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AJ&.6
By
William E. McLean
II
NOTICE'
Qualified Requesters
Change of Address
h
Disposition
Disclaimer
Human Use
Human subjects participated in these studies after giving their free and
informed voluntary consent. Investigators adhered to AR 70-25 and USAMRDC
Reg 70-25 on Use of Volunteers in Research.
Reviewed:
D.DLEY R.RICE
Ctirman, Scientific Review Colonel,
ommittee Commanding
UNCLASSIFIED
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE (nomen Data Entered)
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE READ INSTRUCTIONS
REPORT__ DOCUMENTATIONPAGE_ BEFORE COMPLETING FORM
1. REPORT NUMBER 2. GOVT ACC SSZ!P)F 3. RECIPIENT'S CATALOG NUMBER
4.
USAARL Report No. 83-1
TITLE (and Subtitle)
AM/d(I S. TYPE OF REPORT & PERIOD COVERED
William E. McLean S
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. PROGRAM ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK
AREA G WORK UNIT NUMBERS
Uncl a. i fid
ISa. DECLASSIFICATION/DOWNGRADING
SCHEDULE
17. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT (of the abstract entered In Block 20, If different from Report)
IS. KEY WORDS (Continue on reveree side iI necessary and Identify by block number)
AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggles, modified NVG faceplate, NVG field of view,
flight safety
Lack of peripheral vision while flying with the AN/PVS-5 night vision
goggles (NVG) was a contributing factor in an aircraft accident. Because of
this accident, a modified faceplate (MFP) for NVG was configured to allow
pilots unaided lateral and lower vision. Twenty MFP NVG were worn during
flight by 47 NVG qualified aviators for an average of 18 hours per aviator.
The average recorded flight hours for each of the 20 MFP NVG was 43.5 hours.
NVG aviators indicated that the MFP significantly enhanced intruder aircraf
detection, inside-the-cockpit vision, and comfort. Spectacles can be worn
with the MFP, and less fogging of the eyepieces occur. There were deficiencies
reported during the study which were corrected with modifications to the
mounting apparatus, thorough preflight briefings, and required familiarization
* flights.
Accession For
NTIS GRA&I
r.TIC TAB
U.:,-mnoUnced n
j:Lification
Di ,tribution/
,aiiabilitY Codes
Dist Special
UNCLASSIFIED
S5CURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGEf(hfl DW0 E£ft~E)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
3
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
. . ..
INTRODUCTION
The Army recognizes that the use of night vision goggles (NVGs) for
night flight compromises certain concepts for standard safe operations. NVG
limitations include a reduced visual field (400), decreased visual resolution
(20/50), lack of color discrimination, manual focusing to adjust from far
vision to near and back, increased weight and a forward shift of the center
of gravity. The midair collision between two OH-58 aircraft at Fort Rucker
in December 1981 underscored the limitations of the standard AN/PVS-5 NVG and
stimulated positive corrective actions focusing on air traffic procedures and
*operations, stage field markings, configuration of the standard NVG and its
* attachment to the helmet, and NVG accessory equipment.
As part of the quick-fix efforts to improve NVG flight safety until the
AN/PVS-6 (ANVIS) becomes available, a cutaway faceplate converted from the
standard AN/PVS-5 faceplate was investigated. After relocating the
electrical components, the lower portion of the standard faceplate is cut
away to enable (a) unaided vision for the lateral and lower viewing fields
(Appendix A), allowing color discrimination of aircraft and ground lights and
map reading, (b) spectacle wear, (c) reduced lens fogging, and (d) improved
comfort. The modified faceplate (MFP) is compatible with the proposed stand-
ard counterbalance system, which can provide optimum stability.
The NVG faceplates used in this study were obtained from property dis-
posal. Faceplates that were damaged in the lower portion, but were otherwise
functional, were modifed at the US Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory
(USAARL). With practice, proper tools, and templates, the MFP modifications
required about .5 manhours each. The side and vertical straps were made at
the fabric shop by the Directorate of Industrial Operations (DIO).
5
DESCRIPTION OF FACEPLATE MODIFICATIONS
Figure 1 shows the AN/PVS-5 NVG with the standard faceplate. In select-
ing a cutaway configuration, several modified versions of the standard face-
plate were considered with respect to peripheral vision, battery case and
switch location, structural and electrical integrity, mounting attachments
and stability. The sequence followed during reconfiguration is shown in ab-
breviated fashion in Figures 2-4. Figure 4 shows the faceplate design used
in the initial feasibility study. The complete sequence followed in modify-
ing the faceplates is described and illustrated in Appendix C.
The rotary switch was moved from the lower left to the upper center por-
tion of the plate where the V-strap was located. The battery case was moved
from the lower right to the upper right portion of the plate, with the battery
case attachment flange on the outside. The location and alignment of the bat-
tery case are critical for visor cover and tube clearance. The lower portion
of the faceplate was removed and shaped as shown in Figure 3, and the cut
edges were smoothed. The clamp tilt knob holes were enlarged to increase
tube rearward movement. Wires were reconnected, tucked, glued, and taped.
Upper and side straps were attached to the remaining face pad snaps. The
arctic battery adapter was attached to improve battery changing ability.
The binocular assembly of the NVG was attached to the cutaway faceplate
for subsequent mounting to the helmet.
Figure 5 depicts the MFP NVG mounted to the helmet. The upper rear lip
of the faceplate is placed between the visor cover and shell, and the vertical
straps are attached to the existing Velcro pads. The short side straps are
connected to the snaps of the surgical tubing, and the tension of the surgical
tubing is adjusted to produce a secure attachment. A counterweight is usually
required on the back of the helmet to prevent forward rotation of the goggles.
An arctic adapter cord is attached with tape or Velcro to the back of the
helmet.
For hel'qets that have not been modified with surgical tubing, the existing
side straps can be attached to the modified faceplate side straps (Figure 6).
However, the quick release tabs should be forward and a helmet snap added on
each side in the rearward position. Difference between the MFP NVG mounted to
the helmet with the standard side straps and the standard AN/PVS-5 NVG mounted
4 to the helmet can be seen by comparing Figures 6 and 7.
6
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EVALUATION PROCEDURES
The MFP NVG evaluation was conducted in three steps. The initial evalua-
tion was by MOI NVG instructor pilots at Lowe Field, Fort Rucker, with UH-1
aircraft. The second evaluation was by NVG instructor pilots at Hanchey Field,
Fort Rucker, with OH-58 aircraft; and the third phase was.conducted by NVG
qualified aviators in the Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization (DES)
with UH-1, OH-58, AH-1, and UH-60 aircraft. As improvements in the goggle de-
sign, mounting/dismounting procedures, briefing and flight familiarization
contents were identified, they were incorporated into the evaluation. The par-
ticipants were briefed about the project, mounting and dismounting procedures,
helmet modifications and proper NVG adjustment (Appendix D), and they were
provided with questionnaires (Appendix E). Initially, the questionnaires were
completed each night during the first 20 hours of use of the MFP. Additional
questionnaires were completed as requested. An electrical or mechanical NVG
failure was to be reported immediately. As personnel changed during the
evaluation, new instructor pilots were briefed by the unit and included in
the study.
The instructor pilots used the questionnaires to subjectively evaluate
various parameters and to give an overall opinion of the MFP NVG. Opinion
ratings were numerical:
RESULTS
On the first night of use, 22 June 1982, three out of seven MFP NVGs had
electrical failures (two on the ground and one in flight). The problem was
identified as a poor electrical ground connection through a screw to the bat-
tery case. All seven MFP NVGs were taken back to USAARL and the ground contact
changed. The metal ground tab was bent in a 900 angle and positioned against
the battery case flange.
The following results have been obtained with the 13 participating UH-1
instructor pilots during a three month period:
14
1. The average prior NVG experience per instructor pilot was 227 hours;
range, 10 to 600 hours.
2. The average number of flight hours per instructor pilot with the MFP
was 25; range, 3 to 50.
3. On initial use with the electrically corrected MFP NVG, the average
overall opinion score was 2.2, with a range from 1 to 4. On the last recorded
flight the overall opinion score was 1.17, with a range of 1 to 2. In a word,
all 13 instructor pilots preferred the MFP to the standard NVG after initial
adjustments.
4. Median time to adapt to the MFP goggles was 15 minutes; range 1 to 150
minutes. All 13 instructor pilots adapted within the initial night of MFP
flight.
5. Average flight time for the seven MFP goggles was 46.7 hours; range
20 to 71 hours.
6. The greatest reported difficulty with the MFP was mounting and dis-
mounting. This problem decreased with experience and the addition of quick
release tabs.
Some of the advantages and disadvantages identified by questionnaire for
the MFP NYG are listed below. The number in parentheses indicates the number
of UH-1 instructor pilots reporting this as an advanage or disadvantage.
Advantage Disadvantages
Better aircraft detection (5) Harder to mount and dismount (7)
Increased peripheral vision (9) Difficulty switching batteries (3)
Look-under capability for maps, Front V-strap too short (1)
radios, and instruments (10)
Less weight (3) Side straps difficult to adjust (2)
Can wear glasses with the NVG (3) Not as stable (2)
Reduced fogging (8) Rotary switch difficult to operate (2)
More comfortable/less fatiguing (8) Counterbalance required (1)
Peripheral vision distracting initially (2)
15
_J
OH-58 STUDY (HANCHEY)
The following results have been obtained with the 14 participating OH-58
instructor pilots during a 2 month period:
1. The average NVG experience per instructor pilot was 276 hours; range,
60 to 600 hours.
2. The average number of flight hours per instructor pilot with the MFP
was 29.1; range, 3.0 to 60.
3. On initial use of the MFP NVG, the average overall opinion score was
3.0, with a range of 1 to 5. A value of 3 indicates that the MFP is rated equal
, to the standard NVG while a value greater than 3 indicates that the MFP is rated
lower than the standard NVG. On the last recorded flight the overall opinion
score averaged 2.14. Nine instructor pilots preferred the MFP, two rated the
MFP equal to the standard, and three preferred the standard NVG. These data
include the scores of three participants who requested not to participate after
their initial flight and rated the MFP a 5.
4. Median time to adapt to the MFP goggles was 38 minutes; three instruc-
tor pilots reported that they could not adapt to the MFP NVG.
5. Average flight time for the seven MFP goggles was 65 hours; range 40
to 90 hours.
6. The greatest reported difficulty with the MFP was mounting and dis-
mounting.
Can wear glasses with the NVG (1) Alignment of goggles (4)
16
L..
Before the MFP NVG could be recommended for worldwide use, a larger
sample of aviator opinions, various aircraft and flight profiles including
weapons fire was desirable. Five pairs of MFP NVG were issued to DES. Two
previous studies identified improvements in goggle design and in the briefing.
These improvements were incorporated into this evaluation.
1. The average number of flight hours per aviator with the MFP was 6.9;
range 1.0 to 25.0, median 3.5.
2. On initial use of the MFP NVG, the average overall opinion score was
1.20, with a range of 1 to 2. All 20 NVG qualified aviators preferred the MFP
NVG over the standard NVG.
4. The greatest reported difficulty with the MFP was mounting and dis-
mounting.
Some of the advantages of the MFP not listed in the previous studies
were (1) no need to focus with blue cockpit lights, (2) superior operations
with weapons fire, and (3) ability to see copilot (UH-1, OH-58, UH-60). A
disadvantage reported was difficulty in using daylight filters.
3. Total sum of recorded flight hours with MFP NVG as of 1 October 1982
was 871 hours, 43.5 hours average per goggle, range 12 to 90 hours.
4. In two incidents the center terminal wire to the battery case broke
L at the contact point after approximately 15 hours and 30 hours of use,
respectively. These wires were reconnected and secured to minimize possible
recurrence of the breakage. Also, one V-strap snap pulled out after 3.7 hours.
17
17 :
5. The average final overall opinion rating of the MFP NVG for all 47
participants was 1.46 on a 1 to 5 scale where 1 is the highest rating. Forty-
two rated the MFP higher, 2 the same, and 3 lower.
6. For the 27 participants with five or more hours of use with the MFP
NVG, the overall opinion rating was 1.15, where 25 preferred the MFP, 2 rated
* the MFP equal to the standard goggle, and none preferred the standard goggle.
7. Median time to adjust to the MFP NVG was estimated at less than 30
minutes. However, three instructor pilots reported they could not adapt to
the MFP NVG.
8. Most frequent listed advantages of the MFP NVG over the standard NVG:
18
DISCUSSION
1. The OH-58 instructor pilots at Hanchey may have felt that acceptance
of the MFP NVG would affect the introduction or priority of issue of ANVIS,
although they were briefed to the contrary.
2. The flight commanders at Lowe and DES liked the MFP goggles, while
the flight commanders at Hanchey stated they were not impressed with the MFP
goggles.
3. The instructor pilots at Lowe had the MFP goggles longer than the
Hanchey instructor pilots both before and during flight evaluations. Some
of the Hanchey instructor pilots had not made the necessary helmet modifications.
4. The students in the MOI NVG courst at Lowe are hightime pilots whereas
the students at Hanchey are lowtime pilots. Getting used to a new system and
teaching new pilots at the same time may be too demanding.
5. The Lowe instructor pilots had a chance to use the simulator with the
MFP goggles before flight evaluations. The Hanchey instructor pilo., did not.
The present standards for current NVG pilots to qualify with ANVIS NVG are 10 r
hours of academic instruction and at least 1 hour of familiarization flight.
The briefing covering the MFP NVG and evaluation procedures was approximately
30 minutes and a familiarization flight was recommended but not required or
utilized by Lowe or Hanchey. However, a familiarization flight was required
in the DES study.
DISADVANTAGES
Mounting
i
The major problem with mounting the MFP goggles is with connecting the
snaps on the MFP side straps to the standard NVG side straps or the surgical
tubing snaps. The short MFP side straps eliminate the side stress encountered
if snaps are attached directly to the rear side of the MFP, but they increase
19
.
the attachment difficulty. When snaps were attached directly to the side of
* an earlier MFP, cracks developed around the snap where the surrounding support
* was weakened by the cutaway process. Fiberglass around the side snap to
reinforce the MFP (1 pair) and allow direct side snap attachment increased the
MFP thickness around and above the side snap. This reinforcement increased
the difficulty in mounting between the helmet shell and visor cover, and the
quick release tabs blocked part of the side cutout portion of the MFP. The
snap on the MFP side strap is positioned behind the faceplate, and the tension
on the surgical tubing is usually not adequate unless the tubing is adjusted.
With practice, all NVG pilots found mounting the goggles less difficult. The
briefing for initial users of the MFP will require the user to mount and dis-
mount the goggles 10 times.
If the standard side straps are used, snaps on the helmet should be in
the rearward position to aid in adjusting the tension. Also, the metal quick
release tabs should be attached to the MFP side straps to move the excess
* adjusting strap from blocking the side vision.
Dismounting
*If the upper V-straps are removed first on the MFP goggles, the eye pieces
will hit the wearer in the face. The participants were briefed and warned of
this problem, but this event occurred frequently on initial use. The replacement
V-straps on the MFP were made too short for proper attachment and removal from
the Velcro pads on the helmet visor cover. To correct this problem, the V-straps
and Velcro were lengthened to accommodate variations in the location of the
visor Velcro pads. Quick release tabs are being added to the surgical tubing
snaps to improve speed and ease of disconnecting the goggles.
20
distance between the eyes and eyepieces can produce optical distortion as well
* as field loss for which experience cannot compensate. For the few aviators ex-
periencing difficulty with excessive eye relief with the MFP NVG, standard NVG
should be available.
Alignment of Goggles
Since the MFP NVG are mounted to the helmet, lateral alignment of the
goggles for each individual depends on the V-strap and side strap attachments.
The method of changing lateral positioning of the goggles will be included and
stressed in the initial briefing. Vertical alignment can be achieved with the
tilt knob or slight helmet rotation.
No Safety Cord
The first prototype MFP NVG had safety cords, but they proved to be more
K: of a nuisance by tangling with the straps, communications and arctic adapter
cords, detaching counterweights and dual battery packs. A cloth NVG bag as
installed on some AH-1 Cobras would provide safe storage of the goggles when
they are not in use in the aircraft. By placing a Velcro pad on the top of r
the helmet the goggles can be stored and secured on the visor cover during
flight when not in use. Safety cords can be added at the discretion of the
individual flight commanders.
Eye Discomfort
With the eyepiece of the MFP NVG located slightly further from the eyes
than the standard NVG, interpupillary alignment and focusing are more critical,
and, when incorrectly adjusted, could cause eye discomfort. Also discomfort
can be caused with greater eye movement excursions and sudden luminance dif-
ferences when looking from the goggle image to the unaided peripheral fields.
Improved focusing and interpupillary adjustment techniques will be included in
MFP NVG orientation briefings and NVG academics. Increased use of the MFP NVG
should reduce eye discomfort from eye excursion and luminance changes.
21
p
Peripheral Vision Distractions
Receiving visual information from both the NVG and unaided vision could be
initially confusing but should be quickly and easily learned to maximize per-
formance. The MFP NVG will prepare the aviator to effectively use his aided and
unaided vision when the AN/PVS-6 ANVIS is available.
The MFP NVG are approximately 4 oz. lighter than the standard NVG. How-
ever, since the MFP NVG are mounted between the helmet shell and visor cover,
and there is no face pad support, the helmet may have a greater tendency to
rotate forward if the helmet is not properly adjusted or a counterbalance is
not utilized. Proper helmet adjustment and stability should be evaluated and
corrected before flight with the MFP NVG.
The V-straps have been lengthened by 1 " with a 1" increase in the Velcro
area to accommodate variations in the location of the Velcro pads on the visor
cover.
ADVANTAGES
Most of the listed advantages of the MFP compared to the standard faceplate
are self explanatory. The significance of the larger field of view with the MFP
NVG (Figure 6) can be appreciated by considering the limitations of the 400
field of view with the standard AN/PVS-5 NVG (Figure 7). Proper scanning tech-
niques used by NVG pilots can be described as one second fixations separated by
horizontal head movements of approximately 300. To scan 2700 around the air-
craft with standard NVG (excluding head movement time) would require 9 seconds,
and would include only 200 above and 200 below the horizon. Typically, the
aviator spends most of his time looking in the direction of the intended flight
path, at ground features and hazards, and aircraft instruments. With standard
NVGs, this means a very large portion of the available visual field around the
aircraft is seldom viewed adequately or frequently enough to avoid a collision
threat. The peripheral vision along with sideward and downward viewing capa-
bilities afforded by the MFP greatly enhance the NVG aviator's ability to scan
his environment.
During the study, four instructor pilots reported avoiding a possible mid-
air situation by detecting an intruding aircraft with their unaided peripheral
vision while wearing the MFP NVG. One of these incidents was verified by the
investigator, who was riding as a passenger. A description of this incident
follows: At a stage field with four parallel runways, NVG training was being
conducted in OH-58 aircraft. At approximately 2 hours into the training period,
two aircraft on adjacent runways requested permission to take off at about the
22
- - - - - - - - - -
A
same time. The tower operator instructed the two aircraft to hold for spacing,
but then corrected himself and responded "clear for take off" without identify-
ing which aircraft. Both aircraft took off, thinking they had been cleared by
the tower. Just before reaching traffic pattern altitude, the instructor pilot
in the aircraft to the left detected the parallel aircraft to his right and
rapidly decelerated to fall into a trailing position with the other aircraft.
Within a few seconds the aircraft on the right turned left to enter the crosswind
leg. In questioning the instructor pilot who had detected the other aircraft and
avoided a midair collision, he stated that he had first detected the red posi-
tion light of the other aircraft with his side vision which was provided with
the MFP NVGs he was wearing.
CONCLUSIONS
2. Spectacles can be worn with the MFP, and less fogging of the eye-
pieces occurs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
23
1
APPENDIX A
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APPENDIX B
27
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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHRONOLOGICAL
EVENTS IN EVALUATION OF MFP NVG
3. June 1982 - Protocol for MFP feasibility study approved; seven MFP
NVG issued to Lowe, MOI NVG UH-1 instructor pilots for evaluation. Initial re-
sults very favorable.
4. July 1982 - Seven MFP NVG evaluated at Hanchey by NVG OH-58 instruc-
tor pilots. Initial results mixed.
7. October 1982 - MFP study results evaluated and found very favorable.
Study included 47 NVG qualified aviators, four types of helicopter aircraft,
20 MFP NVG, and more than 850 hours of MFP use.
28
APPENDIX C
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515
MODIFIED FACEPLATE (MFP) AN/PVS-5 BRIEFING
1. Background and History: Originally the AN/PVS-5 night vision goggles (NVG)
were designed for ground use by armor, mechanized, and infantry units. The
AN/PVS-5 NVG were used as an expedient until a version could be developed spe-
cifically for aviation. The Army recognizes that the use of NVGs for night
flight compromises certain concepts for standard safe operations. NVG limita-
tions include a reduced visual field (400), decreased visual resolution (20/50),
lack of color discrimination, manual focusing to adjust from far vision to near
and back, increased weight on the head and a forward shift of the center of
gravity. The midair collision between two OH-58 aircraft at Fort Rucker in
December 1981 underscored the limitations of the standard AN/PVS-5 NVG and
stimulated positive corrective actions focusing on air traffic procedures and
operations, stage field markings, configuration of the standard NVG and its
attachment to the helmet, and NVG accessory equipment.
As part of the quick-fix efforts to improve NVG flight safety until the
AN/PVS-6 (ANVIS) becomes available, a cutaway faceplate converted from the
standard AN/PVS-5 faceplate was developed. After relocating the electrical
components, the lower portion of the standard faceplate was cut away, to en-
able (a) unaided vision for the lateral and lower viewing fields, allowing
color discrimination of aircraft and ground lights, map reading, and spectacle
wear, (b) reduced weight, (c) less fatigue with improved comfort, and (d) re-
duced lens fogging. The modified faceplate (MFP) is compatible with the pro-
posed standard counterbalance system, which can provide optimum stability.
The MFP NVG is not a replacement for ANVIS, but an interim measure until
ANVIS is available.
52
4. Mounting and aligning the MFP NVG: The upper lip of the MIFP is cen-
tered and placed between the visor cover and the helmet shell. With one hand
holding the goggle, the vertical straps are attached to the Velcro pads orn the
visor cover. The side straps are snapped either to the standard side straps
on the quick release tab end or the surgical tubing snaps. If the goggle tubes
are not centered before the eyes, they can be moved laterally after disconnect-
ing the vertical strap opposite the direction of movement. That is, to move
the goggles to the right, disconnect the left vertical strap. When properly
aligned, secure the vertical straps and snug the side straps. Minor lateral
alignment can be adjusted with the tilt clamp knob by moving one tube closer
to the eye.
*5. Storing the MFP goggles in flight: By placing a Velcro pad on the top
* of the helmet and using the surgical tubing for MFP side attachment, the goggle
can be placed on the visor cover and secured with one of the vertical straps.
-q A safety cord can be attached if desired, or a NVG cloth bag as used in the
AH-1 Cobra is functional.
6. Dismounting the goggle: Remove the side straps first! If the vertical
straps are removed first, the goggle will hit you in the face. The quick-
disconnect tabs are a must for rapid removal of the goggles. After the side
snaps are disconnected, tilt the goggle up and pull forward and up with one
motion to complete removal. With a safety cord, you may have to remove the
vertical straps individually. To complete the dismount the battery container
* of the arctic adapter is disconnected from the back of the helmet.
* 7. Determining if a counterbalance is needed and how much: Before flying
with the MFP goggle, adjust your helmet and mount the MFP goggle. Place the
microphone against your lips. Tilt your head down about 450 and rotate your
* head from side to side. If you feel the microphone moving (on your lips) in
* the opposite direction of head movement, you need a counterweight to stabilize
the goggles. Add just enough weight, not to exceed 22 ounces, to prevent move-
ment of the mcirophone on th'e lips. Check up and down movement of the head.
With excessive weight, rotation of the helmet on the head is exaggerated.
8. Spectacle Wearers: Corrective lenses can be worn with the MFP goggle,
but not with the standard goggle. The eye pieces of the goggle could bounce
on the spectacle lenses and create an eye hazard, even though the corrective
lenses have been hardened. The present recommendation is to order a set of
aviator spectacles requesting plastic lenses for flying with NVG. Different
lense materials are being investigated to improve the lense strength. If bifocal
lenses are used, the segment height should be small to fall outside the eye
piece viewing area of the NVG.
9. Adjusti~. the interpupillary distance of the NVG: The eye pieces of
the MFP NVG are usually located further from the eyes than the standard NVG.
Therefore, proper optical dlignment is more critical and sensitive for optimum
visual resolution. Forming a single circle from the images of the two NVG tubes,
as previously taught, usually results in the tubes being too close together.
Loosen the interpupillary clamp, look at a distant object, and slide the tubes
back and forth until the edges of the images are clear. If the outside edges
are blurred, the tubes are too close together. If the inside edges are blurred,
53
the tubes are too far apart. When the edges are clear, the two circles may not
appear to perfectly coincide. If the top or bottom edges are blurred, the
goggles need to be tilted with the clamp knob.
54
>7- -
,0
APPENDIX E
EVALUATION OF MODIFIED FACEPLATE
FOR AN/PVS-5 NIGHT VISION GOGGLE
QUESTIONNAIRE
55
___-WI
EVALUATION OF MODIFIED FACE PLATE
FOR AN/PVS-5 NIGHT VISION GOGGLE
QUESTIONNAIRE
3. On the following maneuvers (if flown), rate the modified face plate NVG
EXAMPLE: 3+ running landing - this means "same as standard NVG" after initial
adjustment.
4. Overall opinion of this type MFP NVG on this flight. (Mark for each
night)
56
5. How long did it take you to become comfortable with this type modified
If yes, describe.
LS
7. The MFP NVG tubes are usually located higher and farther from the eyes.
Did this cause any perceptual problems or eye discomfort? yes no.
8. Did you detect any objects with your unaided peripheral vision while
looking through the tubes with the MFP NVG? yes -no
If yes, estimate how often per hour. (_ times/hour) and list a few
examples:
S
O
9. List the advantages and disadvantages you found with the MFP NVG compared
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
1P
57
S.
I
10. What recommendations would you make to improve the design without increas-
ing complexity or cost significantly? Any major modifications will delay field j
use.
12. The following 4 questions are required only for your initial evaluation
d. What type aircraft are you using for testing the MFP NVG and number
58
i .
INITIAL DISTRIBUTION
59
S
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