If you’ve ever watched a movie about the Vietnam War, you might wonder about the gear the soldiers used. Specifically, did they have night vision goggles in Vietnam? The answer is yes, but the technology was in its early stages and not widely available to every soldier. This article looks at the types of night vision used, how they worked, and their impact on the conflict.
Did They Have Night Vision Goggles In Vietnam
Night vision devices, including goggles, were indeed used during the Vietnam War. However, they were not the compact, high-resolution devices we think of today. The U.S. military fielded several models, primarly with specialized units. These early systems were heavy, had limited range, and required an infrared light source to illuminate the target, which could actually give away the user’s position.
The Early Technology: Generation 0 and Starlight Scopes
The devices used in Vietnam were mostly what we now call Generation 0 or, later, early Generation 1. They relied on active infrared (IR) technology. Here’s how they worked:
- An IR Illuminator: The goggles or scope projected a beam of infrared light, invisible to the naked eye.
- An Image Converter Tube: This tube would capture the reflected IR light and convert it into a visible greenish image you could see through the eyepiece.
- Bulky Equipment: The early units were often separate pieces. A soldier might carry a heavy battery pack on his back, connected by a cable to the goggle unit on his head.
Alongside active IR goggles, the U.S. also deployed passive “starlight scopes.” These devices amplified tiny amounts of ambient light, like from the moon and stars, eliminating the need for an IR illuminator. This made them much stealthier, but they were still large and used mainly on weapons or for surveillance.
Common Models Used in the Conflict
Several specific models saw action in the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam. Their use was a significant step in military technology.
- AN/PVS-1 Starlight Scope: This was a large, weapon-mounted sight. It was passive, making it valuable for snipers and for observing enemy movement at night without detection.
- AN/PVS-2: A later, improved version of the starlight scope. It was somewhat smaller and offered better image quality, but it was still a bulky device for mounting on rifles or machine guns.
- AN/PVS-5: This model came later in the war and is closer to what we imagine as night vision goggles. It was a true goggle system worn on the head, allowing for hands-free movement. However, it was still quite rare during the Vietnam era itself.
- M3 Sniperscope: An older active IR system from the Korean War era, sometimes used on M1 Carbines. Its IR light was a major drawback, as enemy forces with simple IR detectors could spot it easily.
Limitations and Drawbacks in the Field
While revolutionary, these first-generation devices had serious flaws that affected there usefulness. The tropical environment of Vietnam posed unique challenges.
- Weight and Bulk: The systems were exhausting to carry on long patrols, especially with the seperate battery packs.
- Short Battery Life: Batteries drained quickly, often lasting only a few hours, which limited operational time.
- Limited Field of View: The user often had a very narrow, tunnel-vision view of the battlefield, which could be disorienting and dangerous.
- Easily Compromised: Active IR systems could be spotted by opposing forces using their own IR detectors. Heavy rain or fog could also severely degrade the image quality of all early night vision.
Impact on Night Operations and Tactics
Despite there limitations, night vision provided a crucial advantage. The ability to operate in darkness changed military tactics. U.S. forces could conduct patrols, set ambushes, and call in artillery or air support during hours when the enemy felt concealed. Special operations units, in particular, relied on this technology for covert missions. It allowed for better security at base perimeters, as sentries could see approaching threats. However, the Viet Cong and NVA adapted by becoming experts at using the terrain and moving silently, often avoiding open areas where they might be spotted.
The Evolution After Vietnam
The experience in Vietnam proved the value of night vision and drove rapid technological development. Post-war advancements led to:
- Generation 2: Introduced the micro-channel plate, which significantly improved image brightness and reduced size.
- Generation 3: Used gallium arsenide photocathodes for much better performance in very low light. This became the standard for decades.
- Modern White Phosphor & Digital: Today’s units offer clearer images, longer battery life, and are lightweight. The technology has also become affordable for civilian use.
The devices used in Vietnam were the pioneering ancestors of the advanced systems used by modern militaries and law enforcement agencies around the world. They laid the groundwork for owning the night, a key strategic advantage.
FAQ Section
What kind of night vision did they have in Vietnam?
They primarily had early Generation 0 active infrared goggles and first-generation passive starlight scopes. These were bulky, required heavy battery packs, and had limited range and clarity compared to today’s gear.
Were night vision goggles common in the Vietnam War?
No, they were not common. They were specialized equipment issued mainly to certain units like long-range reconnaissance patrols, snipers, and some point men on night patrols. The average infantryman did not have personal night vision goggles.
Could the enemy detect night vision in Vietnam?
Yes, especially the active IR systems. The infrared light beam they emitted could be seen by anyone with a simple IR detector. The passive starlight scopes were much stealthier since they didn’t emit any light, making them prefered for covert operations.
How did night vision change warfare after Vietnam?
It cemented the importance of “owning the night.” The lessons learned led to massive investment in better, smaller, and more reliable devices. This resulted in the widespread issue of night vision to individual soldiers, fundamentally changing how night battles are fought.