ACTinBlack
ACTinBlack is a Luxembourg-based manufacturer of advanced night vision optics serving military, law enforcement, and professional security users worldwide, offering lightweight dual-tube binoculars and monoculars via direct sales and authorized distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersFort Worth, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ACTinBlack does
ACTinBlack is a privately held manufacturer of advanced night vision optics founded in 2013 in Luxembourg and operating under the legal entity ACTinBlack Europe S.à r.l., with a US manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas opened in 2020. The company designs and produces dual-tube night vision binoculars and monoculars built on image intensifier tube technology for military defense, law enforcement, and professional security end users operating in extreme low-light conditions. Its core product portfolio includes the DTNVX flagship dual-tube binocular (launched June 2026), the DTNVS and DTNVS-MG folding binoculars, the Wangle panning binocular (launched January 2025), and monoculars including THE14 (a 255g PVS-14 compatible device), PVS-14, PVS-7, and MUM-14. Products feature MIL-STD-810G certified ruggedized polymer housings, 20-meter submersibility, and full PVS-14 accessory compatibility, with differentiators centered on lightweight form-factor design and user-driven engineering informed by operational end-user feedback.
Underlying technology is centered on third-generation (Gen3) and 4G image intensifier tubes sourced from manufacturers including Harder Digital, Elbit, L3 Harris, and Photonis, integrated into proprietary mechanical housings with novel features such as independent per-eyepiece power control, flip-up automatic shut-off, manual gain adjustment, and a 7.5-degree per-pod panning mechanism in the Wangle. The DTNVX additionally incorporates field-programmable user functions, configurable power (CR123A or AA), and firmware-update capability via a dedicated maintenance interface. The company holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, MIL-STD-810G, and GDPR certifications.
ACTinBlack operates a made-to-order direct sales model with typical lead times of 2-16 weeks, distributed through its e-commerce website (requiring KYC verification), a global network of authorized distributors and dealers, and active participation at major defense trade shows (Eurosatory, Enforce Tac, DSEI, SOF WEEK, SHOT Show). Revenue is generated from one-time hardware sales of night vision devices and from professional services including maintenance, repair, tube upgrades, housing conversions, and night vision training. No public pricing is disclosed; orders require full payment prior to processing. The company employs 1-10 staff, has not disclosed any external funding rounds, and has no named individual customers or revenue figures in the public record.
ACTinBlack firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ACTinBlack
- Legal name
- ACTinBlack Europe S.à r.l.
- Website
- https://actinblack.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2013
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- ACTinBlack is a Luxembourg-based manufacturer of advanced night vision optics serving military, law enforcement, and professional security users worldwide, offering lightweight dual-tube binoculars and monoculars via direct sales and authorized distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ACTinBlack industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Tactical Night Vision Optics
- SIC
- Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Binoculars, Scopes & Sport Optics Retail (CRACAHAI)
Keywords
Where ACTinBlack is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fort Worth
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
ACTinBlack business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Night Vision Device Sales: ACTinBlack generates revenue through the sale of night vision devices including dual-tube binoculars (DTNVS, DTNVS-MG, DTNVX, DTAMS/STAMS, Wangle) and monoculars (THE14, PVS-14, PVS-7, MUM-14). All products are made to order with typical lead times of 2-16 weeks.
- Professional Services: The company provides maintenance, repair, and training services for night vision equipment. Services include emergency repairs, routine maintenance programs, housing conversions, tube upgrades, and specialized night vision training.
- Equipment Rental/Leasing: ACTinBlack offers loan items and equipment rental with terms governed by their Terms and Conditions, including shipping arrangements via TNT or DHL.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Made to order products with no publicly disclosed pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
ACTinBlack product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ACTinBlack designs, engineers, and manufactures advanced night vision optical devices, including dual-tube binoculars (DTNVX, DTNVS, DTNVS-MG, Wangle) and monoculars (THE 14, PVS-14, PVS-7, MUM-14), using image intensifier tube technology. Products are made to order in Luxembourg and Fort Worth, Texas, with MIL-STD-810G certification, and are sold directly and through authorized dealers to military, law enforcement, and professional security customers.
Product overview
ACTinBlack is a manufacturer of advanced night vision optics for professional tactical users, offering a portfolio of dual-tube binoculars and monocular night vision devices. The product lineup centers on the DTNVX (flagship with latest features), DTNVS (core dual-tube binocular), DTNVS-MG (DTNVS with manual gain), and the Wangle (panning binocular). Monocular offerings include THE 14 (lightest PVS-14 compatible at 255g), standard PVS-14, PVS-7, and MUM-14. Accessories include the DTAMS/STAMS system for converting binoculars to standalone monoculars. Legacy products include the DTNVG. The company also offers services including maintenance and repair (25+ years experience), specialized night vision training, and equipment upgrades/conversions including PVS-14 to DTNVS conversions and tube upgrades with Gen3 and 4G tubes from major manufacturers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- DTNVX Flagship dual-tube night vision binocular designed for modern operational environments with configurable power (1x CR123A or 1x AA), minimum 22-hour battery life, PVS-14 optics compatibility, and maintenance-oriented system design with firmware update capability.
- DTNVS Lightweight folding dual-tube night vision binocular built on proven technology with enhanced reliability. Features independent ON/OFF per eyepiece, automatic flip-up shut-off, built-in IR illuminator, and over 25 hours runtime on a single CR123A battery.
- DTNVS-MG DTNVS variant with manual gain control, enabling users to adjust tube intensification levels to match ambient light conditions. Features new switch controls via rotation and click for enhanced user flexibility.
- Wangle Panning binocular that provides wide field of view benefits without image quality loss. Each pod pans outward by 7.5 degrees, enabling natural head-turn-like vision extension with mechanical locking, delivering up to 80% of quad-tube awareness at 60% of weight and 50% of cost.
- DTAMS / STAMS Dual Tube Adapter Module System that converts binoculars into two fully independent standalone monoculars via spring latches. STAMS monoculars are compatible with all PVS-14 optics and include IR LED and indicator lights.
- THE 14 Lightest PVS-14 type compatible monocular at 255g (9 oz). Full PVS-14 compatibility including manual gain control, automatic flip-up shut-off, waterproof to 20m for 2 hours, and certified to MIL-STD-810G standards.
- PVS-14 US-made PVS-14 monocular to exact US Army issue standard, 100% compatible with AN/PVS-14. Weighs 320g with 1x AA power supply and dimensions of 104 x 60 x 50 mm.
- PVS-7 Cost-efficient single-tube night vision device for observation and surveillance. Can be head-mounted, helmet-mounted or handheld. Weighs 680g with 2x AA power supply, 40-hour battery life, and waterproof to 1m for 30 minutes.
- MUM 14 Multi-Use Mini Monocular alternative to AN/PVS-14 with extreme operational performance. Waterproof to 20m, weighs 260g, F1.2 lens system, 40-degree FOV, and 40-hour battery life on CR123 or 20 hours on AA.
- DTNVG (Legacy) Original classic night vision binocular introduced in 2016 that established ACTinBlack's reputation. Now superseded by DTNVS but still referenced as foundational product.
- Maintenance & Repair Services Expert maintenance and repair services with over 25 years of in-house experience, fast turnaround, and extensive spare parts inventory covering emergency repairs to routine maintenance programs.
- Night Vision Training Services Adaptive night vision and low-light training programs tailored to unit operational needs. Includes needs assessment, end-user driven content, and flexible delivery at customer site, ACT facilities, or remote environments.
- Upgrades & Conversions Services Housing conversions for legacy equipment, PVS-14 to DTNVS conversions using solid-state technology with PVS-14 compatible lenses, and tube upgrades with Gen3 tubes from Harder Digital, Elbit, L3 Harris, and 4G tubes from Photonis.
Quantifiable outcome
- DTNVS: 445g weight - one of the lightest binocular systems in service
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use ACTinBlack
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
ACTinBlack technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
ACTinBlack partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- Sanction Scanner LTDminorThird-party data processor used by ACTinBlack to check customers against global sanction lists as part of KYC compliance procedures. Located at 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, United Kingdom.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
ACTinBlack competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ATN Corp: ATN Corp manufactures digital and thermal night vision devices, smart HD optics, and accessories for hunting, law enforcement, and military users. It overlaps with ACTinBlack on binocular/monocular night vision systems and competes for similar professional and prosumer customers.
- Newcon Optik: Newcon Optik is a Canadian designer and manufacturer of night vision and laser rangefinder optics serving military, law enforcement, and security markets. It competes with ACTinBlack in monocular and binocular night vision systems and shares a similar export-control-driven B2B go-to-market.
- AGM Global Vision: AGM Global Vision is a US-based manufacturer of night vision devices, thermal imaging optics, and accessories targeting military, law enforcement, and hunting markets. It is one of the most direct small-form-factor competitors to ACTinBlack's monocular and binocular lines.
- GSCI Advanced Photonics: GSCI Advanced Photonics is a Canadian manufacturer of night vision goggles, binoculars, monoculars, and fusion systems. It is a specialist competitor to ACTinBlack, particularly in NATO and allied military and law enforcement channels, with a comparable product breadth.
Broad incumbents
- Teledyne FLIR: Teledyne FLIR is a major thermal imaging and low-light camera manufacturer serving defense, public safety, and industrial markets. While it leads in thermal, its low-light and night-vision-adjacent imaging portfolio overlaps with ACTinBlack's professional security and law enforcement use cases.
- Elbit Systems: Elbit Systems is an Israeli defense electronics group that manufactures image intensifier tubes and night vision goggles. It is a direct tube supplier to ACTinBlack for upgrades and a broader competitor for end-user goggle systems in NATO and allied markets.
- BAE Systems: BAE Systems is a global defense prime with electro-optical systems and night vision capabilities integrated into broader platform programs. It competes with ACTinBlack in military end-user goggle and sight programs, though typically through large bundled contracts.
- L3Harris Technologies: L3Harris is a major US defense prime with a large night vision and electro-optics portfolio (including image intensifier tubes and integrated goggle systems). It competes broadly with ACTinBlack across military and law enforcement customers, though at significantly larger scale and through bundled platform programs.
Emerging players
- Photonis: Photonis (now part of Exosens) is a leading independent manufacturer of image intensifier tubes, including the 4G/Filmless tubes used by ACTinBlack. It is both a critical upstream supplier and a downstream competitor in night vision devices and scientific imaging.
- PARD: PARD is a Chinese-based manufacturer of digital and image intensifier night vision devices and thermal optics marketed globally to hunting and tactical users. It overlaps with ACTinBlack on night vision binoculars and monoculars, though with a more consumer-leaning product line.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ACTinBlack social profiles
Digital presenceACTinBlack compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
ACTinBlack financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ACTinBlack leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
ACTinBlack funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ACTinBlack M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ACTinBlack
What does ACTinBlack do?
ACTinBlack designs, engineers, and manufactures advanced night vision optical devices, including dual-tube binoculars (DTNVX, DTNVS, DTNVS-MG, Wangle) and monoculars (THE 14, PVS-14, PVS-7, MUM-14), using image intensifier tube technology. Products are made to order in Luxembourg and Fort Worth, Texas, with MIL-STD-810G certification, and are sold directly and through authorized dealers to military, law enforcement, and professional security customers.
Is ACTinBlack a public or private company?
ACTinBlack is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was ACTinBlack founded?
ACTinBlack was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is ACTinBlack based?
ACTinBlack is headquartered in Fort Worth, United States, in the North America region.
How does ACTinBlack make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Night Vision Device Sales are the primary driver. The others are professional Services and equipment Rental/Leasing.
Who are ACTinBlack's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ATN Corp, Newcon Optik, AGM Global Vision and GSCI Advanced Photonics. Broad incumbents are Teledyne FLIR, Elbit Systems, BAE Systems and L3Harris Technologies. Emerging players are Photonis and PARD.
Does ACTinBlack have an API?
No public API is recorded for ACTinBlack.
What industry is ACTinBlack in?
ACTinBlack's product category is Tactical Night Vision Optics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACAHAI, Binoculars, Scopes & Sport Optics Retail. Its SIC code is 3827.