Description

Elbit Gen 3 Image Intensifier Tubes — XLSH and PH

Elbit Systems of America is one of two primary U.S. manufacturers of Gen 3 image intensifier tubes, alongside L3Harris. Their tubes are found in U.S. military and law enforcement night vision devices and are the benchmark against which most commercial tubes are measured. We carry two variants: the XLSH and the PH — each suited to a different buyer priority.

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XLSH vs. PH — which one is right for you

Elbit XLSH

The XLSH is Elbit’s thin-filmed, autogated Gen 3 tube. Thin-filmed refers to the ion barrier film on the Microchannel Plate — it provides protection that extends tube life, and is standard in most mil-spec Gen 3 tubes. XLSH tubes deliver strong low-light performance and are a proven, widely-trusted option. They may carry more cosmetic spots in the image area than PH tubes, but their optical performance is excellent.

Elbit PH

The PH is a step up from the XLSH. It carries a tighter spot specification — fewer and smaller blemishes in the image area, including the critical Zone 1 center region. For buyers who prioritize a clean, cosmetically pristine image alongside strong performance, the PH is the right choice. It commands a price premium over the XLSH that reflects the tighter selection criteria.

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Specifications

Manufacturer	Elbit Systems of America
Generation	Gen 3
Film type	Thin-filmed (ion barrier film)
Autogating	Yes
Phosphor options	Green (P43) and White (P45)
Standard format	MX-11769 (PVS-14)
MX-10160 conversion	Available — contact us
Datasheet	Included with every tube

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Format and compatibility

All Elbit tubes we carry are in the MX-11769 format, which is the standard format for the AN/PVS-14 monocular and compatible housings.

If you need an MX-10160 tube for a binocular build — RNVG, DTNVS, BNVD, or similar — we can convert MX-11769 tubes to MX-10160 format. Contact us before ordering to arrange this.

Call (888) 330-7057 or email sales@superiortac.com to discuss format conversion or to request datasheets on specific tubes before purchasing.

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Hand select — see your tube before you buy

Every tube ships with its datasheet showing the actual measured performance specs — FOM, SNR, resolution, EBI, and halo. If you have minimum spec requirements or want to review available datasheets before committing, email us and we’ll send options from current inventory.

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Green vs. white phosphor

Both XLSH and PH tubes are available in green and white phosphor. Green phosphor (P43) is the traditional military standard — familiar to anyone who has used PVS-14s in service. White phosphor (P45) renders a neutral image that many users find easier to interpret over extended wear and in mixed lighting conditions. Performance is comparable between the two — phosphor choice is primarily a preference decision.

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Image intensifier tubes are ITAR-controlled commodities. Export is strictly prohibited without a valid license issued by the U.S. Department of State. For sale to U.S. persons only.

Common Questions

Is this a complete PVS-14 unit?
No. This is a standalone image intensifier tube only. You will need a compatible PVS-14 housing kit or existing housing to install it. Contact us at (888) 330-7057 for help matching a tube to a housing.

What does FOM mean?
FOM stands for Figure of Merit — calculated by multiplying signal-to-noise ratio by resolution. It is the single best indicator of overall tube performance. Higher FOM means better low-light performance. For most users we recommend a minimum of 1600 FOM.

Can I see a datasheet for this tube?
Yes. We include a measured datasheet with every tube we sell showing the actual tested specifications. Contact us at (888) 330-7057 if you want to see the datasheet before purchasing, or select Hand Select for a specific tube.