Infantry Combat Equipment (non-firearm): Vests, Body Armor, NVGs, etc.

So I just seen a video on a very old Chinese Gen1 NVG (Type 85, so nearly 40 years old!).

It’s a very good video, but the most striking aspect of it is just how good Chinese Gen1 night vision was, even when compared against modern Gen2 and Gen3 units.

Sure, you can see an obvious huge improvement on the Gen2 and Gen3 units, but the Chinese Gen1 is actually surprisingly good and while clearly outclassed, it’s not in a completely different league as modern Gen1s are, at least to my eyes.

Detailed side-by-side comparison starts at around the 17m mark in terms of setting out what it’s being compared against and the conditions, with the tests themselves start at around 17:30.

Peas said:

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they should really stop taking pictures while their soldiers are shouting. Such photo looks hilarious and is not a right way to present a powerful arm force.

by78 said:

This is the first time I've seen artillery troops completely kitted out in Type-21 combat uniforms, vests, and helmets.

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Actually, 2 years ago, artillery personal were getting the new kit:


For the conventional units, the distribution of the kit is all over the place.

A very close-up and detailed image of the new helmet and mounted accessories, including the night vision device.

by78 said:

A very close-up and detailed image of the new helmet and mounted accessories, including the night vision device.

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Anyone know why the PLA opted for monocular NVG instead of binoculars? Weight, cost?

Reclaimer said:

Anyone know why the PLA opted for monocular NVG instead of binoculars? Weight, cost?

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I don't think those are even NVGs of the same capability and profile as a proper monocular NVG like PVS-14 or PSQ-20...


The lack of widespread PLA adoption of proper NODs/NVGs is partly due to cost -- think about how much a proper set of monocular, binocular or quad costs.

The other is that in China there hasn't been a market for such products at scale (until perhaps recently, in that the PLA might be starting to recognize that proliferation of NODs is something that they want to pursue and be willing to afford) -- meaning a domestic supply chain that can efficiently produce them doesn't exist as much as they do in the west. It's a fairly niche industry.

Reclaimer said:

Anyone know why the PLA opted for monocular NVG instead of binoculars? Weight, cost?

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In some way, I think you just answered yourself. Also since the PLA is prepared for large scale clash with on/near-peer enemy forces, a typical setup of binocular NVG with IR pointer seems to be a very bad idea, instead, the approach is most likely a cheap digital binocular NVG for marching and a rifle mounted NVG/Thermal Scope for actual engagement. Feel free to correct me if anybody else has a better idea

Reclaimer said:

Anyone know why the PLA opted for monocular NVG instead of binoculars? Weight, cost?

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The PLA apparently uses either digital night vision or a thermal monocular.


Pics from @Nickatgreat1220 on twitter.

As for why, see Bltizo's comment. There exists a commercial demand for thermal cameras which China fulfills with companies like Guideir, Hikvision and Infiray. Aside from NVGs, there are few demands for image intensifier tubes.

Thermographic cameras are unable to see through the glass of scopes* (due to what wavelengths the thermals can see) so the PLA also issues out thermal sights (QBZ-191 service rifle family).

*Some thermographic cameras can see through glass but usually not the ones in thermal weapons sights which is why they are mounted in front of the scopes/sights being used.

PLA military uniform progression 1927-2022

New type 21 boots close up and tutorial. Funny enough, the comment section on the original video had some troops who were watching because, and I quote "My type 21 commander did not teach us how to wear these so I'm here".