[4] In August 2003, PEO Soldier, the acquisition agency of the US Army, started evaluating designs from ITT Industries and Northrop Grumman for an advanced night vision device that could support the planned Future Force Warrior program.

It is roughly the same size as the AN/PVS-14 with similar controls, and is powered by four AA type batteries allowing continuous combined use of II and IR for 7.5 hours.

[6] The combined technologies allow better target identification and recognition, thereby improving the soldier's mobility and situational awareness.

[9] The center of gravity of the device is close to the face of the wearer, making the helmet-mounted use more comfortable, as well as increasing stability.

The FWS-I is designed to work with the ENVG-III by transmitting data from the scope to the goggles, so the soldier can aim the weapon without needing to raise it to their eye.

[7] Efforts have also been made to make the device lighter, as well as to produce and transmit digital images of the view provided.

Plans are to equip 24 ENVGs per platoon, with each costing an estimated US$10,000, cheaper than previous versions due to competition and improved technology.