Optical Factors in Aircraft Windshield Design as Related to Pilot Visual Performance
Abstract
The slope and curvature of aircraft windshields that are optimum for high speed flight cause optical degradation of pilot vision in the forward direction. The report presents a survey of the literature bearing on the conflict between aerodynamic and visual requirements. The optical effects of windshield slope (or angle of incidence) and curvature are reviewed, in terms of displacement, deviation, distortion, binocular deviation, reflections, multiple images, haze, transmission loss, and reduced resolution. Included in the review are discussions of windshield design practices in recent military aircraft, as well as optical standards and tolerance contained in current military specifications. The review also provides a discussion and research data on pilot visual performance as affected by windshield design factors, and a small sample of pilot opinions concerning the visual problems caused by the windshield of the F-111 aircraft. The report concludes with some suggestions for further studies that would assist in making choices concerning windshield design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0767203
Entities
People
- Walter F. Grether
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory