Assessment of a Prototype Apache Flight Eyewear

Area of Science:

• Aviation physiology and human factors research.
• Ophthalmology and vision science.
• Aerospace medicine and engineering.

Background:

• Apache pilots requiring vision correction use modified aviator spectacles.
• A recent survey indicated dissatisfaction with the field of view (FOV) of current spectacles when using Helmet Display Units (HDUs).
• A modified Air Force flight frame was developed to address FOV limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the FOV provided by the current Apache flight frame versus a modified flight frame.
• To assess the impact of different eyewear conditions on pilot FOV during HDU use.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one Apache pilots participated in the study.
• FOV was assessed under three conditions: current Apache frame, modified Apache frame, and no frame.
• The primary outcome measure was the total FOV across four defined quadrants.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences in FOV were observed between the current and modified Apache flight frames.
• Significant differences in FOV were found between wearing no frame and wearing either of the tested frames.
• These differences were consistent across both current and new Apache helmet configurations.

Conclusions:

• Neither the current nor the modified Apache flight frames significantly improved FOV compared to each other.
• Wearing no eyewear appears to be optimal for integrating HDU devices.
• Future research should explore multifocal contact lenses for Apache aviators given advancements in contact lens technology.