In-Flight Field-of-View with ANVIS

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In-Flight Field-of-View with ANVIS

J. C. Kotulak

This investigation had four major goals: to measure the in-flight field-of-view (FOV) of a large sample of aviators (n = 105) using the AN/AVS-6 Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS), to assess the degree to which in-flight ANVIS FOV restrictions result from improper user adjustments as opposed to equipment limitations, to determine which epidemiological factors might be associated with reduced FOV, and to evaluate options for optimizing in-flight ANVIS FOV. It was concluded that only about 15 percent of aviators actually achieve a 40 deg FOV with ANVIS during flight. The FOVs were reduced mostly because of equipment limitations, and not because of user misadjustments. Specifically, the fore-aft adjustment of the ANVIS helmet mount lacks sufficient range in the aft direction. Among the epidemiological factors studies, only total flight hours, hours in current aircraft, hours in last 12 months, and aircraft type are statistically related to in-flight ANVIS FOV. Total night vision goggle flight hours, ANVIS flight hours, helmet size, type of helmet liner, and spectacle use are not related to in-flight ANVIS FOV. Finally, it was determined that most aviators could achieve a 40 deg FOV if either of two hardware modifications were made: improving the fore-aft adjustment range of the ANVIS mount, or switching to a different eyepiece with a greater eye relief.... Field-of-view, ANVIS, Eye relief, Vertex distance eyepiece, Night vision goggle.