ITT AN/PSG-20 DSNVG Fusion Dual Sensor Night Vision Goggle

The AN/PSQ-20 Dual Sensor Night Vision Goggle (DSNVG) represents the latest advancement of image intensifier (I²) technology. It combines an ITT Gen3 PINNACLE Auto-Gated Image Intensifier and Thermal Infrared Micro-Bolometer into a single, compact monocular that is approximately the same size as a standard issue AN/PVS-14. The DSNVG provides the user three modes of operation: Image Intensifier Only, Thermal Only, and Image Intensifier/Thermal Fused. This cutting edge imaging technology gives the operator a tremendous advantage on the battlefield because he gets the best of both worlds, increasing surveillance capability, and survivability.

The DSNVG provides better increased situation awareness capability due to the improved threat detection of the fusion technology. It allows the operator to see through more battlefield obscurants than any other device. On their own, standard ITT Gen3 PINNACLE Auto-Gated I² tubes produce high quality images with superb resolution, providing excellent recognition capability. However, even these latest tubes are still dependent on available ambient lighting conditions. The more available light, the better the image will be (more detail and further distance resolution). But, battlefield conditions do not always allow for optimal ambient light. Cloudy nights with less moonlight, dense foliage, or internal/underground structure rooms can cancel out enough light that standard I² is defeated. Also, heavy rain, fog, snow, smoke, etc, will limit I² capabilities. This is where Thermal Imagers shine. Thermal identifies infrared energy (heat) and is not dependent on light at all. Thermal will see through most obscurants that would otherwise defeat I² and can create images in complete darkness. However, thermal imagers do not produce the same level of detail as I² tubes, limiting recognition capabilities.

The DSNVG fuses these two technologies, providing the operator with all the benefits of I², while producing a thermal overlay. This gives the Warfighter substantially increased situational awareness because threats can be detected in virtually any environment. Bad guys that would normally be camofluaged in foliage, rock formations, etc can now be easily detected from a safe distance. Pitch black rooms or caves that would normally defeat I², causing the operator to use an IR illuminator (which can give away his position to anyone else using night vision) can now be easily negotiated with the thermal overlay. It is especially effective in urban operations.

The fused image has three modes: thermal overlay, thermal outline, and full thermal. The Overlay produces an otherwise standard I² image with orange thermal heat signatures over anything that is producing heat. This mode is extremely well-adapted to identifying threats quickly through obscurants. The outline mode produces a thin orange thermal outline around anything that is giving off heat. The rest of the image is standard I². This mode is especially useful when using an IR laser pointer because the operator can identify threats while still having recognition capability and can engage them with the laser. This is important because IR lasers are not seen through thermal. The full thermal mode overlays a complete thermal image over the I² image and is used when little to no ambient light is available, reducing the operator’s need to employ an illuminator.

The unit itself is relatively light weight and very robust. An impact resistant polymer housing surrounds simple controls: I² control knob (doubles as gain control and overlay mode switching), thermal control knob (doubles as brightness control and polarity switching) and an IR illuminator On/Off paddle. An I/O port allows it to connect to various other devices.

The DSNVG is powered by four standard AA batteries, housed in a separate battery module. This module can attach directly to the imager for use as a hand-held device, or attaches to the rear bracket of the proprietary helmet mount (made by Norotos). The DSNVG Helmet Mount features a front and back shroud, tethered by a power cable, with proprietary mounting arm (similar to the INVG Mount). The Battery Housing Module mounts to the rear of the helmet and doubles as a counterweight to increase comfort while wearing the system on long operations. The power current is transferred using small contacts between the DSNVG, Mounting Arm, Shroud, Rear Shroud, and Battery Housing. The system is robust and fits tight, ensuring a durable connection and no loss of power. The Mounting Arm features several adjustments that allow it to be configured for a wide range of users.

In practice, the DSNVG performs up to the quality expected from ITT. The I² performance is a matter of record since it is using the best tube available and the thermal overlay has to be seen to be believed. We tested it in several different environments with different test subjects hiding at various distances, in and around obscurants. Each time, the DSNVG allowed us to identify the “threats” from close range out to a couple hundred yards. They, literally, had nowhere to hide! Another interesting scenario was the pitch black underground room. We used a basement with all lights turned off. In this scenario, the I² was defeated because it had no ambient light to intensify. However, the subject was easily spotted (clear as day) with the thermal overlay. And, since the subject had no way of seeing in the dark, the operator with the DSNVG quite literally, owned him. The thermal overlay of the I² produces a somewhat colorful image. This “Predator vision” increases Warfighter and LEO survivability because of its increased capability. It provides an incredibly unfair advantage to the good guys. After all, that’s what it is all about.

45 Meters (Fused)