Night vision goggles have become an essential tool for those looking to see in low-light and nighttime conditions. Two of the most popular models are the AN/PVS-31A BNVD and the SI/PVS-14 Photonis Echo White Phosphor.
This article will provide a detailed comparison between the two products, focusing on their features, price points, and associated accessories. The performance and image quality, ergonomics, durability, and battery life of each model will also be discussed.
Finally, this article will provide guidance on choosing the right night vision goggles for a given application.
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Introduction to PVS-31 and PVS-14 Night Vision Goggles
AN/PVS-31A BNVD and SI/PVS-14 Elbit Thin Filmed White Phosphor are two night vision goggles designed for improved situational awareness and performance during low-light and nighttime maneuvers.
The AN/PVS-31A BNVD is a dual tube goggle with improved white phosphor tube technology and an ergonomic low-profile design. It also has superior situational awareness compared to a single tube goggle and is designed to increase system resolution and significantly reduce head-borne weight.
The SI/PVS-14 Elbit Thin Filmed White Phosphor is a Gen 2 Commercial offering that provides a thin filmed white phosphor. It also provides an optional Steele Protective Lens, which offers additional operational utility.
Both night vision goggles are designed to be ready to ship and follow-on to AN/PVS-15 and AN/PVS-31 standard green phosphor night vision goggles.
The AN/PVS-31A BNVD is powered by one AA Battery (On-Board) or four AA Batteries (Remote) and has a battery life of 15 hours (Single Battery) or 50 hours (4 Batteries).
The SI/PVS-14 Elbit Thin Filmed White Phosphor is powered by one AA Battery (On-Board) and has a battery life of 15 hours (Single Battery). Both night vision goggles have a corrosion resistant matte black finish.
The AN/PVS-31A BNVD is priced at $13,700.98 and the SI/PVS-14 Elbit Thin Filmed White Phosphor is priced at $3,799.98 (discounted to $3,499.98). Both goggles offer a Night Fighter Package for a complete ready-to-use kit and a Night Fighter Upgrade for $1,290.98 – $1,532.98.
The SI/PVS-14 Elbit Thin Filmed White Phosphor also offers an SI/ NVG Retention Harness for $14.98 and a Wilcox L4 G24 Mount for $568.98. Prices are subject to change.
Key Features and Specifications: PVS-31 vs. PVS-14
Comparing two advanced generations of night vision goggles, the AN/PVS-31A and the SI/PVS-14, reveals different levels of performance and features.
The AN/PVS-31A is a Gen III dual tube goggle with improved white phosphor tube technology. It offers superior situational awareness compared to a single tube goggle, with a low-profile design and improved system resolution. It also provides additional operational utility and reduces head-borne weight, allowing for improved system center of gravity.
The SI/PVS-14 is a Gen 2 Commercial offering with Thin Filmed White Phosphor. It offers increased contrast detail in shapes and shadows, with various shades of intensity between black and white. It has an ergonomic design and is designed to reduce head-borne weight.
Both night vision goggles offer various accessories, such as Steele Protective Lens, SI/NVG Retention Harness, Wilcox L4 G24 Mount, and SI Night Fighter Bag.
In terms of pricing, the AN/PVS-31A has a higher price tag of $13,700.98, while the SI/PVS-14 has a discounted price of $3,499.98. Both products are available as ready-to-ship NVGs, with the Night Fighter Package available for a complete ready-to-use kit. Additionally, the SI/PVS-14 provides specs and FOM (Figure of Merit) values for each tube option, which can be accessed through a drop-down menu.
Overall, the AN/PVS-31A and the SI/PVS-14 provide different levels of performance and features, as well as various accessories and pricing options. Both night vision goggles offer advanced capabilities that are beneficial for nighttime maneuvers, such as improved system resolution, increased operational utility, and reduced head-borne weight. However, the AN/PVS-31A has a higher price tag, while the SI/PVS-14 offers discounted pricing and additional tube specs and FOM values. Therefore, it is important to consider all the features, specs, and prices in order to make an informed decision.
Performance and Image Quality: Comparing the PVS-31 and PVS-14 Goggles
When it comes to performance and image quality, the AN/PVS-31A and SI/PVS-14 NVGs offer distinct capabilities that can help inform a buyer’s decision.
The AN/PVS-31A BNVD utilizes improved white phosphor tube technology, providing various shades of intensity between black and white. This results in superior situational awareness compared to a single tube goggle, as well as improved system resolution. Additionally, the AN/PVS-31A is designed to reduce head-borne weight and improve system center of gravity.
Meanwhile, the SI/PVS-14 NVG offers two distinct options: the Photonis Echo white phosphor and Elbit Thin Filmed white phosphor. The Photonis Echo white phosphor provides images that appear more natural in black and white, while the Elbit Thin Filmed white phosphor provides improved contrast detail in shapes and shadows. Both tubes offer a FOM (Figure of Merit) value to help buyers choose the most appropriate option for their needs.
The SI/PVS-14 also offers additional operational utility in the form of a Steele Protective Lens, SI/NVG Retention Harness, Wilcox L4 G24 Mount and SI Night Fighter Bag. These accessories are available separately, with the Night Fighter package providing a complete ready to use kit. Prices for all accessories range from $14.98 to $568.98, with the SI/PVS-14 Elbit Thin Filmed white phosphor retailing at $3,799.98 (discounted to $3,499.98).
Ergonomics, Durability, and Battery Life: Assessing the PVS-31 and PVS-14
Offering an ergonomic design, superior durability, and extended battery life, both the AN/PVS-31A BNVD and SI/PVS-14 NVGs provide users with the ultimate night vision experience. When assessing the ergonomics of each night vision goggle (NVG), it is important to take into account the size, weight, and finish. The AN/PVS-31A BNVD is 4.2 x 4.2 x 3.4, weighs 0.99 lbs with a battery, and is finished with a corrosion-resistant matte black. The SI/PVS-14 NVG, on the other hand, is 3.5 x 2.8 x 2.4, weighs 0.71 lbs with a battery, and is finished with a corrosion-resistant matte black. It is clear that the AN/PVS-31A BNVD is slightly larger and heavier than the SI/PVS-14 NVG, although both offer good ergonomics.
When it comes to durability, the AN/PVS-31A BNVD is waterproof up to 66 feet for two hours, while the SI/PVS-14 NVG is waterproof up to 33 feet for two hours, making the AN/PVS-31A BNVD more durable than the SI/PVS-14 NVG. Additionally, the AN/PVS-31A BNVD is designed to reduce head-borne weight, improve system center of gravity, and provide additional operational utility.
Finally, the AN/PVS-31A BNVD has a single battery life of 15 hours, while the SI/PVS-14 NVG has a single battery life of 10 hours. When using four batteries, the AN/PVS-31A BNVD has a battery life of 50 hours, while the SI/PVS-14 NVG has a battery life of 40 hours. This makes the AN/PVS-31A BNVD the better choice when it comes to battery life.
| Feature | PVS-31 | PVS-14 |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 4.2 x 3.4 | 3.5 x 2.8 x 2.4 |
| Weight | 0.99 lbs (w/ battery) | 0.71 lbs (w/ battery) |
| Waterproof | 66 ft for 2 hrs | 33 ft for 2 hrs |
| Battery Life | 15 hrs (single) / 50 hrs (4) | 10 hrs (single) / 40 hrs (4) |
Choosing the Right Night Vision Goggles: PVS-31 or PVS-14?
Determining which night vision goggles are the most suitable for individual needs can be a difficult decision depending upon ergonomics, durability, and battery life. The AN/PVS-31A BNVD and the SI/PVS-14 Photonis Echo White Phosphor are two of the most popular night vision goggles on the market. Both offer superior situational awareness and several options for customization, as well as a variety of features to consider when assessing their ergonomics, durability, and battery life.
The AN/PVS-31A BNVD is a Gen III dual tube goggle designed to improve system resolution and reduce head-borne weight, with a low-profile ergonomic design and improved white phosphor tube technology. It is waterproof to 66 feet for two hours and offers a single AA battery that can last up to 15 hours, or four AA batteries for a battery life of up to 50 hours.
The SI/PVS-14 Photonis Echo White Phosphor is a Gen 2 Commercial offering with a thinner film than the AN/PVS-31A, and options for a Steele Protective Lens and Wilcox L4 G24 Mount. It also offers excellent battery life with one AA battery that can last up to 30 hours, or four AA batteries for a battery life of up to 60 hours.
Both the AN/PVS-31A BNVD and the SI/PVS-14 Photonis Echo White Phosphor provide excellent situational awareness, ergonomics, durability, and battery life. Determining which night vision goggles are most suitable for individual needs comes down to personal preference and budget. Both offer a range of features and customization options, and can be purchased as a part of a complete ready-to-use kit or as individual components. In the end, the selection process is a matter of assessing the features and specs to determine which night vision goggles best meet an individual’s needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both the AN/PVS-31A BNVD and the SI/PVS-14 Photonis Echo White Phosphor are excellent night vision goggles that offer a variety of features and specifications. Each model has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to look at the specs and features before deciding which one is best for your application.
The PVS-31 has superior image quality and battery life, while the PVS-14 offers greater ergonomics and durability. Ultimately, the decision lies with the user, as both models offer great value for money.
