Low light comparison of target visibility with night vision goggles

Different night vision goggle image intensification technologies were tested to compare goggle performance in low light conditions. A total of four different night vision goggles were tested in a laboratory dark room. The laboratory tests consisted of viewing Landolt acuity stimuli of different contrast levels with each set of goggles and without the goggles in full light conditions (baseline performance). The results from the laboratory testing indicated that there were significant differences in acuity between the NVGs, particularly for low contrast targets. These data suggest that NVG standards developed using high contrast targets, even in low light conditions may not provide the full story of how the NVG will perform in flight.