Formulative Evaluation Study of a Prototype Near-Infrared Projection System: Night Vision Goggle Study

Abstract

U.S. Army Aviation relies upon image intensifiers, such as night vision goggles (NVGs), for night nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flight. During initial flight training, OH-58 student pilots are expected to apply academic knowledge of NVG use in flight after limited review. To facilitate OH-58 students' transition to NVG flight, researchers projected images through a prototype near- infrared (IR) video projection system. Helicopter pilot students received hands- on experience with the AN/PVS-5A NVGs, which are compatible with the projection system's output range. Instructor pilots rated OH-58 students' flight performance throughout the night/NVG phase of instruction. A strong positive effect on students' confidence (increase) and anxiety (decrease) levels were observed. No difference in flight performance was observed between matched pairs (experimental vs. control) of students. Additional research is planned in the areas of safety of flight, terrain navigation, special operations, mission planning, and threat recognition.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA231759

Entities

People

  • Gabriel P. Intano
  • Gena M. Pedroni

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Army Aviation
  • Electro-Optics
  • Flight Crews
  • Flight Training
  • Instructions
  • Instructors
  • Light Sources
  • Materials
  • Night Vision
  • Night Vision Devices
  • Pilots
  • Prototypes
  • Standards
  • Students
  • Training
  • Training Devices

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Circadian Sleep-Wake Regulation and Chronobiology
  • Computer Vision.