Six subject matter experts assessed
six commercial off the shelf head or helmet mountable night vision devices
according to specifications
and while performing simulated operational activities at Picatinny Arsenal’s
Homeland Defense Training Facility located in New Jersey from March 29th
through April 2nd, 2022.
Night vision devices allow emergency responders to tactically maneuver
and maintain situational awareness in minimal light situations.
There are two main technologies used by night vision devices.
Image intensification works in the visible and near-infrared portions
of the electromagnetic spectrum, while thermal imaging works
in the mid wave and long wave portions of that spectrum.
Image intensifier as can see through glass.
While thermal imagers do not work through glass and other thermally
insulated materials,
this assessment focused on white phosphor gen3 binoculars
which used only image intensification or image
intensification combined with thermal imaging obtained through an accessory.
Evaluators use night vision technology to conduct activities
such as surveillance, search and rescue, patrol,
and SWAT operations in low light or no light conditions.
To assess the device's ability to integrate with a thermal accessory,
an optics one enhanced clip on thermal imager
ECOTI was used during three of the operational scenarios.
Evaluators found that the ECOTI would enhance their existing equipment.
However, compatibility and functionality issues with some night vision
devices were identified.
The most common issues identified were related to mount compatibility,
image alignment and visual impacts.
The subject matter expert evaluators assessed each product
against a total of 21 evaluation criteria within four of the SAVER categories.
Capability, deployability,
usability and maintainability.
Evaluators assessed each product based on their experiences
during a familiarization session that included a discussion of features,
specifications and uses of the product and four operational scenarios.
During the SWAT scenario, responders secured a perimeter, covertly maneuvered
through a building while searching for objects and apprehending a suspect.
The device's ability to adjust from close to further away distances
and its ability to recover from a flash were also tested
during this scenario.
The search and rescue scenario involved navigating
a wooded area, searching for a missing person and their belongings.
Depth perception while walking and thermal integration were
assessed in this scenario.
For the train car patrol scenario,
one train car was filled with smoke and one was completely blacked out.
Responders searched throughout the train cars to find a mock bomb,
weapons and trip wires.
Image clarity,
the strength of the I.R.
illuminator, and thermal integration were assessed.
For the surveillance scenario.
activities were performed from the top of a multi-story building.
Evaluators visually scanned the area of a tactical village,
identifying objects and people at varying distances.
Light range operability and image clarity were assessed.
The following products were assessed.
The Elbit AN/PVS-31D received the highest overall score
at 4.15 meeting or exceeding expectations
on all capability criteria except for thermal integration.
Evaluators noted that the device can be easily adjusted, sits close to the face,
allowing for covert operations and can use both lithium and alkaline batteries.
Disadvantages included that the use of the thermal imager
impacted both focusing ability and the use of the IR illuminator.
The L3 Harris BNVD-1531
received an overall score of 4.11.
The device had the highest rating for the usability category,
with evaluators finding the ability of being able to flip one lens up
while still operating the other to be a benefit.
Other advantages of this device included
a single button to turn the device on or off the battery pack being included
as a standard accessory and good light range operability.
However, evaluators noted that the use of the thermal accessory cause
shadowing and impacted depth perception.
The ACTinBlack DTNVS
received an overall score of 4.08
and the highest rating in the capability category.
Evaluators found the battery life and light
range operability to meet or exceed all expectations.
They also indicated that the DTNVS was intuitive and easy to use,
although it was noted that light splash impacted the ability to operate covertly
and the use of the thermal accessory impacted the quality of the image.
Carson Industries BNVD received an overall score of 3.91.
The BNVD received the highest scores in both the deployability
and maintainability categories from the assessment evaluators.
The device sat close to
the face, resulting in a snug fit and the ability to operate covertly.
Disadvantages included a reduction in image clarity
when moving and when light sources were present.
The number of buttons on the device, four, made it difficult to navigate the controls
and the focus adjustment was coarse and slow to react.
The PRG Defense NVG-51 received an overall score
of 3.85.
The NVG-51 has a polymer housing has a 51 degree field of view
and can operate with one lens up and one lens down.
Evaluators found that the mounting location for the thermal
accessory was ideal.
Disadvantages of the device included the image clarity being impacted
by haloing and the IR illuminator button placement interfering with access
to and the use of the focus knob.
The Nightline Inc. RNVG received an overall score of 3.73.
Evaluators were satisfied with the ruggedized metal housing,
the air illuminators ability to provide strong, bright illumination
over a wide area
and that the thermal accessory placement did not impact focus adjustment.
Disadvantages included digital pixelation and blur.
Limited adjustments
available to accommodate comfort and fit and convertness being impacted
due to the lack of power cut off when the device was flipped up.
This assessment was made possible by The National Urban Security Technology
Laboratories System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders
Program known as SAVER that provides information on commercially available
technology and equipment that first responder agencies can use
to make informed operational and procurement decisions.
For more information on the SABER program and for access to more than 1,000 first
responder focused reports, visit the SAVER Document Library.
NUSTL thanks the assessment evaluators for their valuable time and expertise.
Specifically, the Lake Havasu City Police Department,
New Jersey State Police, New York City Police Department, and U.S.
Customs and Border Protection.
Their insights
and recommendations will assist responder agencies making procurement decisions.
Appreciation is also extended to the U.S. Army's Picatinny’s
Arsenal Homeland Defense Training Facility for hosting the event.