Aviator Performance Measurement During Low Altitude Rotary Wing Flight with the AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggles

Abstract : Aviators were required to fly a UH-1 helicopter at night with and without night vision goggles (AN/PVS-5). Three types of goggles were used: 40 deg field-of-view (FOV), 60 deg FOV, and 40 deg FOV with a 30% bifocul cut. During flight, data were acquired on over twenty aircraft status and control input variables. These data, for purposes of performance comparison, were subjected to both univariate and multivariate analyses. The six subjects (instructor pilots) also responded to a questionnaire regarding preference, training and estimated capabilities of each type intensification system. The major findings of both the subjective and objectives measures are provided.