Utilization Of Visual Ports In U.S. Army Rotary-Wing Aircraft

Abstract : This report documents the location and extent of visual ports (windows) in U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft and assesses utilization and associated problems. The study was conducted in three parts: First, the visual ports of each aircraft type were documented through visual plots and photography. Second, questionnaire data for 334 aviators and crewmen addressing the use of and problems with each visual port were collected and analyzed. Third, a search of the U.S. Army Safety Center accident database was conducted to identify the frequency of accidents in which impaired vision was a possible factor.