AN/PVS-31D: The Definitive Military-Grade Binos for Lightweight Night Ops

• The AN/PVS-31D, also known as the Elbit F5032, is a state-of-the-art, lightweight night vision binocular. The PVS 31D is built for military and defense professionals who cannot be weighed down by heavy equipment. This genuine, military-fielded Elbit PVS-31D system solves the critical problem of neck fatigue, making it the definitive choice for operators who need guaranteed, mission-ready performance.
• Stop Neck Fatigue with a 15.9oz Articulating Design: This binocular is one of the lightest available at only 15.9 ounces, so you can avoid neck strain on long missions. The articulating housing on the PVS31D also rotates, which reduces the unit's profile and cuts down on snag hazards when stowed.
• Get Crystal-Clear Views with 2400+ FOM White Phosphor Tubes: The PVS-31D provides incredible, high-contrast images, making it a top-tier PVS 31D night vision device. This is thanks to its advanced Gen 3 White Phosphor tubes. With a high Figure of Merit (FOM) over 2400, you get a clear, natural-looking black-and-white view in the darkest conditions.
• Maintain Stealth with Independent Pod Shut-Off: The articulating pods can be rotated up one at a time, letting you adapt to changing light. Each pod has its own shut-off that cuts power when moved, which prevents accidental light damage and, more importantly, hides the "face glow" that could give away your position.
• Total Control with Manual Gain and Onboard IR: You can fine-tune the image brightness for any environment using the simple manual gain knob. For situations with zero light, a built-in IR illuminator provides a discreet light source so you can see in absolute darkness.

AN/PVS-31D (Elbit F5032) Review

What are some common accessories to add to the PVS-31D?

Helmet Mounting & Interface

• Wilcox G24: A premium, lightweight breakaway helmet mount. It provides a secure and precise dovetail interface for the F5032, ensuring a stable connection to the helmet shroud while allowing for rapid stowage and deployment.

External Power & System Balancing

• Ops-Core Counterweight: A dedicated weight system that attaches to the rear of an Ops-Core helmet. It is used to perfectly offset the forward weight of the F5032, significantly improving comfort and stability by eliminating neck strain.
• Team Wendy Counterweight: A helmet-specific counterweight solution designed for Team Wendy systems. This pack attaches securely to the helmet's rear to balance the F5032, enhancing operator comfort during extended use.
• Armasight Battery Pack #206 for BNVD: An external power source compatible with binocular systems like the F5032. This pack provides significantly extended battery life for prolonged operations and aids in helmet balancing.
• Wilcox Aeronox Battery Pack: A dual-purpose remote power supply and counterweight system. It connects to the F5032 to deliver extended power while simultaneously providing a precisely balanced counterweight.
• Night Vision Battery Pack: A general-purpose external battery pack. This unit can be connected to the F5032 to extend its runtime, ensuring the system remains powered for the duration of the mission.
• ARGUS Universal Strobe Battery Pack: A multi-function power and counterweight solution. It provides external power to the F5032 while also integrating an IR strobe for IFF (Identify Friend or Foe) capability.
• Ops-Core RAILINK Battery Pack+: An advanced power hub that integrates directly onto Ops-Core helmet rails. It serves as both a primary power source for the F5032 and a functional counterweight, streamlining the helmet setup.

Product Features & Specifications

The AN/PVS-31D (Elbit F5032) delivers elite night vision performance in an extremely lightweight package, designed to minimize user fatigue. Many users consider this a significant upgrade over other binocular systems, including the legacy PVS-31. Its core value comes from advanced Gen 3 White Phosphor tubes, which provide exceptional clarity, enhanced depth perception, and natural black-and-white images. Key differentiators include its versatile articulating housing, which allows for single or dual-eye operation, and an independent pod shut-off feature that sets this PVS-31 apart. With features like manual gain control, a built-in IR illuminator, and close-focus capability, the PVS31 provides unparalleled situational awareness for demanding operations.

Key Features

• White Phosphor Thin-Filmed Tubes: Provides natural black and white imagery with enhanced clarity and performance in various light conditions.
• Lightweight Articulating Housing: Reduces neck strain and allows for versatile viewing configurations, including single-eye use.
• Manual Gain Control: Allows the user to adjust image brightness to suit varying ambient light conditions.
• Onboard IR Illuminator: Provides a built-in infrared light source for visibility in absolute darkness.
• Close-Focus Capability: Enables users to perform intricate tasks like reading maps or administering aid with exceptional clarity.
• Individual Pod Shut-off: Each optical pod automatically shuts off when articulated, preventing light damage to tubes and eliminating face glow.
• Auto Shut-Off when Stowed: The unit automatically powers down when flipped up on the helmet mount, conserving battery life.
• Vertical Viewing: A feature that prevents the unit from shutting off when the user tilts their head up, such as when climbing.
• Adjustable Diopters: Allows for personalized eye relief to minimize eye strain.
• Durable Construction: Made from molded thermoplastic parts for resilience in demanding environments.
• Internal LED Indicators: Displays low battery (yellow) and IR ON (red) status.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Elbit Systems of America
• Model: PVS-31D (Elbit F5032)
• Weight: 15.9oz (with battery)
• Dimensions: 4.7"(L) x 4.2"(W) x 3.4"(H)
• Image Intensifier: Gen 3 White Phosphor Thin-Filmed; 2400-2500 FOM
• Field of View (FOV): 40° nominal
• Magnification: 1X
• Focus Range: 25 cm to infinity
• Diopter Adjustment (Adjustable): +2 to -6
• Diopter Adjustment (Fixed): +2 to -2.5
• Battery Type: Single AA (onboard) or optional external pack
• Battery Life (Onboard AA): Approx. 24 hours (Lithium)
• Battery Life (External Pack): Approx. 50 hours
• Waterproof: 66ft (20m) for 2 hours
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer's warranty

What's in the box of the PVS-31D?

• (1) PVS-31D (Elbit F5032) Night Vision Binocular
• (1) Pelican-style hard case
• (1) Operator's Manual
• (1) Lens Cleaning Kit
• (1) Set of Protective Lenses (Sacrificial Lenses)
• (1) Set of Eye Cups
• (1) Set of basic lens covers
• (1) Set of premium bikini covers

PVS-31D FAQs

What is manual gain?

Manual gain is a control knob that lets you change the image brightness. You can turn the brightness up or down, just like on a TV.

Why is manual gain important?

It helps you see clearly in many different places. You can make the image brighter when you are in very dark areas, like a forest. You can also turn the brightness down in places with more light, like a city, so the image is not too bright.

What is an IR illuminator?

An IR illuminator is like a special flashlight for your night vision. It shoots out light that is invisible to the human eye, but your goggles can see it.

Why is a built-in IR illuminator so helpful?

It lets you see in complete darkness where there is no light at all. Because it is built-in, you do not need to carry an extra flashlight. This keeps your hands free and your gear light.

What is the difference between PVS 31A vs PVS 31D?

This is a common question. Both are top-tier, lightweight systems. The main difference is the manufacturer and specific features. The PVS-31D (Elbit) is renowned for its durability, adjustable diopters, and an onboard IR illuminator, which the PVS-31A (L3) does not have. Many operators prefer the PVS-31D for these added capabilities.

What are my lens options?

We offer several types of lenses for your PVS-31D. These include:

• Standard Mil Spec Optics
• Rochester Precision Cptics (RPO) 4.0 NextGen Ultralight
• Photonis Defense Boomslang 50 Degree FOV
• Act in Black 50 Degree FOV

How do I order different lenses?

Different housing colors and lens types, like the RPO 4.0, are available by special order. Please contact us for a Request for Quote (RFQ) to get the exact lenses or colors you need.

How do I know my night vision is built right?

We build, tune, and test every single unit ourselves. We use special state-of-the-art equipment, like the Hoffman ANV-126A, to make sure the goggles are put together perfectly and are nitrogen-purged.

Where can I find the PVS-31D for sale?

When looking for a genuine F5032 for sale, it is critical to purchase from a trusted, authorized source. Atomic Defense is an authorized dealer of the Elbit PVS-31D. We offer this military-grade AN/PVS-31D for sale and provide expert knowledge, dedicated customer support, and the full manufacturer's warranty to ensure you receive an authentic, high-quality product. If you are searching for a PVS 31 for sale, trust Atomic Defense for top-tier gear and reliable service.

What type of batteries should I use for my PVS-31D?

It is highly recommended to use lithium batteries for night vision goggles. Lithium batteries are more stable and less likely to leak, ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your night vision equipment.

What should I do if my PVS-31D doesn't turn on?

If your PVS-31D are not turning on, follow these steps:

1. Check the Battery Orientation: Ensure that the batteries are inserted correctly. The direction of the batteries must match the device's specified orientation.
2. Replace with New Batteries: If the batteries are inserted correctly and the device still does not power on, replace them with brand new batteries. Often, the issue is due to depleted batteries.

What are dark spots on intensifier tubes, and what are the different zones?

Dark spots are small black dots you might see when looking through night vision goggles (NVGs). They occur because of tiny imperfections in the intensifier tube, which helps amplify light to let you see in the dark. These spots don't usually affect how well you can see. Intensifier tubes have three zones:

1. Zone 1: The central area where you look the most. It's the clearest part.

2. Zone 2: The middle ring around Zone 1. This zone might have a few more imperfections.

3. Zone 3: The outer edge. This zone can have the most imperfections, but it doesn't affect your view much because it's on the edges.

The fewer dark spots an NVG has, the higher its quality and price. NVGs with almost no dark spots are typically more expensive because they have better intensifier tubes. However, a few dark spots are normal, and as long as they don't block your view too much, your NVGs should work just fine.