Page 102 - AA 2018_09

Good kit Tech review

Kestrel Aviation used the Night Eyes NVD NIGHT EYES NVD
during the night helicopter firebombing
trials in Victoria earlier this year. aving operated with night This review, put simply, is an that encapsulates the single
kestrel aviation vision systems for my entire opinion piece. cell power source. Although
flying career, the opportunity However, the context of my this simplicity is useful for the
Hto utilise the Night Eyes observations does encompass the initial pre-flight inspection,
night vision devices (NVD) operational use of night vision the redundant power system
imaging system marked the first across a vast array of operational requires an additional battery
significant shift in night vision environments, from defence back-mounted at the rear of the
technology for me in over twenty and SAR operations in low helmet, offering commonality
years. My helicopter flying career illumination to the high intensity with existing NVDs. However,
commenced with the Australian cultural lighting of air ambulance the key point of difference in the
Army and as such I have been and law enforcement. It is with casing design is the binocular-style
fortunate to enjoy third-generation this experiential background I aim movement of each monocular
night vision technology from the to provide a valid review of the image tube, replacing the
mid nineties right through to Night Eyes. traditional interpupillary distance
current operations within the civil The specific equipment subject mechanism.
sector. to the review is Night Eyes Aviator The helmet mounting device
Before we continue, it is worth binocular NVD with Photonis enables freedom of movement
pointing out that my review of ‘Gen 4 Intens’ image intensifiers in all the traditional axes,
this equipment is for the most and a black and white or ‘Onyx’ vertical, fore-aft (eye relief), tilt
part subjective. While the Night image at the eyepiece lens. The or pivot, and the ability to stow
Eyes system was used as part devices have an internal single-cell the devices for unaided flight.
of CASA-approved helicopter lithium battery source or can be The adjustment mechanisms
firebombing trials and quantitative augmented with a dual-cell battery maintain some continuity with
visual resolution data was pack in keeping with an emphasis previous designs although are
recorded, the data was solely on systems redundancy. not entirely intuitive and relied
confined within the context of Most apparent when first heavily on pre-flight drills for the
the firebombing trial and did not handling the Night Eyes is development of muscle memory.
include other night vision devices. the robust aluminium casing The range of movement in each

102 AUSTRALIAN AVIATION