Night Vision Goggle Head-Up Display for Fixed-Wing and Rotary-Wing Special Operations.

Abstract : This report describes the development and evaluation of night vision goggles (NVGs) modified with head-up display (HUD) symbols for flying night, visual flight rule (VFR), low level operations. The NVG/HUD combines NVG compatible symbols on a monocular presentation with a binocular view of an infrared scene. The Harry G. Armstrong Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (AAMRL) sponsored the development program for special Military Airlift Command (MAC) operations using fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. NVG/HUDs were used by 30 pilots flying eight models of jet and turboprop cargo aircraft and conventional helicopters in night sorties. Questionnaires and interviews were used to guide design changes, suggest training requirements, and assess pilot acceptance. No system performance data were recorded; however, the pilots rated the adequacy of each display symbol (e.g., airspeed, altitude) and its implementation (e.g., size, location, movement) for flying low level operations. (MM)