(Review) ITT Exelis’ Night Enforcer NEPVS-14 optic

The story of  the ITT Exelis/L3 communications company began in 1920 with two brothers named Sosthenes and Hernand Behn who set out to build the world’s first international telephone system and thus, the name International Telephone & Telegraph. Then, on January 12, 2011, after many years of acquisitions and restructuring, ITT announced that its board of directors had unanimously approved a plan to separate the company’s businesses into three distinct, publicly traded companies and the Defense segment was to be spun off as a standalone, diversified, defense technology and information solutions company. Consequently, Exelis Night Vision is currently the world’s leading developer, producer, and supplier of Generation 3 night vision technology for U.S. military and allied forces.

Therefore, the NEPVS-14 is a monocular night vision device (MNVD) for homeland security, law enforcement, and first responders and, because it is specifically designed for use by an individual operator in a variety of ground-based night operations, the unit can be handheld for simple observation or it can be mounted on the user’s head or helmet for hands free operations. In addition, for law enforcement personnel or professional private contractors, the system can be mounted directly to any MIL-STD-1913 type rail system for use with optical or laser sighting systems. Plus, it also has the ability to be attached to various cameras for night time surveillance operations or evidentiary data gathering for military and law enforcement personnel. Thus, in order to increase situational awareness, the NEPVS-14 features the superior performance of the Gen 3 F9815 Pinnacle image intensifier with Manual Gain Control to optimize resolution in variable lighting conditions but still features the same optics, housings, assembly, and testing used in Exelis military systems. Furthermore, the NEPVS-14 is both light weight and compact for ease of use and transportability and it features a built-in inferred illuminator, an eye cup for covert use, and the unit is weather resistant for use in inclement weather.

In addition, the Exelis Night Enforcer PVS-14 Generation 3 Pinnacle Night Enforcer scope features an overall length of 4 ½”, an overall height of 2 ¼”, and an over width of 2” and weighs just 12.4 oz. Also, the unit features 1x magnification, an objective lens of f/1.2 with a field of view of 40°, an EFL 26mm eyepiece, a resolution of 64 lp/mm, and a diopter adjustment of +2 to -6, a focus range from 25cm to infinity, and brightness gain that is adjustable from 20 to more than 3,000 fL/fL. Last, the unit is powered by one AA sized battery with an approximate lifespan of 50 hours at room temperature.

So, do these things really work you might ask? Well, anyone who has ever attempted to acquire a target in low light conditions, even with a well designed rifle scope with a very large objective lens, is well aware of just how difficult it can be and after sundown, it is virtually impossible. Therefore, manufactures have been experimenting with nigh vision devices for some time now resulting in generation one, two, three series night vision scopes. Consequently, the generation three models are the present top-of-the-line models and the Exelis Night Enforcer PVS-14 Generation 3 Pinnacle Night Enforcer scope is no exception. Therefore, the Exelis Night Enforcer® NEPVS-14 is equipped with Exelis’ Gen 3 Pinnacle, thin-filmed, tube technology which enhances image intensifying tubes, improves clarity and resolution, and allows for a seamless transition while operating in any environment. Thus, using a Exelis Night Enforcer® NEPVS-14 generation three night vision scope is huge advantage for anyone who needs to move or operate in uneven or rugged terrain at night either for surveillance, tactical operations, or search and rescue operations because a high quality generation 3 night vision device can enable the user to see in total darkness with great detail; especially when the built-in infrared emitter is activated. Of course, with a suggested retail price of $3,495, we would expect it to work very well and it does. The sight picture through this night vision device is very clear compared to generation 1and 2 units and it is both smaller and it is lighter than older units. Plus the included kit that allows the user to mount the light on their head or helmet along with the optional rifle mount make this a pretty versatile night vision device.

However, please note that we have read some complaints on various forums from buyers of this device who have stated that, because the imaging tubes are extremely difficult to make, it appears as if ITT Exelis is selling units that do not meet the military specifications to certain optics dealers with very prominent web sites and thus, some of these “seconds” perform anywhere from fairly well to poorly; thus, buyer beware.

So, as long as you don’t mind the $3,495 price tag, the Exelis Night Enforcer PVS-14 Generation 3 Pinnacle Night Enforcer scope is an excellent accessory for any nighttime operation; be it military, police, or search and rescue operations.