual scene is viewed straight through the lenses. The image appears as it normally would through a set of clear goggles because the operator is not viewing through an image intensifier. This ability greatly increases the operator’s situational awareness and makes him more combat effective because threats can be more easily engaged regardless of the lighting conditions. While PINNACLE tubes do a good job of protecting the user’s vision from changing lighting conditions, the AN/PVS-21 solves the problem in a more innovative way, providing smooth transition from dark to light. The see-through lenses also provide the most depth-perception available of any head-mounted night vision goggle.

The AN/PVS-21’s see-through system allows unimpeded access to weapon optics. Wearing helmet-mounted NVG’s has always meant that a weapon-mounted infrared laser was necessary for targeting. While this is still recommended, the AN/PVS-21’s lenses actually allow the operator to acquire his weapon optic and engage the threat as if he was not wearing NVG’s at all. This incredible feat can only be accurately achieved with the AN/PVS-21. Because the unit is so low profile and utilizes see-through optics, the operator has a greater field of view than any other NVG would allow. A forward-looking round 40 degree night vision image is visible while a relatively open/un-aided view is seen around it and to the immediate peripherals. This makes rapid terrain traversing much easier.

Two auxiliary IR illuminators allow for no-light operation. The system has a high/low setting for their operation.

Another very interesting feature of the AN/PVS-21 is the Sensor Fusion Overlay HUD system. The LPNVG has two inputs for the optional Heads Up Display module that allows the operator to connect the 21 to any electronic device with a BNC-Out Connector, enabling real-time overlay of mission critical information onto the night vision image. This system interfaces with everything from thermal weapon sights (allowing the operator to place the weapon around a corner and engage targets without exposing himself), FLIR, PC’s (allowing real time data streaming from a laptop in the operator’s pack), and vehicle systems. The image is projected over one of the see-through lenses and can be adjusted for transparency so the operator can still see the regular night vision image through the overlay, maintaining situational awareness.

The AN/PVS-21 comes with a specially-developed, Patent Pending Refocus Ring that snaps over one of the objective lenses. The lens can flip up out of the way or be flipped down in front of the objective. This revolutionary little device will instantly refocus the objective lens to a close-in distance. The operator does not need to refocus the actual objective lens because this innovative lens does it instantly. The Refocus Lens focuses the view to within 18-24” and is extremely useful for quick radio checks, map/compass reads, weapon remedial action, emergency medical, etc. One of the most interesting abilities of the Refocus Lens is that it allows the operator to engage threats with a pistol’s iron sights. That right: accurate threat engagement with a pistol’s iron sights. The Refocus Lens goes over the shooter’s dominant eye objective lens, while the non-dominant stays focused at the standard range. The brain melds these two images, allowing the operator to focus on the front sight of the pistol and the distant threat- just like normal. This takes some training to master, but the bottom line is that it is possible!

The AN/PVS-21 is unlike any other night vision device and represents a huge leap forward in image intensifier technology. The unit is currently in use by Tier1 Special Operations Forces across the globe.

Export of Night Vision Equipment or related accessories (such as manuals) is strictly regulated by the US Department of State in accordance with the guidelines of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). It is a major crime to ship or carry US manufactured night vision devices outside the borders of the United States, punishable by fines and prison sentences. Ignorance of these regulations will not hold up in court. By purchasing night vision equipment from TNVC, you attest that you will not attempt to export or carry this night vision equipment outside the borders of the United States. Also, it illegal to allow a non-US Citizen to look through US Gen3 Night Vision Devices, even on US soil. Again, this is a crime punishable by fines and prison sentences.

As you can see, the AN/PVS-21 is one of the most advanced pieces of NV kit available. And yes: it is available for commercial sale!

Keep an eye on our site as we will soon be publishing more incredible gear from STS along with a few surprises!

Pretty damn neat. Most likely out of my price range though. Maybe that lottery ticket will come thru for me this month. :slight_smile:

Just curious what’s the price on something like this? I’m willing to bet you can buy a brand-new car for the cost of one of these. I wish I could afford some NVGs but I’ve been browsing your site and drooling over them ever since I used them at work. We use the PVS-7s and I was amazed (having never used ‘real’ NV before), I can only imagine how much better these must be.

Also, slightly OT but I find it interesting that it’s illegal for a non-US citizen to look through US-made NVG. Any reason for this?

Unfortunately, we cannot post the price of these units online due to the deal we have with STS. Please call for pricing. As for the second question; that is something you would have to ask the US State Department.

Very cool

That’s understandable.

We had a lot of guys jump on us when we first talked about the legalities of non-US Citizens looking through US Gen3 devices. They didn’t believe it. But, we have contacts in the State Department that confirm it. We don’t write the rules, but we do follow them.

I read through the ITAR PDF’s on the State Department’s website: http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar_official.html and it doesn’t explicitly say that you MUST be a US Citizen to buy/use ITAR regulated items. It does say that any non US Persons is prohibited from use/buy/other actions. US Persons, along with US Citizens, include permanent residents, someone who is “lawfully admitted for permanent residence”.

MY understanding from the above is that those who do not have citizenship OR permanent residence in the US may not make use/buy/other prohibited actions of ITAR items.

127.1 -> 120.15 -> 8 u.s.c. 1101(a): http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/8/usc_sec_08_00001101----000-.html

We consulted with our attorney’s on this subject matter on several occasions. We do what they and the State Dept. tell us. :slight_smile:

I don’t doubt the confirmation of your State Department contacts or the consult of your attorneys. The regulations of NV’s piqued my interest (I figured they were prohibited for export).

Congratulations, Victor. You guys earned it!

Best,
Alan

Thank you very much!

Victor

Always better to play it safe. It’s strange though, that at various conferences and trade shows on US soil, vendors will have demo gear in their booths for foreign nationals to try out.

I recall one show where some guys had booth with live thermal IR video from US hardware being shown on a flatscreen TV. The opposite booth was an Israeli company chock full of foreign nationals. Maybe the State Department doesn’t want to offend them with the ability to see boobies through shirts.