AIRCREW LASER EYE PROTECTION - VISUAL CONSEQUENCES AND MISSION PERFORMANCE

Battlefield laser proliferation poses a mounting risk to aircrew and g round personnel. Laser eye protection (LEP) based on current mature, m ass-producible technologies absorbs visible light and can impact visua l performance and color identification. These visual consequences acco unt for many of the mission incompatibilities associated with LEP. Lab oratory experiments and field investigations that examined the effects of LEP on visual performance and mission compatibility are reviewed. Laboratory experiments assessed the ability of subjects to correctly r ead and identify the color of head-down display symbology and tactical pilotage charts (TPC's) with three prototype LEP visors. Field invest igations included Weapons Systems Trainer (WST), ground, and flight te sts of the LEP visors. Recommendations for modifying aviation lighting systems to improve LEP compatibility are proposed. Issues concerning flight safety when using LEP during air operations are discussed.