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L3Harris introduces the NOVA night vision goggle with a repair-focused design and unfilmed Gen 3 tubes aimed at large-scale fielding.
Shown at SHOT Show 2026, NOVA targets users who need reliable binocular night vision without stepping into high-end, special-operations-only systems.
The company positions it as a scalable option for military, law enforcement, and public users. Orders start now through U.S. distributors, with deliveries expected in Q4.
A New Binocular Built for Scale
NOVA is L3Harris’ latest binocular night vision goggle and a commercial offshoot of its BiNOD work for the U.S. Army. Development started in 2021 with a clear goal: replace legacy monocular systems with a low-cost, binocular platform that can deploy broadly. The design centers on an integrated tube architecture intended to simplify maintenance and extend service life.
Instead of treating repair as an afterthought, NOVA bakes it into the layout. The modular tube design allows damaged components to be swapped quickly.
According to L3Harris, four screws stand between a broken tube and a field-ready goggle. That approach aims to cut downtime for units that don’t have depot-level support.
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Standard Features Without Add-Ons
L3Harris built NOVA with features users often pay extra to unlock. The system uses unfilmed Gen 3 image intensifier tubes with high-gain capability. Lower-gain variants, at 2000 FOM and below, include an anti-bloom function. An onboard IR illuminator supports use in extremely low-light conditions.
Adjustable diopters come standard, helping users dial in clarity without aftermarket parts. The binocular layout improves depth perception compared to monocular systems.
Field of view sits at roughly 39 degrees. Weight comes in around 542 grams, keeping it more comfortable for extended wear.
Durability, Battery Life, and Cold Weather Use
L3Harris says NOVA improves mean time between failure by roughly 60 percent over earlier generations. Battery life reaches more than 30 hours on a single AA lithium under ambient conditions. Cold weather performance extends down to -40°C, with about 10 hours of runtime at that extreme.
The housing meets IP68 standards for immersion and environmental resistance. The system supports auto-off when stowed in monocular or binocular configurations.
Availability and Positioning
NOVA is available now through distributors including TNVC, Steele Industries, and ProForce Law Enforcement. First shipments are expected in Q4 2026.
L3Harris sees NOVA as a complement to higher-end systems like ENVG-B and BNVD, not a replacement. It’s aimed at users who currently lack access to quality night vision while needing something that’s easy to maintain, scalable, and ready to work.
Learn more HERE.
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Mitchell Graf is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast. As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics.
When he’s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he’s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same.
Experience:
– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time professional in the Aerospace/Defense industry.
– Competitive Shooter & Instructor – Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team.
– Night Vision & Thermal Hunter – Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.
– Part-Time Farmer – Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.