The Night Vision Setup of Delta Force during the Battle of Mogadishu: AN/PVS-7 and AN/PVS-14

The Battle of Mogadishu, depicted in the events of Black Hawk Down, was a chaotic night operation where night vision devices (NVDs) played a significant role in the survival and success of Delta Force operators. This article will explore the specific night vision gear used, particularly the AN/PVS-7 and AN/PVS-14, and the pivotal role they played.

The AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles

The AN/PVS-7 was a commonly used night vision device by Delta Force during the Battle of Mogadishu. This single-tube design provided operators with improved visibility in darkness, enabling them to perform their missions more effectively under the cover of night in the urban environment of Mogadishu. These goggles were crucial for navigation, target identification, and overall situational awareness, providing a significant tactical advantage.

Features and Usage of AN/PVS-7

Single-tube design: Simplified and reliable operation for improved performance in hostile environments. Darkness adaptation: Allowed operators to quickly adapt to low-light conditions, ensuring better reaction times and accuracy. Tactical advantage: Enhanced the ability to conduct missions with increased stealth and effectiveness.

The AN/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device

Although less common, some operators in Delta Force may have used the AN/PVS-14 monocular night vision device. This versatile device could be mounted on helmets or used as a handheld device, providing additional flexibility in usage. The AN/PVS-14 was chosen for its usefulness in various tactical situations, offering operators a broader range of options for mission execution.

Key Features of AN/PVS-14

Configurable usage: Could be mounted on helmets or used as a handheld device, enhancing versatility. Enhanced functionality: Improved target acquisition and situational awareness in diverse environments.

ANVIS-6 Night Vision Goggles: The Delta Force Experience

Not all Delta Force operators had access to night vision during the Battle of Mogadishu. The majority of soldiers, including Rangers, lacked night vision gear. For those who did have access, the ANVIS-6 (Aviator Night Vision Imaging System) was the preferred device. The ANVIS-6 was critical for navigation, target identification, and situational awareness.

The ANVIS-6 in Action

Fig. 1 - The sniper/recce element from Delta in Mogadishu. The operator at the bottom is equipped with ANVIS-6 night vision goggles mounted to a Protec helmet.

Fig. 2 - An accurate recreation of a Delta Protec helmet from the Black Hawk Down era. The box on the back of the helmet contains the batteries for the night vision goggles. The strobe light on top was used for identifying friendly troops to aircraft.

Each ANVIS-6 unit consisted of a goggles system and a rechargeable battery box. Additionally, these devices featured a strobe light mounted on the top of the helmet, which served a critical purpose in signaling friendly troops to aircraft for aerial resupply or support. A common misconception was that the strobe light had to be physically thrown into the midst of the combat area. In reality, a simple and more effective communication strategy would have been to inform the pilots of the strobe’s position and the location of friendly forces relative to it. This would have minimized the risk of friendly fire and optimized mission effectiveness.

Conclusion

The use of night vision devices, particularly the AN/PVS-7 and AN/PVS-14, significantly impacted the outcome of the Battle of Mogadishu for Delta Force operators. These devices provided improved visibility, target identification, and tactical advantage during the chaotic urban environment of Mogadishu. The ANVIS-6, though less common, was also a crucial piece of gear for those who had access to it.