An Homage to the Night Vision Systems of the Global War on Terror.
At Nocturnal Optics Australia, our passion for Night Vision isn’t just driven by innovation—it’s equally fueled by heritage. With this in mind, we are proud to officially announce the launch of our "Legacy Series" Night Vision Housing Development Project.
This ambitious initiative is our tribute to the historic, now-obsolete systems that once defined an era of operational dominance during the Global War on Terror (GWOT). It is our mission to revive these legendary devices, blending their unmistakable silhouettes and field-proven ergonomics with modern proprietary electronics, enhanced materials, and improved user serviceability.
What Is the Legacy Series?
The Legacy Series is a limited-run line of custom-designed night vision housings, each inspired by iconic systems that served elite units and conventional forces alike. These devices were carried into some of the most high-risk missions of the 21st century by US Special Operations, Coalition Forces, and units within the Australian Defence Force.
Rather than produce direct replicas, our goal is to reimagine these systems for modern end-users who want the historical aesthetic, with modern-day functionality.
Systems Being Reimagined
As part of this series, Nocturnal Optics will develop new housing designs that reinterpret legendary platforms such as:
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AN/PSQ-36 FGS (Fusion Goggle System)
Originally a groundbreaking blend of thermal and image intensification, our reinterpretation aims to preserve its split-panel look while integrating modern thermal fusion capabilities and modular electronics. -
AN/PVS-23 (Aviation Low-Light Binocular Goggle System)
Once a mainstay in aviation and maritime operations, the Legacy Series variant will pay tribute to its iconic fixed-bridge design while modernizing it for ground use with lighter materials and collimation-friendly modular pods. -
AN/PVS-15
Revered by US and Australian SOF for its rugged dual-tube reliability, we aim to offer a housing that mirrors the legacy ergonomics but accommodates contemporary MX-10160 tubes, onboard power management, and optional manual gain features.
Each housing is being completely reengineered from the ground up using advanced CAD modeling, CNC prototyping, and extensive field input from veterans and modern NVG users alike.
Next-Gen Fusion Electronics: A Glimpse into the Future
Alongside the development of the Legacy Series, Nocturnal Optics is excited to announce the commencement of preliminary R&D into custom Thermal Fusion Electronic Systems.
These future modules will feature:
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An advanced digital user interface
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Customizable fusion overlays and thermal imaging options
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Modular onboard software architecture
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Intuitive navigation controls and menu systems
This platform will be designed to integrate with our upcoming NOA-37B MK3 (PSQ-36 Clone) housing, with the goal of delivering true thermal fusion functionality in a familiar, historically-inspired form factor. Further compatibility with future articulating binocular fusion goggles is also planned, with a focus on retaining ruggedness while enhancing operator functionality.
This represents a major step forward in domestic thermal fusion capabilities and underscores our commitment to expanding Australian R&D and self-sufficiency in advanced night vision technology.
Why the Legacy Series Matters
There’s something timeless about the look and feel of these older units—hard lines, oversized lenses, fixed bridges, minimal controls. They were workhorses in a very different world, yet many users today still admire them for their battlefield pedigree, unique aesthetic, and reliability.
By breathing new life into these systems, we’re giving today’s users the chance to own a piece of night vision history, without sacrificing capability or supportability.
Whether you’re a collector, a night vision enthusiast, or an operational user with an eye for the iconic, the Legacy Series offers a way to connect with the past—without compromising on performance.
What to Expect
Each unit in the Legacy Series will be manufactured in limited batches, with a focus on:
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Heritage-inspired design
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Modern proprietary electronics
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Fully modular assembly
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Compatibility with current MX10160 Format Intensifier Tubes (MX11769 Format TBA)
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Collimation and Nitrogen Purge service support
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Improved weight reduction using aerospace-grade materials
In addition to the housings, we will be offering accessories, build services, and exclusive drops for those looking to build complete systems with Photonis and NNVT Image Intensifier Tubes.
Join the Waitlist
If you're interested in owning a piece of night vision history—rebuilt for modern use—sign up for early access to the Nocturnal Optics Legacy Series. More details, design previews, and behind-the-scenes updates will be released in the coming months.
Stay tuned, and as always—See Beyond the Darkness.
