Aircrew laser eye protection: visual consequences and mission performance

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Human Factors Engineering
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• The proliferation of battlefield lasers presents a significant risk to military personnel.
• Current laser eye protection (LEP) technologies absorb visible light, potentially compromising visual performance and color identification.
• These visual impairments lead to mission incompatibilities with existing LEP systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review laboratory and field investigations on the effects of LEP on visual performance and mission compatibility.
• To assess the impact of prototype LEP visors on tasks such as reading display symbology and identifying colors.
• To propose recommendations for improving aviation lighting systems to enhance LEP compatibility and flight safety.

Main Methods:

• Laboratory experiments evaluated subjects' ability to read display symbology and identify colors using prototype LEP visors.
• Field investigations included Weapons Systems Trainer (WST), ground, and flight tests with the LEP visors.
• Analysis of visual performance and mission compatibility data under various operational conditions.

Main Results:

• LEP use can negatively affect visual performance, including color perception and the ability to read critical information.
• Mission incompatibilities were identified due to the visual consequences of wearing LEP.
• Specific challenges were noted in tasks involving head-down displays and tactical pilotage charts.

Conclusions:

• Modifications to aviation lighting systems are recommended to improve compatibility with LEP.
• Addressing the visual impacts of LEP is crucial for maintaining flight safety during air operations.
• Further research and development are needed to optimize LEP technology for military aviation.