An alternative approach to providing external vision to pilots of future air vehicles

An electronic visibility system concept that has potential as an alternative to transparent canopies or wraparound windows for satisfying the needs of next-generation aircraft pilots for out-of-cockpit vision is described. In a joint MDC/NASA flight test program, four test pilots evaluated a proof-of-concept system in order to compare natural and electronic visibility landing performance, focus future system design work on critical design issues, and establish concept feasibility. Data collected during the flight tests show that landing performance when using the electronic vision was nearly identical to natural visibility landings. More importantly, the pilots were unanimous in their opinion that the system concept is feasible, offers numerous advantages, and should be pursued further