NVG training developments in The Netherlands

Night Vision Goggle (NVG) imagery differs from the naked-eye view which makes it difficult to interpret. For time critical tasks – like flying an airplane – training is an essential element to ensure safe operation. The Netherlands has been devoting effort to further enhance and streamline the NVG training. The primary effect of the impoverished nature of NVG imagery is to reduce visual performance. The secondary effect is to cause visual illusions: the viewer misinterprets the scene without realizing it. Existing NVG training tools like terrain boards and flight simulators do a good job to demonstrate the reduced image quality of NVG’s, but only partially cover the more deceptive illusions. TNO has developed a series of interactive demonstrators designed to be representative of NVG visual illusions, and therefore complementary to a terrain board and simulator. The training value is powerful because experiencing a visual illusion first-hand makes a big impact (“apparently I can’t trust my eyes!”). The course participants next learn the techniques to prevent and/or resolve the illusion. Student pilot responses so far have been very positive. Hands-on demonstrations are now being incorporated in the RNLAF NVG Lab, integrated with the treatment of night vision theory. To further accommodate NVG training, the F-16 Mission Simulation Center (MSC) has been adapted to quickly and effortlessly provide medium-quality NVG stimulation. The various NVG training tools need to be carefully coordinated in order to achieve effective repetition where needed and avoid unnecessary repetition where possible.