Visual Acuity with AN/PVS-5A Night Vision Goggles and Simulated Flashblindness Protective Lenses under Varying Levels of Brightness and Contrast.

摘要

Flashblindness protection from tactical nuclear weapons is an issue of current concern in Army aviation. As a countermeasure, the Army is considering incorporating PLZT goggles/material into the overall design of the Aircrew Integrated Helmet System currently under development. Because present generation flashblindness materials permit about 20 percent light transmission in the open state (about the same as the aviator's sunglasses), flying with PLZT under normal daylight conditions is not expected to impact aviator visual performance adversely. For night emissions, PLZT would be used in conjunction with image intensification systems (e.g., night vision goggles NVGs). Placing PLZT between the NVG and the eyes would leave the sensitivity of the goggle to environmental lighting unaffected; however, the light available to the eyes from the NVG would be reduced by 80 percent. Because reduction of light from the NVG could further degrade acuity (at best, 20/50-20/60 with NVGs), a study was performed to determine the effects on visual acuity following an 80 percent reduction in goggle luminous output (e.g., from wearing PLZT in its open state). (rh)