Page 103 - AA 2018_09

Good kit

used over a period of weeks under
low illumination with nil cultural
lighting, high lunar illumination,
urban environments and in close
proximity to live fire. While improved
performance in low contrast
environments was expected, the
most notable enhancement to
the visual image was the reduced
blooming effects associated with
bright light sources. The conduct
of the CASA-approved night fire
trials required the use of portable
floodlighting at replenishment
helicopter landing sites. An operator’s
night vision scan is instinctively
axis seemed enhanced and coupled is the process of oscillating the power ‘The design modified to exclude bright light
with the binocular style adjustment supply to the photocathode and when sources, however this was not
of interpupillary distance, afforded combined with traditional third- intent here necessary when viewed through the
greater potential for the creation generation ion barriers, optimises Night Eyes. The normal NVD scan
of the optimal overlapped eyepiece visual resolution under dynamic is increased was maintained and most importantly
image. illumination conditions. The design the visual image surrounding
With the system fitted and stowed, intent here is increased contrast contrast.’ high intensity sources retained
the weight in terms of balance was and reduced blooming effects sufficient clarity to facilitate image
biased towards the forehead and commensurate with bright light interpretation.
required the use of additional weight sources. For the benefit of the review In terms of fatigue, the trial flights
at the rear of the helmet. While this is the technical specifications for the 4G never exceeded two hours in a single
not uncommon, the stowed position Intens advertise visual performance night, so fatigue-related factors were
of the NVD created an additional in terms of the Figure of Merit*, being not subject to review.
imbalance that may accelerate the 1,800 to 2,000 and beyond. The operational use of the Night
onset of fatigue during prolonged The black and white visual image at Eyes was a thoroughly positive
unaided operations. the eyepiece lens was the sole source experience with enhanced visual
The removal and stowing of the for any of my personal reservations. performance evident across the entire
lens caps is not to be underestimated This significant departure from the night flying continuum. The transition
as they slide off the objective lens norm is intended (among other to subtly different mechanics and
and stay securely fastened to each physiological advantages) to exploit the introduction of black and white
monocular housing. Seemingly a the efficiency of the human visual imagery presented no adverse issues,
low priority in design terms, but to system in processing black and white the technology integrating effortlessly
every operator, a welcome relief in images. And they did not disappoint. into the NVIS environment and
the context of cockpit equipment Any apprehension was quickly engendering operator confidence.
management. forgotten on first adjustment, the Perhaps the most telling example of
The 4G Intens image intensifier device seamlessly integrating into my appraisal was a recent reversion to
features the Onyx or black and white normal operations. older technology and the associated
image with auto-gating. Auto-gating The Night Eyes system was feelings of discomfort with the
reduced visual scene. Taking a step
back amplified the generational leap
forward in Night Eyes technology and
the associated benefits for future night
flight operations.

* The Figure of Merit is a measure of
visual performance, determined by
the multiplication of the NVD’s visual
resolution (measured in line pairs/
mm and established post production)
by the signal to noise ratio detected
at the eyepiece lens (light signal
exiting the device versus the perceived
background noise).
Reviewer Richard Butterworth is
the head of training and senior night
vision pilot for Kestrel Aviation. His
aviation career spans 26 years and
spans operational and instructional
roles as a helicopter pilot within the
Australian Defence Force and the
civil sector.
SEPTEMBER 2018 103