Panoramic Night Vision Goggle Update

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Panoramic Night Vision Goggle Update

E. E. Geiselman / J. L. Craig

Operational test and evaluation of a first-ever 100 degree field of view (FOV) night vision goggle is currently underway at several locations. Testing is being conducted onboard F-15C, F-15E, and more recently F-117, C-5, C-130, CH-47D, and All-1 aircraft as well as with special operations ground personnel. In the near future, testing will include other ejection seat, transport, and rotorcraft platforms. Two configurations of the Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (PNVG) are being evaluated. The first version design (PNVG I) is very low in profile to fit underneath a visor and can be retained by the pilot in the case of an ejection. The second version (PNVG II) resembles the currently fielded 40 degree FOV AN/AVS-6 and F-4949 NVGs and is designed for non-ejection seat aircraft and ground applications. During flight evaluations, subjective questionnaires are being used to collect pilot ratings in order to compare capability of the 100 degree FOV PNVG to that of the 40 degree F-4949 across different operational tasks. The SA-SWORD technique is being used in order to produce situational awareness ratings for statistical analysis. The paper will discuss current findings and pilot feedback of the PNVG I system on F-15C and F- 15E aircraft only.