Aircraft carrier visual landing aids

In the late 1960's when carrier visual landing aids (VLA) were coming of age, a great deal of research, time and energy was invested in understanding the requirements of the task and the physiological limitations of the aviators expected to use them. Many research oriented companies and government organizations embarked on nearly a decade of conceptual investigation, publication of results and recommendations, and system evaluation that focused many different educational disciplines on this complex problem. Not only did the effort culminate in the current VLA configuration in operation Navy wide, it left a documentation legacy that covered literally hundreds of design concepts (many that never left the drawing stage) and a general understanding of the complex nature of effective VLA design. Through the years, much of this foundation has eroded because the current VLA systems have been in operation for so long and conceptualizing new systems has been replaced with understanding the current system. While a great deal of engineering expertise and system knowledge is available, the "why" these systems were designed in such a way, is murky at best. There is more to successful, effective VLA design than meets the eye, literally.

The intent of this Thesis is to refresh the important complexities and considerations, across a variety of disciplines that affect successful VLA design in a single volume. It was written for an audience with a wide range of backgrounds, professions and experience levels and covers material from various disciplines. LSOs, Aviators, Engineers and Aviation Physiologists will each find certain sections surprisingly superficial while other chapters convey completely new concepts.