unclassified - Air Force Financial Management & Comptroller

BUDGET ITEM JUSTIFICATION (EXHIBIT P-40)
UNCLASSIFIED
DATE:
FEBRUARY 2002
APPROP CODE/BA:
OPAF/OTHER BASE MAINTENANCE & SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
P-1 NOMENCLATURE:
NIGHT VISION GOGGLES
FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 FY2006 FY2007
QUANTITY
COST
(in Thousands)
$2,889 $3,298 $3,814 $5,503 $5,642 $4,685 $4,769
Description:
1. Modern warfare has led to an increase in airborne combat under the cover of darkness. Night missions include ground operations,
encompassing preparation of the aircraft for takeoff, and landings in complete darkness, lights-off air refueling, and visual identification of
enemy targets hidden under the night sky. Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) provide the capability to see in night/low visibility conditions, are
essential for combat rescue and special operations missions, and reduce the possibility of mid-air collisions during combat/non-combat
missions. The goggles are helmet-mounted, battery and/or aircraft powered, and weigh approximately 12 to 30 ounces. There are two versions
of the NVG: aircrew goggles used by pilots and ground crew goggles used by security police in air defense, counter-narcotics and anti-terrorist
operations.
2. The lack of NVGs will significantly impact combat capability in ever increasing night operations by decreasing flight safety and increasing
the risk of fratricide. HH-60 helicopters, HC-130, F-16, and special mission C-130 aircraft operate primarily in covert night operations,
frequently in a low-altitude environment. Use of NVGs is vital to the success of these missions, providing a dramatic increase in safety
situational awareness and survivability by allowing the use of near daytime tactics, including visual formation criteria. The proliferation of
NVG equipped adversaries’ highlights the urgent need to supply critical night vision equipment.
3. The following aircrew and ground crew goggles plus test equipment are being procured:
a. AN/PVS-14 Groundcrew Goggle. The Monocular Night Vision Device is a hand-held, head mounted, helmet mounted, or weapon
mounted night vision system that enables walking, weapon firing, short-range surveillance, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and
administering first aid in both moonlight and starlight. Each unit allows for vertical adjustment (by using head strap), fore-and-aft adjustment,
objective lens focus, and diopter adjustment. The monocular is also equipped with an IR source, a low-battery indicator, gain control and
third-generation image intensifier. FY03 funding continues procurement of these goggles.
P-1 ITEM NO PAGE NO:
74
13
UNCLASSIFIED
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