Oct. 20, 2025
First fielded in the late 1980’s, the PVS-7 is a single-tube night vision device. It was instrumental during Desert Storm, cementing the United States military’s ability to “own the night.” Since then, the PVS-7 has continued to support the U.S. military, first responders, and allies worldwide.
After more than 35 years of innovation and impact, Elbit America recently marked a significant milestone. The final PVS-7 was manufactured at the company's Roanoke, Virginia facility. But this wasn’t the end of an era. It was the beginning of a powerful new chapter. The final PVS-7 was donated to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team, based in central Arizona. From there, the PVS-7 will be used to save lives in the field.
For decades, the PVS-7 has been a cornerstone of Elbit America’s legacy – designed, built and refined by the skilled hands of our employees. It has served professionals in some of the most challenging environments, accomplishing our mission to protect and save lives. From the engineers and technicians, to our support and manufacturing staff, every person who contributed to the PVS-7 has been part of something truly meaningful.
Steve Perez, a Regional Account Manager with the Warfighter Systems Division at Elbit America, was proud to complete the official handover to the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team.
“When I handed the PVS-7 system to the team, I thought of all the Elbit America employees, past and present, who contributed to its success,” shared Steve. “The final system produced at our Roanoke facility could not have found a more appropriate home. The pride and emotion I felt were not just for this donation, but for the legacy created by every employee who has worked on this system.”
As Elbit America transitions to new technologies and continues to advance our mission, it’s fitting the final chapter of the PVS-7 closes with such purpose – in the hands of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team. This group provides search and rescue operations across more than 5,300 square miles of diverse terrain, including mountains, open desert, and forests. Additionally, they are often called upon for technical rescues across Arizona, from the mountains around Sedona to the state's southern border.
Sergeant Campbell of the Pinal County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team shared his appreciation for the donation, explaining how being able to pick up and identify even the slightest artificial light source using night vision technology has saved lives.
“Not only are night vision systems a necessity to maintain situational awareness while conducting air rescue operations, but they have proven to be a phenomenal search tool,” Sgt. Campbell explained. “We are humbled to be part of Elbit America’s history in receiving the last PVS-7 produced onsite and will see to it that it gets put to good use and continues to save lives.”
Learn about all of our night vision solutions.