ABSTRACT

Visual and thermal imaging sensors are used to augment vision in flight. Crew-mounted night vision goggles (NVGs) provide acceptable night vision with moon or starlight illumination. Aircraft-mounted thermal imaging sensors often displayed on helmet-mounted display. Significant challenges in effective integration of sensor image display with outside visual scene. Airborne visual systems provide enhanced images of ground and other aircraft during darkness. Useful range of visual systems typically covers clear sky full moon to overcast moonless sky. Visual sensors are used in NVGs typically attached to pilot’s helmet. NVG comprises optical assembly for each eye with an objective lens, an image intensifier and an eyepiece lens. NVG binocular images provide stereo vision only at very short ranges compared with unaided eye. Helmet-mounted display system must integrate with other equipment, including communications ­system, corrective spectacles, aircrew clothing and survival equipment.