Helmet Mounted Digital Imaging Systems: Cockpit Compatibility Implications

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in replacing or augmenting analog night vision goggles (NVGs) with helmet mounted digital imaging systems. The interest is driven by certain technical advantages such as the ability to detect light from the visible to the short-wave infrared (SWIR) band, to enhance the contrast digitally, to improve situational awareness by fusing images from various sensors, to export data to remote locations for complex analysis, and to use the imaging system in day and night conditions. Digital imaging systems with SWIR spectral responsivity provide additional advantages in that they can present an image through certain conditions of smoke or fog, and are able to detect elements that exhibit higher reflectivity in the SWIR band than in the near infrared or visible band. The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has an active program to develop a SWIR helmet mounted digital imaging system for flight operations. Integrating this advanced SWIR imaging system into a cockpit presents new human factor issues, particularly concerning compatibility with illuminated instruments. In this paper, we will discuss a compatibility model that extends existing specifications into the SWIR band. This model is the culmination of three year program sponsored by AFRL.