The design, development, and evaluation of the AN/AVS-7 NVG-HUD symbology for the CH-53E helicopter

This project involved an in-depth study into the design, development, and evaluation of the AN/AVS-7 Night Vision Go^le-Head Up Display (NVG-HUD) for the CH-53E “Super' Stallion”. The purpose was to provide a single source document that covered a display evaluation from start to finish. The area of design, was explored in detail to include, an examination of the history of Head-Up Displays (HUDs) and their evolution into our current Night Vision Goggle Head-Up Display (NVG-HUD). The development section discussed, in detail, the history of the CH- 53E symbology and the efforts that went into changing it to the final symbology set. Those efforts included the human factors issues surrounding display symbols. location, size, and functionality, Additional efforts included the simulator evaluations that were needed to validate the proposed changes from the original symbology set. The final section covered the procedures selected and utilized to evaluate the NVG-HUD in various mission profiles. Those procedures were selected to evaluate any strengths and weakness in the system that could effect the fleet user. In conclusion, providing flight information via HUD symbology to the pilot is an enhancing characteristic. It will not only increase mission effectiveness, but more importantly improve flight safety through enhanced situational awareness.