Description

L3Harris Image Intensifier Tubes — MX-11769 & MX-10160

Replacement and upgrade image intensifier tubes manufactured by L3Harris Technologies — one of two primary U.S. Gen 3 tube manufacturers. Available in filmed green phosphor, unfilmed white phosphor, and unfilmed green phosphor configurations. These are the tubes that go inside PVS-14, RNVG, BNVD, and compatible housing platforms. If you’re replacing a worn tube, upgrading to a better performer, or sourcing tubes for a housing build, this is where to start.

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Tube Options

L3Harris MX-11769 Filmed Green Phosphor (18UM) — Classic filmed Gen 3 tube in green phosphor. Ion barrier film on the MCP is the standard configuration. Proven performance, standard military spec. 10-year warranty.

L3Harris MX-11769 Unfilmed White Phosphor (18UM) — Removing the ion barrier film from the MCP improves contrast and low-light performance. White phosphor renders a grey-scale image many operators find easier on the eyes for extended use. 10-year warranty. L3Harris confirms white phosphor performs better in very dark conditions because dark-adapted human eyes are more sensitive to blue light — and white phosphor presents imagery across a broad spectrum including blue wavelengths. The practical result: better contrast, more detail, and better depth perception in ultra-low light.

L3Harris MX-11769 Unfilmed White Phosphor (18UM) with Z1 Spot — Same unfilmed white phosphor tube with a small cosmetic blemish in the Z1 (center) zone. The blemish does not exceed .003 inches. Most operators find Z1 spots barely noticeable in real use. 10-year warranty.

L3Harris MX-10160 Unfilmed White Phosphor — The MX-10160 format is used in RNVG, BNVD, and other dual-tube platforms. Same unfilmed performance advantages as the MX-11769. 10-year warranty.

Filmed vs. Unfilmed — What’s the Difference?

The ion barrier film on the MCP protects the tube from ion feedback that shortens tube life. Removing the film eliminates this protection but improves contrast and perceived resolution. Unfilmed tubes have a shorter rated lifespan than filmed tubes but offer better image performance. For most operational users, the performance gain is worth the trade-off. Unfilmed tubes also withstand shock loads up to .50-caliber rifle without damage due to the absence of the ion barrier — making them more resilient to shock-induced performance degradation. L3Harris’ patented anti-scatter layer on the MCP input surface suppresses halo around bright light sources, sharpening the image near vehicle headlights and building lights.

What is FOM?

Figure of Merit is calculated by multiplying a tube’s resolution (line pairs per mm) by its signal-to-noise ratio. A higher FOM generally indicates better overall performance, but two tubes with identical FOM can render differently in the field. Every tube ships with its actual measured datasheet.

Hand Select

Email us to request datasheets on available tubes before purchasing. You’ll see the actual measured specs — FOM, SNR, resolution, EBI, and halo — for the specific tube going into your unit. Call (888) 330-7057 or email sales@superiortac.com — we carry more configurations than the dropdown shows.

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Compatibility

MX-11769	PVS-14, PVS-7 compatible housings, single-tube monoculars
MX-10160	RNVG, BNVD-1431, ACTinBlack DTNVS, and compatible dual-tube housings

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Operational Life and Storage

L3Harris tests every Gen 3 tube to simulate approximately 10,000 hours of field use — roughly 10 years of regular operation. Tubes maintain high gain throughout that lifespan with only slight degradation from light exposure. Stored in cool, dark conditions, most tubes retain gain life for 10–20 years minimum; many are expected to last well over 100 years. This is a tube you buy once.

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Warranty

U.S.-made Gen 3 tubes (Elbit and L3Harris): 10-year warranty — covers the full unit including housing, optics, electronics, and tube. Does not cover accidental damage or misuse.

All units from Superior Tactical are backed by in-house repairs with free diagnostic. If something goes wrong, you’re calling us.

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Who Buys L3Harris Tubes from Superior Tactical

Operators with worn tubes in existing housings who want a U.S. Gen 3 upgrade. Buyers building their own housing kits who are sourcing tubes separately. Anyone who wants to step up from a lower-performance tube to L3Harris without replacing their entire unit. We can match you to the right tube for your specific housing — call or email before purchasing if you’re not sure.

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Common Questions

How do I know which tube format my housing takes?
Most single-tube monoculars (PVS-14) take MX-11769. Most dual-tube housings (RNVG, BNVD) take MX-10160. When in doubt, call us — we’ll confirm the right format for your specific housing before you order.

Can I see the datasheet before I buy?
Yes — email us to request datasheets. You’ll see the actual measured FOM, SNR, resolution, EBI, and halo for available tubes.

How fast does it ship?
Most orders ship within 1–2 business days.