Description

Steele Industries Nighthawk-FB — Builder Housing

The Nighthawk-FB housing is Steele Industries’ fixed-bridge binocular housing, CNC machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and built for operators and builders who source their own image intensifier tubes. Two pod openings accept any standard PVS-14 format Gen 3 tube, the rigid bridge keeps both pods locked in alignment, and Steele Industries backs the housing with a lifetime warranty.

This is a housing-only kit for builders. Image intensifier tubes are not included — source your own and assemble yourself, or ship the tubes to us with a build request and we will install and align them. Objective optics (lenses) are available as a checkout selection.

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New to Building? Start Here

What is a “housing-only” night vision goggle?

Night vision goggles are made of three core parts: the housing (the structural body), the image intensifier tubes (the actual night vision component), and the objective optics (the front lenses that focus light onto the tubes). Buying a housing-only kit lets you bring your own tubes and your own optics, which can save money on the build and lets you upgrade the tubes later without replacing everything.

How is the FB different from the MG housing?

Both are Steele Industries fixed-bridge binocular housings made from 7075-T6 aluminum. The MG (Manual Gain) version adds a dedicated rotary gain dial alongside the power and IR knobs — same control layout operators trained on a PVS-14. The FB is the streamlined version without the manual gain dial: same housing material, same fixed-bridge geometry, same lifetime warranty, fewer controls, lighter and slightly more affordable build.

Do I need to be a professional to build my own NVG?

No. A tube swap into a housing is straightforward if you are comfortable with precision hand work and have a clean static-controlled workspace. That said, image intensifier tubes are sensitive components and a misalignment can ruin a $4,000 tube. If you are unsure, ship the tubes to us and we will handle assembly and alignment. Contact us for build pricing.

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Construction & Features

7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum housing

CNC machined full metal construction. Same alloy class as the RNVG and the rest of the Nighthawk line — strong, proven, built to last.

Fixed bridge design

The bridge connecting the two pods is rigid. No hinge to drift, no boresight to re-zero between uses, no tools required to re-deploy. The cleanest, most repeatable alignment for missions that demand precision.

PVS-14 format tube compatibility

The Nighthawk-FB housing accepts any standard PVS-14 format image intensifier tube. That means a huge ecosystem of replacement and upgrade tubes is available — Elbit XLSH, Elbit PH, L3Harris Unfilmed, NNVT, and any other PVS-14 spec tube on the market drops in with proper assembly.

Adjustable IPD (interpupillary distance)

Physical IPD knobs let you set pod spacing to match your eyes — typical 55 to 72mm range. Properly set IPD eliminates the “crossed eye” effect and reduces fatigue on long sessions.

Submersible build

Sealed housing rated for submersion. Built to take weather, water crossings, and the abuse of real field use.

Standard NVG mount interface

Dovetail interface compatible with Wilcox, Norotos, and Ops-Core shrouds. Mount sold separately.

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Choosing Your Optics

The objective optics are the front lenses that focus light onto each image tube. You have two options at checkout:

No Optics — Bare housing only. Pick this if you already have PVS-14 optics you want to reuse, or if you want to spec your own objective glass separately.

Noctis Technologies (Carson) Optics — Quality Carson-grade objective optics paired with the housing at a builder price. Strong choice if you want a complete build-ready kit minus tubes.

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Specifications

Manufacturer	Steele Industries (USA)
Configuration	Binocular, dual-tube, fixed bridge
Tube Compatibility	Standard PVS-14 format image intensifier tubes (sold separately)
Material	7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, CNC machined
IPD Range	55–72 mm, adjustable via dedicated knobs
Mount Interface	Standard NVG dovetail (Wilcox, Norotos, Ops-Core compatible)
Water Resistance	Submersible
Color	Black
Housing Warranty	Lifetime (Steele Industries)

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Best For

• Builders sourcing their own image intensifier tubes
• Existing PVS-14 owners migrating to a binocular configuration using their current tubes
• Operators and end users who want a fixed-bridge build at a builder price point
• Hobbyists working through a first NVG build with quality components
• Dealers and shops assembling kits to spec for end customers

What’s in the Box

• Nighthawk-FB housing (Black, fixed-bridge binocular)
• Objective optics (if selected at checkout)
• Lens covers
• Lifetime housing warranty (Steele Industries)

Image intensifier tubes, NVG mount, helmet, and battery are not included. We can assemble and align tubes you ship to us or that you purchase from us — call (888) 330-7057 or contact us for build pricing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a housing-only kit?

A housing-only kit is the structural body of the night vision goggle without the image intensifier tubes installed. Builders use these to source their own tubes (existing PVS-14 tubes, custom-spec tubes, or tubes bought separately) and assemble a complete NVG to their exact specification.

What is the difference between the FB and the MG housing?

Both are Steele Industries fixed-bridge binocular housings made from 7075-T6 aluminum with the same lifetime warranty. The MG (Manual Gain) adds a dedicated rotary gain dial alongside the power and IR knobs for PVS-14-style control. The FB is the streamlined version without the manual gain dial — lighter, fewer controls, more affordable.

Does the housing come with image intensifier tubes?

No. Tubes are sold separately. You can source your own PVS-14 format tubes from any vendor, or buy tubes from us. The Nighthawk-FB accepts any standard PVS-14 format Gen 3 image intensifier tube.

Will my existing PVS-14 tubes fit?

Yes. Standard PVS-14 format tubes drop directly into the Nighthawk-FB housing. Existing PVS-14 owners commonly migrate to a binocular configuration by pulling their tube out of the PVS-14 and reusing it in this housing for a second tube.

Do you offer assembly?

Yes. Ship your tubes to us with a build request and we will install and align them in your housing. Contact us for build pricing and turnaround time.

What is the difference between “No Optics” and “Noctis (Carson) Optics”?

The objective optics are the front lenses that focus light onto each tube. “No Optics” ships the bare housing only — pick this if you have PVS-14 optics to reuse or want to source objective glass separately. “Noctis Technologies (Carson) Optics” includes quality Carson-grade objectives paired with the housing at a builder price.

Can I mount this to my existing helmet shroud?

Yes. The housing uses a standard NVG dovetail mount interface compatible with Wilcox, Norotos, and Ops-Core shrouds. A mount and helmet are sold separately.

What is the warranty?

Steele Industries backs the Nighthawk-FB housing with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.