Laboratory assessment of the AN/PVS-5 night vision goggle

Laboratory assessment of the AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggle was conducted. Visual fields, goggle infrared source, useable range, and detectability of targets with the goggle were measured. Illumination levels of -8.37 and -9.17 log lm/cm2 were adequate for 90% detection of 0.14 and 0.07 acuity targets, respectively. Calculations of distances at which various surface and airborne targets subtended comparable visual angles and tables of natural brightness conditions are presented to permit translation of laboratory values into field conditions. While further field evaluation is anticipated, the laboratory assessment indicates that the goggle can significantly facilitate aircrew night visual performance.