For nearly a quarter-century, night vision imaging system specialist Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) had been known solely for selling and servicing night vision goggles (NVG), modifying cockpits, and conducting night vision training. It is now spreading its wings as an OEM, with its first self-designed and manufactured NVG, the lightweight E3, which it unveiled this week at Heli-Expo 2019.

“The industry has been asking for a lighter-weight solution for night vision goggles for years,” said company president Jim Winkel, adding that every gram of weight matters. “We were able to take more than 200 grams of weight off of the NVG user’s flight helmet, while improving functionality and performance.”

With flight testing complete and environmental testing underway, the company expects to have the E3 in production by the third quarter. The Idaho-based company is offering a special introductory price—commercial customers who commit to pre-order the first 100 of its new E3 lightweight night vision goggle (NVG) can purchase them for $11,995, which will include the Aeronox mount and battery pack along with a one-year warranty. Heli-Expo showgoers can demo the E3 goggle at the ASU booth (C1435), and down payment is due when ASU sets the official production dates.

“Most don’t realize that ASU has been conduction imaging and electro-optical research and development for years,” said Joseph Estrera, the company’s chief technology officer. “The introduction of the new E3 affirms that ASU is not solely a value-added reseller, but is in fact now an original equipment manufacturer.”

The company will also continue to sell and service existing NVGs and remains authorized to repair and service products from L3 and Harris, according to Winkel. “ASU has a long-standing record of working with the goggle OEMs and will continue to foster those relationships to continue to meet the needs of the industry in the best way possible.”