BNVD-SG Single Gain Control Gen3 PINNACLE Binocular Night Vision Device w/ Gain Contr

The BNVD-SG (Binocular Night Vision Device with Gain Control) is an extremely innovative new night vision optic. The use of dual tubes allows the operator to gauge depth and distance much more easily than a standard monocular setup since both eyes are engaged. Both tubes are tied to a single, central gain control knob. This also aids in maintaining the operator’s natural night vision since the gain in one tube can be lowered to better adapt that eye to darkness before the BNVD-SG is removed. The single gain control location also reduces the size and weight of the housing compared to the dual gain model. These units feature ITT’s most advanced Gen 3 PINNACLE Auto Gated tubes, fully collimated.

PINNACLE represents the latest and greatest night vision technology. Developed by ITT Technologies, it is the answer to the U.S. Military’s request for Gen4. This request was to eliminate the ion barrier film in the tube that limits the amount of light able to be gathered in the first place. The film is important, though because it also protects the sensitive Photocathode in the tube from the damage caused by positive ions striking it as the light photons are converted into electrons and multiplied. In essence, the film greatly extends the service life of the tube. The military’s request for Gen4 was to eliminate this film to allow the maximum amount of light in to the tube, giving it more light to amplify and resulting in a better, crisper image for the warfighter. The development cycle proved that by eliminating the film, the tubes were becoming damaged very quickly and could not sustain a desirable life. So, ITT’s scientists developed a thinner film than the original barrier used in Gen3 tubes. This new film is 10,000 times thinner than a human hair and allows noticeably more light transfer than the standard, thicker, Gen3 tubes. This new super-thin film technology, combined with an enhanced autogated power supply, improved hole size of the Microchannel Plate, a more sensitive Photocathode, and other advancements, represents ITT’s PINNACLE Technology and is the military specification for the newest Omni VII contract. Because it still uses a film, PINNACLE is Gen3.

PINNACLE gives the user unparalleled imaging and pushes Gen3 technology to the max. The user can operate in environments that, previously, would have been non-permissive to night vision because the system reduces the blooming and halo effects of bright light. The operator no longer needs to worry about getting bright lights blinding him or her or damaging the unit. Of course, this does not mean that the user can walk around in sunlight with his or her BNVD, but they will not fry the tube if they make entry into a room and the bad guy flips on the light switch or shines a flashlight in their direction. PINNACLE really shines in lower-light situations where there is less contrast created by ambient light. Details not visible to standard Gen3 tubes can be better seen by PINNACLE units because they can gather more light to better resolve images. This makes PINNACLE units ideal for military and law enforcement units.

The BNVD-SG allows the operator to use the unit as either a binocular or monocular optic. Each tube can be independently rotated upwards, giving you a wider (overall) field of view, because your peripheral vision on the un-aided eye is not blocked. This helps in situational awareness while on target at an objective. This is the first binocular style night vision device to offer this feature. Another big benefit to the independently pivoting optic housings is the ability to reduce the “horn” effect when the goggle is stowed on the helmet. Goggles are left open for a lot of impact when flipped up. However, most operators will leave their goggles mounted on the helmet in the stowed position so they are quickly accessed should they move into a darker environment. Obviously, this invites the goggles to be damaged from impact on environmental obstructions. The BNVD-SG’s ability to pivot the tube housings allow it to lay flatter against the front of the helmet, reducing the amount they stick out and helping to protect the system. We have spent hours testing this unit in the field and are very impressed with its functionality.

The BNVD-SG has an extremely strong body housing. Machined from a solid block of material instead of being molded, the housing stands up to field abuse. It comes with a Wilcox Dovetail mount interface. The innovative new functions and solid construction of the BNVD-SG, in our opinion, make it one of the premier binocular NV units on the market and is especially useful to Military and LE applications.

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.