If you’re researching the AB Night Vision RNVG family—still the benchmark for hard-use dual-tube night-vision goggles in 2025—you’ll find a lineup that has grown beyond the original Ruggedized Night Vision Goggle to include articulating (RNVG-A) and variable-gain (RNVG-VG) variants, all milled from 7075-T6 aluminum for unmatched durability.
AB Night Vision RNVG Models in 2025
| Model | Core Feature | Weight (w/o batt.) | Housing-only MSRP* | Notable Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RNVG | Fixed bridge, “bomb-proof” original | 555 g | $1,397 | 16 h on 1×CR123, built-in IR LED |
| RNVG-A (ARNVG) | Articulating pods | 567 g | $2,199 | Auto-shutoff when swung up, IPD 47–80 mm |
| RNVG-VG (Gen II) | Manual gain knob | 615 g | $1,499 | User-adjustable image brightness |
*Housing-only prices taken from HCC Tactical dealer listings, April 2025.
Key RNVG Specifications
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Power: single CR123 (16 h runtime) with optional LEMO port for external packs
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Optics: PVS-14 objective/eyepiece compatibility; 40° FOV; diopter –6 → +2
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Waterproofing: submersible to 66 ft (IP68)
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Controls: 3-position On/Off/IR switch plus IR-signal feature; VG adds gain knob
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Finish: Type III hard-anodize (black) or Cerakote FDE over anodize
Durability & User Feedback
AB’s billet-aluminum bridge eliminates the common fracture point seen in polymer NV housings, surviving drop tests beyond MIL-STD-810H. Field users routinely call the RNVG “bomb-proof” and “nail-hammer tough.”
Tube & Configuration Options
Because the housing accepts MX-10160 (or MX-11769 for VG) tubes, builders can pair AB housings with L3Harris Unfilmed / Film Gen 3 or modern Photonis Echo +/12xx tubes in green or white phosphor. White-phosphor 2,700-FOM builds remain the most popular for law enforcement and night-hunter buyers in 2025.
Buying & Upgrade Tips
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Match your mission: Fixed-bridge RNVG is lighter; RNVG-A gives monocular use and better stow geometry.
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Consider gaining control: VG helps in mixed-light urban settings.
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Budget for tubes: A premium U/Filmed L3 pair can double total build cost.
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Add a thermal clip-on: Clip-ons like the new RENV-C integrate seamlessly in front of RNVG-A for fusion.
FAQ
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What makes the RNVG more “rugged” than other binocular NVGs?
Both pods and the bridge are CNC-milled from 7075-T6 aluminum, a material 36 % stronger than common steel, and the system passes 66-ft submersion and concrete-drop tests. -
Does the articulating RNVG-A shut off automatically when I flip one tube up?
Yes—the pods have an auto-cutoff that saves tube life and eliminates helmet glow. -
How long will a single battery last in real-world use?
Expect about 16 hours on a fresh lithium CR123 at room temperature; runtimes drop in sub-zero Alaskan nights. -
Can I run external battery packs?
All RNVG variants include an ANVIS-style LEMO port for AB’s Low-Profile Battery Pack, extending runtime past 40 hours. -
What is the difference between RNVG-VG and a standard RNVG with high-FOM tubes?
VG’s manual gain knob lets you dim or brighten the image on the fly; with fixed-gain tubes you must rely on automatic brightness control only.
