THE EFFECTS OF OBSERVER LOCATION AND VIEWING METHOD ON TARGET DETECTION WITH THE 18-INCH TANK-MOUNTED SEARCHLIGHT

Abstract

An experiment was designed to determine the effects on target detection of observer location and method of viewing in relation to several types of targets at selected distances. Data were collected from 336 observers stationed at the searchlight source and at various distances up to 160 yards from the light, along a line at approximately a right angle to the axis of the beam. Using the tank range finder, periscope, binoculars, or unaided vision, observers tried to detect and identify a jeep, tank, and APC at each of four distances. Observers farther away from the light source detected and identified more targets than observers close to the searchlight. Binoculars and, for the first 30 seconds, unaided vision were more effective than the range finder or periscope in detecting and identifying targets.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0445050

Entities

People

  • Nicholas B. Louis

Organizations

  • George Washington University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Armored Personnel Carriers
  • Binoculars
  • Detection
  • Government Procurement
  • Guns
  • Human Resources
  • Light Sources
  • Military Vehicles
  • Observers
  • Periscopes
  • Range Finders
  • Right Angles
  • Searchlights
  • Target Detection
  • Time Intervals
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Geodesy
  • Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.
  • Spectroscopy.