An Evaluation of Window Glass for Air Traffic Control Tower Cabs

Abstract

Seven samples of commercially available glass were evaluated to determine their suitability for use in air traffic control tower cabs. Spectral transmissivity measurements were made on each sample for all wavelengths in the visible spectrum. A small experimental tower cab was constructed near the NAFEC airport, and controllers evaluated the samples in the tower cab under day, night, dawn, and dusk viewing conditions. The controller ratings were analyzed and evaluated in terms of the optical transmissivity of the samples and the type of window; i.e., single pane and double pane. There were differences in the ratings of the samples, and the relative merit of the samples depended, in part, on the time of day the ratings were made. An unexpected factor in the ratings was the appearance of internal reflections in the double pane windows at night. Color illustrations reproduced in black and white.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA031924

Entities

People

  • Donald A. Martin
  • J. R. Bradley
  • Lee Paul

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Traffic
  • Airports
  • Data Analysis
  • Daylight
  • Filters
  • Filtration
  • Heat Energy
  • Illumination
  • Light Sources
  • Measurement
  • Observers
  • Photographs
  • Psychology
  • Silica Glass
  • Visible Spectra
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Perception

Readers

  • Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Regression Analysis.