APNVG vs GPNVG
APNVG and GPNVG look almost identical in a search, but they aren’t the same product. GPNVG is L3Harris’s own Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle. APNVG is a label on several different four-tube panoramic goggles, each with its own specifications. Here’s how to tell them apart and what to check before you spend five figures on either.
What GPNVG means
GPNVG stands for Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle. It’s L3Harris’s own product, and L3Harris makes it. The GPNVG-18 uses four 18 mm image intensifier tubes and gives a 97° (±2°) horizontal by 40° (±2°) vertical field of view. It weighs under 800 g (28.2 oz) without accessories, mounts to a helmet with an ANVIS or BNVIS mount, and has independently adjustable objective lenses that focus from 18 in to infinity. Its construction is modular, which makes maintenance and service easier.
We sell the L3Harris GPNVG-18. It’s an ITAR-controlled item, and ordering includes an ITAR purchase agreement.
Source: L3Harris GPNVG spec sheet.
What APNVG means
APNVG is the label on several panoramic goggles we sell: the Argus Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (APNVG), the Nocturn Industries UAPNVG “Chimera” and the L3 Unfilmed APNVG. They’re different products. The Argus APNVG and the Chimera are both four-tube panoramic goggles with a 100° field of view. The L3 Unfilmed APNVG is specified by its image intensifier data (resolution, FOM and SNR), so compare it on those figures rather than on field of view.
Because the label isn’t a single standard, don’t assume two APNVG goggles match. Check field of view, tube specification, weight and mounts for each one.
The Detyl QTNVG
The Detyl QTNVG isn’t sold under the APNVG label, but it’s a useful comparison because it’s also a quad-tube panoramic goggle. Two tubes face forward and two angle outward, for a 120° field of view by Detyl’s rating. It has adjustable IPD, weighs 28 oz complete, mounts on a dovetail, runs from an external NVG battery pack and carries a 1-year limited warranty. The side pods come off for lighter, handheld-style use.
Side by side
| L3Harris GPNVG-18 | Argus APNVG | Nocturn “Chimera” | Detyl QTNVG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field of view | 97° horizontal, 40° vertical | 100° | 100° | 120° |
| Tube layout | Four 18 mm tubes | Four-tube panoramic | Four-tube panoramic | Two forward, two outward-angled |
Read field of view alongside vertical coverage, which the GPNVG-18 states as 40°. Ask for the same figure on any goggle you compare. On weight, the GPNVG-18 is under 800 g (28.2 oz) without accessories and the QTNVG is 28 oz complete. Those figures are measured differently, so don’t read them as a tie.
Note
Night vision and thermal equipment, including panoramic goggles, can be subject to export controls. You’re responsible for checking the rules that apply to you, and we can go through what’s involved in your situation.
Choosing between them
Choose on how you’ll use it, not on the acronym. If you want L3Harris’s own design, with published specifications for tubes, field of view, weight and focus, the GPNVG-18 is that product. If you want a different balance of price, field of view or modularity, the Argus APNVG, the Chimera and the QTNVG are the alternatives, and the QTNVG is the one with removable side pods. Whichever you pick, plan the helmet, mount and counterweight before you order. Panoramic goggles are heavier than a standard binocular, and an unbalanced setup causes neck strain on long wear.
Where to go from here
APNVG and GPNVG aren’t two names for one thing. GPNVG is L3Harris’s own goggle, and APNVG is a label on several goggles with different specifications. Compare field of view, vertical coverage, weight, mounts and tube specification for each, and match them to your helmet. If you’d like help choosing between the GPNVG-18, the Argus APNVG, the Chimera, the L3 Unfilmed APNVG and the QTNVG, contact us and we’ll go through what each specification means for how you’ll use it.
GPNVG and L3Harris are trademarks of their respective owners. Product names are used for identification only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GPNVG stand for?
Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggle. It’s L3Harris’s own product, made by L3Harris.
How is APNVG different from GPNVG?
GPNVG is L3Harris’s own goggle. APNVG is a label on several panoramic goggles, including the Argus APNVG, the Chimera and the L3 Unfilmed APNVG. Their specifications differ, so compare each one’s figures.
Do you sell the GPNVG?
Yes. We sell the L3Harris GPNVG-18 Panoramic Night Vision Goggle, made by L3Harris. Contact us for current availability, lead time and included accessories.
Why four tubes instead of two?
Four tubes widen the horizontal field of view compared with a dual-tube binocular.
How do I compare an APNVG-labeled goggle with the GPNVG-18?
Compare field of view and vertical coverage, tube specification, weight on the same basis, and mounts. Ask for any figure that isn’t published, and match the goggle to your helmet before you order.
