STUDENT OUTLINE

OPTICS AN/PEQ-15 AND AN/PVS-7B

CS0102LP

STUDENT INFORMATION
LESSON PURPOSE
OVERVIEW: The purpose of this period of instruction is to
provide the knowledge and skills necessary to operate and
maintain a set of AN/PVS-7B night vision goggles and skills to
operate the AN/PEQ-15. This class will cover characteristics,
general data, operating instructions, mounting procedures,
zeroing procedures and maintenance. This class relates to the
combat marksmanship classes you have received here at the School
of Infantry.
CLASS PREPARATION:

Read this handout prior to class.

OUTLINE.
1. CHARACTERISTICS. The AN/PEQ-15 or ATPIAL is for use to
provide active target acquisition in low-light and close quarters
combat situations without the need for night vision devices. It
may be used as either a handheld illuminator/pointer and can be
mounted to weapons.
a. Description. The AN/PEQ-15 ATPIAL is a Class 1 or 3a
(low power) laser device that emits both visible and invisible
laser radiation for precise aiming of the weapon as well as a
separate infrared illumination beam for illumination of the
target or target area.
(1) The infrared illuminator (IR) Aim and illumination
lasers provide for active, covert target acquisition in low or
complete darkness when used in conjunction with night vision
devises. The ATPIALs infared (IR) lasers are more detectable to
an enemy using night vision devices when used in smoke, fog, and
rain.
(2) The AN/PEQ-15 ATPIAL is a ruggedized system designed
for operation in battlefield environments.

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b. General Characteristics. The AN/PEQ-15 general

characteristics are as follows;
Weight and Dimensions
Weight (with battery)

7.5 ounces

Length

4.6 inches

Width

2.8 inches

Height

1.6 inches
Power Performance

c.

Batteries

(1) 3-Volt DL 123A

Battery Life

(6) Hours in DH (DUAL

HIGH)

AN/PEQ-15 Major Components.

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4

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5
6
8

(1) Aim Neutral Density (ND) / Opaque Lens Cap. The

AN/PEQ-15 has a double-sided lens cap that, when placed over the
Aim Lasers, reduces scatter from the IR Aim Laser and completely
prevents emission from the Visible Aim Laser.
(2) Safety Screw. The AN/PEQ-15 safety screw when
installed in the Lockout Position, the Safety Screw prevents the
Mode Selector from being turned to the high power laser settings
(i.e., AH, IH, DH). Removal of the Safety Screw allows for access
to all modes of operation 2.
(3) Activation Button. The AN/PEQ-15 activation button
when in P (PROGRAM) mode, the Activation Button allows for
programming the IR Illuminator pulse rate. When in one of the six
operational laser modes (i.e., VIS-AL, AL, DL, AH, IH, DH), the
Activation Button is used to actively emit laser radiation that
corresponds with the position of the Mode Selector.
(4) Safety Screw Storage Location. The AN/PEQ-15 safety
screw storage location allows for secure storage of the Safety
Screw after it has been removed from the Lockout Position 4.
(5) Visible Aim Laser. The AN/PEQ-15 visible aimed laser
is used to provide a precision aim point or to positively
identify targets at close range during the day or night, without
the need of night vision devices. It may also be used for bore
sighting the ATPIAL during daylight hours.

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(6) Infrared Aim Laser. The AN/PEQ-15 infrared aim laser

when used with night vision devices provides a precision aim
point or to mark targets.
(7) Infrared Illuminator / Focus Knob. Used with night
vision devices to provide variable focused IR illumination of the
intended target area. The Illuminator Focus Knob is rotated to
vary the illumination beam spread from flood to spot, based on
the range and size of the area to be illuminated.
(8) Illuminator Diffuser Lens Cap. The illuminator
diffuser lens cap when installed over the IR Illuminator, spreads
the laser energy over an angle of approximately 180 degrees,
allowing for illumination of a wider area. This is useful for
illuminating a small room and is most effective when used with
the IR Illuminator Focus Knob adjusted to the widest beam (flood)
setting.
(9) Illuminator Adjusters. These adjusters can be rotated
in azimuth and elevation to bring the illumination area over the
aiming beam, and can be used to align the IR Illuminator with the
barrel of the weapon.

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12

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(10) Battery Cap / Battery Compartment. Provides secure
housing for the 3-volt DL123A battery that powers the ATPIAL.
(11) LED Status Indicator. The LED status indicator on
the AN/PEQ-15 has a Light Emitting Diode (LED) used to indicate
when the ATPIAL is emitting laser energy, when the battery power
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is low, and displays the pulse rate during programming of the IR

Illuminator.
(12) Mode Selector. The mode selector on the AN/PEQ-15
allows the user to select the desired mode of operation for the
ATPIAL. When switched to O (OFF), the ATPIAL will not emit laser
energy.
2.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.

In order to operate the AN/PEQ-15 TPIAL the operator must become

familiar with Battery Installation, the Mode of Operation, Mode
Selection, Removal of the Safety Screw, Mode Activation, Remote
Cable Switch, Visible/IR Aim Lasers, Five Pattern Generators, IR
Illuminator and Led Status Indicator.
a. Battery Installation. The AN/PEQ-15 requires one (1)
lithium battery for operation. Perform the following steps to
install the battery.
(1) Unscrew the battery cap and install one lithium
battery.
(2) Proper battery orientation is clearly marked on the
ATPIAL housing.
(3) Replace and tighten the battery cap.
(4) Use of an incorrect battery may permanently damage
the ATPIAL. Batteries with different voltages, but with the same
physical dimensions, do exist in the supply system. Ensure that
only a 3-volt battery is used in the ATPIAL.
b. Mode Selection. The Mode Selection is used to set the
mode in which the AN/PEQ-15 will operate for the user. The Modes
of operation for the ATPIAL are accessed by turning the Mode
Selector to the desired position.
(1) When in the O (OFF) position, the ATPIAL will not
operate and will not emit laser radiation. The P (PROGRAM)
position allows for setting the desired IR Illuminator pulse
rate.

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c. Removable Safety Screw.

A removable safety Screw
installed in the lockout position prevents the mode selector from
being turned to the high power laser settings (i.e., AH, IH, DH).
(1) This configuration is appropriate for a training
environment or when the ATPIAL is being stored.
(2) A hex head wrench is used to remove the safety screw
when, for tactical reasons, access to the high power laser
settings is desired.
(3) The safety screw storage location allows for secure
storage of the safety screw after it has been removed from the
Lockout Position.
d. Mode Activation. Once the mode of operation has been
selected, the ATPIAL may be used in that mode by activating the
system as follows:
(1) Momentary Operation. Pressing and holding the
Activation Button operates the ATPIAL in the operational mode set
by the Mode Selector. When the button is released, the ATPIAL
turns off.
(2) Continuous Operation. Pressing the Activation
Button twice in rapid succession (double-tap) will turn the
ATPIAL laser(s) on. The laser(s) will remain on until the button
is pressed a third time (single-tap).
e. Remote Cable Switch. When installed, the Remote Cable
Switch may be used to provide the same functionality as the
Activation Button and is operated in the same manner. The Remote
Cable Switch plugs into the Remote Jack. It is then secured to
the weapon to best suit the operators firing preference using
the Retaining Straps and / or hook and loop fastener tape.
f. Visible / IR Lasers. Under certain operating conditions,
particularly at night, it may be desirable to prevent inadvertent
emission of visible laser energy. The Aim Neutral Density (ND) /
Opaque Lens Cap is provided for this purpose. To use the Lens
Cap, stretch it out and over the front of the Aim Laser exit
ports so that it is snug and firmly in place.
g. Five Pattern Generators. Five Pattern Generators are
supplied with the ATPIAL for command and control purposes. When
individually installed over the Aim Lasers, they project a
specific holographic design over the aim point of the laser. The

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shapes are visible with the naked eye if using the Visible Aim
Laser and with night vision devices if using the IR Aim Laser.
The Pattern Generators may only be used one at a time and may not
be used in conjunction with the Aim Neutral Density / Opaque Lens
Cap.
h. IR Illuminator. When selecting the IR Illuminator modes
of operation the following may occur:
(1) The IR illumination beam may be varied from flood to
spot by rotating the Illuminator Focus Knob.
(2) The direction of rotation and corresponding beam size
is marked on the front of the ATPIAL.
(3) The Lens Cap spreads the laser energy over an angle
of approximately 180 degrees, allowing for illumination of a
wider area.
i. LED Status Indicator. A Light Emitting Diode (LED) is
incorporated into the body of the ATPIAL that provides
indicators.
3. MOUNTING PROCEDURES
The ATPIAL mounts on to the M16A4 rifle using the integral rail
grabber bracket that is designed for direct attachment to weapons
with a MIL-STD-1913 rail. The weapons and mounting configurations
for the AN/PEQ-15 can be applied to several weapons, but will
only be used for your M16A4, and will be mounted to the top, left
or right mount on your weapon.
a. Always make sure the weapon is CLEAR and SAFE before
mounting the AN/PEQ-15.
b. Loosen the clamping knob on the integral rail grabber
bracket until the jaws have sufficient space to fit over the MILSTD-1913 rail.
c. Position the integral rail grabber bracket on the rail
ensuring that the recoil lug is seated in the desired recoil
groove of the rail. Turn the clamping knob clockwise to tighten.
Use a coin or similar flat object in the slot of the clamping
knob to fully secure the bracket to the rail.
d. Failure to properly secure and tighten the ATPIAL to
the rail may lead to bore sight repeatability and zeroing issues.

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4. BORESIGHTING/ZEROING PROCEDURES.
The ATPIAL on the AN/PEQ-15 is equipped with boresight adjusters
for independent adjustment of the aiming and illumination beams
in both elevation and azimuth.

a. The ATPIAL may also be boresighted to the host weapon.

Using a Laser Boresight System (LBS). You will need a 10m Target
Offsets for this purpose. After establishing the zero preset or
boresighting the ATPIAL weapon combination, the ATPIAL may be
zeroed to the weapon via live fire at a 25-meter range. You will
need a target offset that must be applied to the 25-meter M16A2
zeroing target.
b. Zeroing On A 25-Meter Range. This procedure is used to
zero the ATPIAL to the weapons.
(1) ATPIAL Boresight Adjusters move the aiming beams at
the rate of 0.2 mrad per click. Two clicks = 1 box on a standard
M16A1/A2 25-meter zeroing target.

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(2) On a 25-meter M16A2 zeroing target, mark the

designated strike point and designated strike zone based on
the weapon you are using.
(3) Mount the target on an E silhouette or other
suitable surface at 25 meters.
(4) Mount the ATPIAL to the weapon.
(5) Rotate the Mode Selector to Visible Aim (VIS-AL)
(6) Activate the Visible Aim Laser in continuous mode
by double-tapping the Activation Button.
(7) Direct the Visible Aim Laser at the center of the
target. Fire a 3-round shot group and note the center of the shot
group relative to the designated strike point. Re-tighten
Integral Rail Grabber Bracket.
(8) Rotate the Aim Laser Adjusters to move the center
of the shot group to the designated strike point. Fire another 3round shot group and again observe the center of the new shot
group relative to the designated strike point.
(9) When 5 out of 6 rounds are in the designated strike
zone, the ATPIAL / weapon combination is zeroed.
(10) Once the aiming beams are zeroed, rotate the Mode
Selector to the DL (DUAL LOW) or DH (DUAL HIGH) position to
observe both the IR aiming and illumination beams. Rotate the
Illuminator adjusters to center the illumination beam over the IR
aiming beam.
5. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN/PVS-7B NIGHT VISION GOGGLES. AN/PVS-7B
night vision goggles are hand-held, head mounted, or helmet
mounted night vision systems that enable walking, driving, weapon
firing, short-range surveillance, map reading, vehicle
maintenance, and administering first aid in both moonlight and
starlight. The equipment requires some moonlight or starlight to
operate.
a. The goggles assembly consists of four primary
subassemblies: a simple objective lens, a wired housing assembly,
an image intensifier, and a rear cover assembly.

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(1) Objective Lens. The objective lens collects the

light reflected from the night scene by the moon, stars, or night
sky inverts the image and focuses that image on the image
intensifier.
(2) Wired Housing Assembly. The wired housing assembly
contains a built-in battery compartment, attached battery cap,
and the RESET/OFF-ON-IR/PULL switch. The power source for the
goggles is one 3 volt lithium battery or two AA 1.5 volt alkaline
batteries.
(3) Image Intensifier Assembly. The image intensifier
converts the captured light into a visible image that is then
split and reinverted by the collimator and transmitted to the
eyepieces for viewing.
(4) Rear Cover Assembly
b.

The goggles assembly also uses the following accessories:

(1) Demist Shields. The two demisting shields are used

to prevent the eyepiece lenses from becoming fogged.
(2) Light Interference Filter. The light interference
filter restricts the amount of light capable of entering the lens
for operation during times when too much light may be available.
(3) Sacrificial Window. The sacrificial window protects
the objective lens during operation in adverse conditions.
(4) IR Spot/Flood Lens. The IR spot/flood lens focuses
the IR light for a narrow beam or wide angle beam illumination.
The IR illuminator is used for viewing at close distances up to 3
meters when additional illumination is needed. The IR
illuminator light is invisible to the unaided eye but can be
detected by the enemy using night vision devices.
(5) Tethering Cord. The tethering cord allows the user
to attach the compass or 3X magnifier lens to his person to guard
against dropping or losing the item.
(6) 3X Magnifier. The 3X magnifier attaches to the
objective lens and provides 3 times magnification to the original
image.
(7) Compass. The compass enables the operator to see
azimuth readings in the goggles illumination viewing area.

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(8) Head Mount Assembly. The adjustable, cushioned head

mount assembly secures the goggles to the operators head for
night viewing providing freehand support for use with a weapon,
protective mask, or other purposes. To don, simply place the
head mount assembly over the head, adjust and fasten the chin
straps, and secure the head mount socket assembly to the goggles
latch.
(9) Helmet Mount Assembly. The helmet mount assembly
secures the goggles to the Personal Armor System Ground Troops
Kevlar helmet allowing freehand support for use with a weapon,
protective mask, or other purposes. To install, simply secure
the clip/strap assembly to the helmet, connect the mount assembly
to the clip/strap assembly, and connect the mount assembly to the
goggles latch.
6. AN/PVS-7B NIGHT VISION SIGHT CONTROLS. The AN/PVS-7B night
vision sight controls are designed to adjust for different users
and corrects for most differences in eyesight.
a.

The Following Are The Purpose For The Various Controls:

(1) RESET/OFF-ON-IR/PULL Switch. This switch controls

the goggles and the infra-red light power ON or OFF.
(a) RESET/OFF turns off power to the goggles and
resets the goggles after automatic shutoff or highlight cutoff.
(b) ON activated the goggles.
(c) IR/PULL activates the goggles and infrared light
by pulling the switch and turning it clockwise.
(d) The goggles will automatically shutoff when
removed from the head mount or helmet mount while in operations.
1 This prevents enemy detection of the green glow
of the image intensifier.
2 To turn the goggles back on, turn the switch to
the RESET/OFF position and then to ON again.
(e) The goggles will automatically shut off after 70
seconds of operation in daylight or bright room light.
1 Individual bright lights will not actuate the
high light cutoff function unless focused directly on the high
light detector located on the front of the goggles.

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2 To turn the goggles back on, turn the switch to

the RESET/OFF position and then back to ON again.
(2) Objective Lens Focus Knob. The objective lens focus
knob focuses the objective lens by turning the knob until the
sharpest image of the viewed object is achieved.
(3) Latch. The latch is used to attach or separate the
goggles from the head mount or helmet mount assembly.
(4) Diopter Adjustment Ring. Focuses the eyepiece lens
for each eye without the need for glasses and is turned to
achieve the sharpest image for the intensifier screen.
(5) Interpupillary Adjustment. The interpupillary
adjustment adjusts for distance between the eyes by sliding the
eyepieces either together or apart so each eye can observe the
entire field at the same time.
(6) Eye Relief Adjustment. The eye relief adjustment
adjusts the distance between your eyes and the goggles.
(7) IR Spot/Flood Lens Focus Knob. The IR spot/flood
lens focus knob focuses the infrared light for a narrow beam or a
wide-angle beam illumination.
(8) Compass Illuminator Button.
button activates the compass illuminator
which makes the compass readings visible
area. Additional pressure on the button
brighter.

The compass illuminator

light emitting diode
in the goggles viewing
will make the image

7. OPERATION OF AN/PVS-7B NIGHT VISION GOGGLES. Operation of

the AN/PVS-7B night vision sight is relatively simple and
consists of performing the following performance steps:
a. Remove the goggles from the carrying case and install the
batteries.
b. Don the head mount or helmet mount and adjust the straps
so that the mount fits snuggly to the head or helmet.
c.

Install the goggles into the mount socket.

d. Depress the side buttons and move the goggles fore or aft
to set the appropriate eye relief.

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e.

Adjust straps for good fit.

f.

Turn the power switch to the ON position.

g.

Adjust the tilt adjustment lock knob, if helmet mounted.

h. Adjust the eyepiece by sliding them together or apart so

that each eye can observe the entire field of view.
i. While obstructing view through the right eyepiece, rotate
the left diopter adjustment ring to obtain the clearest view
j. Adjust the eye relief distance by pressing the socket
release button and sliding the goggles fore or aft to obtain a
full field of view.
k.

Readjust the diopter adjustment rings for the best image.

l. Observe an object and adjust the objective lens focus

until the sharpest image is obtained.
REFERENCES:
NUMBER
TM 09500a-10/1

TITLE
Operators Manual
Night Vision Goggles
AN/PVS-7B and AN/PVS-7D

PAGE
Entire Document

TM 9-5855-191413&P

Operator Manual
ATPIAL AN/PEQ-15

Entire Document

NOTES:

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