Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1993

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Aviation Systems

Major Professor

Frank G. Collins

Committee Members

C. Ted. Paludan, Ralph D. Kimberlin, Robert B. Richards

Abstract

Throughout the lifetime of a military aircraft, a continuous process of upgrades and improvements is performed to increase the warfighting capabilities of the platform. The A-6E Intruder is one such aircraft. Improvements have been completed in the radar, computer, inertial navigation system, weapons system, and airframe. A recent technological enhancement to the A-6E cockpit suite was the introduction of night vision goggles (NVGs). Capable of amplifying extremely low light levels to a viewable image, NVGs have revolutionized the conduct of the night attack mission. This study covers the operating theory of NVGs, NVG testing, and A-6E integration issues. The integration of NVGs into the A-6E is best described as a "turnkey approach", where the new technology was introduced very rapidly with little foresight and planning. This has resulted in several shortcomings that deserve attention and correction in order to maximize the capabilities of the A-6E, as well as increase the level of flight safety during night operations. In particular, deficiencies exist in the areas of aircraft windscreens, cockpit lighting, cockpit storage of NVGs, and ejection while wearing NVGs. Due to the poor transmissivity performance of production leaded glass windscreens, NVG flight with these windscreens is much more difficult and dangerous than with high transmissivity windscreens. High transmissivity windscreens should be procured in adequate numbers and installed in all NVG A-6E aircraft. Cockpit lighting modifications such as externally attached filter plates on cockpit instruments or floodlights do not adequately illuminate the cockpit instruments. Additionally, mixed cockpit lighting configurations of red non-NVG-compatible lighting and green/blue NVG-compatible lighting result in a distracting and unsuitable cockpit lighting condition. Integral cockpit lighting modifications provide a uniform backlit lighting scheme that is NVG-compatible, and should be installed in all NVG A-6E aircraft. Current A-6E cockpits do not provide for the safe storage of NVGs during flight. This condition presents the potential for damaging the NVGs, as well as the possibility of loose items roaming free in the cockpit. A permanent NVG storage unit located between the ejection seats should be provided to allow for the safe storage of the NVGs to increase flight safety and decrease the potential for damage to the NVGs. Due to the forward location of the center of gravity of the NVGs while attached to the helmet, ejection while wearing current helmet-mounted NVGs will certainly result in severe injury to the aircrew, and will most likely cause death. The total weight of the NVGs must be decreased and evenly distributed throughout the helmet in order to prevent a downward rotation of the pilot's head during the ejection sequence. A totally integrated NVG helmet design would move the center of gravity of the NVGs aft and reduce the total weight by the removal of external support brackets currently in use. Implementation of an advanced totally integrated NVG helmet design should be accomplished as soon as technically possible. This thesis and all reference material listed are unclassified. In addition, information from limited distribution government reports was not carried over into the content of this thesis. This thesis was approved for public release by the Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake public release process. The completed approval form is provided as Appendix E.

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