INVT

Integrated Night Vision Training

For an effective training, it is important to link the SD and NV elements together

Needs

A holistic approach for night vision training

Background

Needs

For an effective training, it is important to link the SD and NV elements together.
It gives the student a graduated and structured training process, based on operational need.
Although each training component is specific, its synergy relies on the total flexibility of the training modules.
Students have to learn transition from basic handling SD and NVG flight profiles to Night Close Formation (NCF) and ultimately full mission profiles.

The gold standard – invest in training

The Integrated Night Vision System (INVTS) permits a structured integrated training solution.
The training consists of linked modules used singly or as a complete course.
This allows experienced operators to only take those training elements necessary for refresher training.
A structured syllabus with measurable training objectives supports this training process.

The INVT has four phases:

Phase 1: Introduction to SD, vision in flight and practical SD Training. Consists of didactic training and classroom tutorial this is the main theoretical introduction to NVG operations
Phase 2: Some mission based SD training supported with NVG practical training and mission preview with NIGHTFOX Virtual Terrain Image Generation System (NIGHTFOX VTIGS)
Phase 3: Mission training for NVG operations in AIRFOX includes general handling and introduction to NVG visual illusions. Introduction to low-level operations (helicopter) and medium level operations (fighter). Environmental, meteorological and illumination changes.
Phase 4: Operational NVG operations, mission planning, pre-view (NIGHTFOX VTIGS) and execution. Students undergo the full range of NVG flight conditions including operations in degraded visual environments, night close formation and NVG landing in low light conditions. Included in this phase are significant SD related inputs to demonstrate positive decision making in flight.

Risk reduction and mission enhancement

The INVT far exceeds the NATO requirements for NVG familiarisation laid down in STANAG 7147. This has enabled student from both NATO and non-NATO air forces to experience NVG flight in both a static NIGHTFOX VTIGS and AIRFOX full motion simulator.
The NIGHTFOX VTIGS provides a unique opportunity to train complete crews with changing high fidelity NVG scenes that has exactly the same capability as the full motion AIRFOX.
The two-seat AIRFOX further extends this training capability and permits transfer of flying skills for ab-initio pilots. This is particularly important during Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) operations such as ‘brownout’ or ‘whiteout’ conditions where the handling pilot can demonstrate to the student the correct procedures.
The NIGHTFOX VTIGS also permits team training for fighter pilots wearing NVGs for night close formation joins to demonstrate the correct procedures and discuss misperceptions and risks.
There has been some discussion on downloading of training from the aircraft to the AIRFOX because of the INVTS.
Although not quantifiable, there has been a consensus from students from the USA and Europe that the INVT carried out at AMST has been a major contribution in reducing the risk during NVG training.

Fixed wing and rotary wing pilots from Slovenia were attending the AMST INVT in 2009 and 2001.

Fixed wing and rotary wing pilots from Venezuela were attending the AMST INVT in 2009 and 2001.