Argentine Navy opens tender for AN/ANVIS-9 night vision goggles

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The Argentine Navy has recently opened a tender process aimed at purchasing AN/ANVIS-9 night vision goggles. The intended acquisition is focused on strengthening the operational capability of the Naval Aviation Command, particularly for helicopter aircrews.

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What the Argentine Navy tender covers

According to the technical specifications in the tender documents, the Argentine Navy is not only seeking to add twenty (20) AN/ANVIS-9 binocular night vision goggles fitted with white-phosphor tubes in the F4949 variant, but also to procure supporting equipment. This includes two purge kits, two maintenance tool sets, two maintenance test units, two ANV-126A-50 adapters, two infinity-focus systems, and one device for assessing resolution and image quality.

As set out in the technical specifications, “...The night vision device shall be an optical, binocular, portable, tactical-use system designed to provide observation capability in low-light conditions or complete darkness. It shall comprise two independent optical channels integrated into a single housing, enabling accurate depth perception and a stabilised, amplified image through advanced-generation image intensifier tubes (GEN III or higher)...”.

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At present, several manufacturers offer the AN/ANVIS-9 model, a system designed to improve situational awareness thanks to its large eyepieces and its ability to deliver enhanced binocular viewing, which sharpens depth perception and broadens the field of view.

Need to add new capabilities for the Naval Aviation Command

The Argentine Navy’s move to purchase ANVIS-9 night vision goggles reflects a requirement to modernise the capabilities of aircraft assigned to the Naval Aviation Command “...to a level similar to the technologies in use by leading navies...this acquisition will contribute to fulfilling the Argentine Navy’s Mission in a more efficient and effective manner, particularly in conducting Naval Air Operations for Exploration, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Search and Rescue, helping to increase the safety of night operations...”, as stated in the authorisation that approved the procurement.

Aircraft and crews expected to benefit

The principal beneficiaries of this potential purchase will be SH-3 Sea King crews, noting that the last two aircraft have modernised cockpits compatible with night vision goggles. P-3C Orion crews are also included, and-looking ahead-personnel expected to operate the light AW109M helicopters.

Although the acquisition of these latter aircraft has not yet been fully formalised, the process is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Technical requirements for AN/ANVIS-9 night vision goggles

The ANVIS-9 night vision goggles to be procured must meet the following requirements:

• Field of View: 40°.
• Objective Lens: 27 mm.
• Interpupillary Adjustment: 50 (+/- 5 mm) to 75 mm (+/- 5 mm).
• Eye relief (distance between eye socket cavity and eyepiece lens): 25 mm.
• Dioptre adjustment range: +2 to –6.
• Magnification: 1 X.
• Image intensifier tube:
• Figure of Merit (FOM – Figure of Merit): 1600-1800 or higher.
• White-phosphor Image Intensifier Tube P-45.
• Generation: GEN III (or higher)

Cover image for illustrative purposes. Credit: USAF – Yasuo Osakabe