laststandonzombieisland

Back in the Korean War, the coolest bit of kit was the M3 Carbine, a select-fire M1 with a mounted Snooperscope infrared optic on it. Only about 2,100 were made.

Australian soldier takes aim with his M3 Carbine during the Korean war. Note the extensive infrared spotting system

Fast forward to the 1960s and the first generation of “starlight” scopes, such as the AN/PVS-1 and the quickly followed and better-known AN/PVS-2. Bulky at 6-pounds and with an image intensifier tube that suffered from “bloom out” and graininess, it was better than nothing.

An infantryman armed with an M16A1 rifle and AN/PVS-2 Starlight scope for use at night.

Then came the 2nd and 3rd Gen night vision goggles that have brought us to the current planned AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG).

From PEO Soldier:

The AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle (ENVG) provides increased capability by incorporating image intensification (I2) and long-wave infrared sensors into a single helmet-mounted passive device. The ENVG combines the visual detail in low-light conditions that is provided by image intensification with the thermal sensor’s ability to see through fog, dust, rain, sleet, and other battlefield obscurants. This thermal capability, useful during the day as well as in no-light conditions, gives the ENVG a big advantage over night-vision devices equipped with I2 only. The ENVG also allows Soldiers to rapidly detect and engage targets because it permits the use of existing rifle-mounted aiming lights.

Best yet, they only weigh 2-pounds including batteries, which are common AAs.

The Enhanced Night Vision Goggle Binocular ENVG-B

L3 Harris started delivering the ENVG-B (bino) late last year to Fort Riley.

And the 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, have been conducting field testing of the new goon gear at Fort Polk for the past month.