AN/PVS-4

The AN/PVS-4 is a second-generation night vision weapon sight developed for the U.S. military. It was a significant advancement, providing a practical and high-quality passive night vision capability for combat operations. The "AN/PVS-4" designation follows the Joint Electronics Type Designation System (JETDS), indicating it is the 4th portable visual detection device in the Army-Navy electronic device category.

While passive night vision technology existed before, the AN/PVS-4 was the first to achieve the military's requirements for practical use. It was a second-generation night vision device, meaning it had improved image quality and performance compared to earlier models and saw extensive use during the Gulf War and later in the Iraq War. The AN/PVS-4 was designed to be versatile, with features like automatic brightness control, variable gain, and the ability to use multiple reticles for different roles. It was built to withstand harsh conditions and featured protective mechanisms like automatic shutoff to prevent damage from bright light exposure.