SBIR-STTR Award

A light weight night vision system is integrated to the visor of military type helmet. The intensified field of view is 100 degrees horizontal by 40 degrees vertical. Peripheral field of view is practically unobstructed and provides up-look capability. Long eye relief provides for eye glasses clearance. This night vision visor is a self contained unit with low profile and close center of gravity that improves safety and comfort of the user, especially in high gravity situations. The well balanced helmet system will reduce possibility of neck injury and the integral visor will protect the users eyes against the wind and blowing debris and fragments during ejection. Because the system is configured on the visor, it is easily attachable to many military and law enforcement helmets as well as strap supported head mounts. Extremely wide intensified image improves safety compared to the existing narrow field of view systems. The resolution of intensified channels will match or exceed any existing military night vision systems.

Keywords:
Night Vision Visor Night Vision Visor Panoramic View Panoramic View Eye Protection Eye Protection

We have successfully demonstrated a Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (PNVG) with an exceptionally wide field of view of 100 degree horizontal by 40 degree vertical. We propose the integration of this optical system into a visor/helmet, plus integration of an electronic display into this system. The low-profile PNVG is made ejection-safe by employing a folded optical path that minimizes any shift in the center of gravity (CG) of the head-borne weight. The program includes the development of a 16-mm-diameter image-intensifier tube; the reduced size allows the entire system to be even smaller and more compact than the Phase I demonstration device. The electronic display, which will be superimposed on the center of the intensified image in a contrasting color, will provide targeting information and selected air craft instrumentation; the pilot can see these data without diverting his attention from the outside world. All of the electronic circuit elements are integrated in the display element or on the visor. The proposed program includes the design, fabrication, and testing of 6 prototype PNVGs, plus wind-blast and ejection-tower testing of weight and space models.

Keywords:
Night Vision Visor Night Vision Visor Panoramic View Panoramic View Eye Protection Eye Protection