Flight testing – a part of the road to NVG introduction in SwAF

Flight testing – a part of the road to NVG
introduction in SwAF
Jonas Linde
09 09 2009
SFTE 2009

Disposition
Background
Early years
JAS39 C/D NVIS development

Sweden rotary-wing NVG experience
HKP-3C (Agusta-Bell 204B )
• 1990 (3)
• 1993 to 1996 (16)
• Contractor: Nyge Aero
HKP-4 (Boeing Vertol 107)
• 1996 to 2001 (8)
• Contractor: Patria (4),
Saab Aerotech (4)
HKP-9 (BO 105 )
• 1990 (1)
• 1999 to 2002 (19)
• Contractor: Saab Aerotech
HKP-10 (Super puma)
• 2007 to 2009 (3)
• Contractor: HeliOne
HKP-14 (NH90, 18)
• Designed as NVG compatible
• Contractor: NHI
HKP-15 (Agusta A-109)
• Designed as NVG compatible
• Contractor: Agusta
FMV had the design and/or
verification responsibility for
HKP-3C, HKP-4, HKP-9
NVIS modifications work was
performed by different
companies
No industry center for NIVS
competence

The JAS39 Gripen NVG development
Early years (-80’s)
TELKOR
Workgroup for electro-
optical components
(FMV and contractors)
• Component studies
• Standardization work
• Swedish NVG standard
• Trials in vitro with NVGs and
different LEDs and other
NVD/components
• NVG and NVIS education
The Volvo NVG lab
Volvo model: 245
NVIS adapted internal
instrumentation
28VDC for power to A/C
instruments, 220VAC also
present
NVG demonstration tours for
Swedish and international
visitors

First fixed wing NVG test AC
• Dual seat version of AC 37 Viggen
NVIS modification by FMV T&E
and Mann Aviation
Ground and flight trials with Cats-
eye NVGs
Modifications
• Instrumentation
• Instrument panel rearranged
(due to need for NVG storage)
• Warning lights filtered
• Indication lights filtered
• NVG holder on right side panel
NVG black out trials
• Timing issues
• FOV issues
• Double HUD picture
• Flight safety
Early years - 37800 (late -80’s)

Early years SK 37-800 (late -80’s)
Not fit for daylight
flight after NVIS
modification
About 50 flights
was performed
Almost all flights was
performed by chief
experimental test
pilot Joakim Lindén
Configuration and
flight safety
issues….

Pre studies: SK-60 (mid 90’s)
SK-60 new test platform
• SwAF Jet trainer
Two a/c modified by FMV T&E
• 1996 A/C 60-113
• 2000/2001 A/C 60-103
60-113 Technology demonstrator
• Pilot NVG training
• Ground trials
• Flight trials – internal/external
lighting
• Technology studies
• Demonstration flights
60-103 Training and test platform
• Pilot training
• Flight trials with JAS in mind
• Evaluation of flight procedures and
flight trials techniques
• Internal lighting NVIS modified

Pre studies : SK-60 (mid 90’s)
Configuration
issues….
Flight safety
issues…
But SK60-103 is
still going
strong!

Every one wants NVGs! or…
Flying around with toilet rollers!, NEVER!
(cornel at Air force command)
- How can you dare to allow pilots flying with
visual acuity at 0.65, when you are not
allowed to drive a tractor with that vision!!
-Well, what visual acuity do you have with
out NVGs?
(from discussion at SwAF HQ)
Aircraft command – not impressed!
Compact resistant on many levels

Studies – early to mid 90’s
JAS 39-54
JAS39 Cabin mockup
NVG trials
VA trials
HMI and MMI trials
Lamp-, LED and
display evaluation trials
EP-17 light-rig
Visibility and readability trials
day and night
NVG trials
Color evaluation and studies
HMI and MMI
JAS39A/B not specified for NVG
• monochromatic displays
• incandescent lamp in panels
and info/warnings lights
Technology studies
• Swedish Materiel Administration (FMV)
• Basic NVIS course for the authorities,
industry and SwAF
• Saab Aerosystems
• Evaluation of external lighting components
• Saab Avitronics
• Master thesis:
NVIS evaluation of current HUD and HDD

Studies – mid to late 90’s
External lighting
Laboratory trials
• External lighting
• NAV, position lights
• LED arrays
Field trials with external lighting
• at NEAT
• Comparison (unmodified) JAS39A vs. helicopter
• at Halmstad F14 wing
• Test a/c 39-4 with external lights NV adapted

NVIS requirements 39C/D (MS17)
The first NVIS requirements
was for external lighting only
No operational use of NVG:s
NVIS requirements for JAS39
C/D versions
• MIL-L-85672A
• MIL-STD-3009
Visual signature
• A/C only visibly with NVG
• No negative influence on NVGs
External lighting
• Visual signature
• IR signature
(COVERT-mode)
Internal lighting
• Visual signature
• Displays
• Panels

FMV T&E - Technology study regarding operational use
of NVG (early - 00)
Examine the possibility of
Operational use of NVG in
JAS39 C/D based on current
NV adaptation
Developing of tactics and
procedures
• CAS
• VID – Visual Identification
• Air to Air
• Flight profiles
• Formation flights
• Training procedures
and profiles
Due to delays regarding
displays the study was not
completed before a decision
about operational use was a
fact
The Technology study
transformed in to an effort for a
“fast track” limited introduction
of operational use of NVG in
JAS39 C/D.
• FMV T&E – internal lighting and
tactics
• Saab Aerosystems – external
lighting
• Saab Avitronics – display system
and NVIS expertise

Ground trials – 2004
FMV T&E - Operational use
(Internal lighting)
Two ground evaluations where
performed with operational use of
NVGs in mind (on trial and learn
basis)
First ground evaluation performed
by FMV T&E early 2004 (JAS39C
E17)
• Result not OK!
Second ground evaluation
performed by FMV T&E mid 2004
(JAS39C E17)
• Result not OK!
Saab Aerosystems - Visual signature
(External lighting)
A third ground evaluation was performed
as a joint effort by Saab Aerosystems,
Saab Avitronics and FMV T&E late 2004
(JAS39C/D E18:1)
• Result OK for flight test, regarding
external visual signature
• Result not OK! (regarding operational use)

Laboratory analysis of first series of ground trials
Conclusions from first series of
ground trials
• Disturbance from HDD CMFDs
• Poor or non NVIS filtering
on some displays
• Due to delayed delivery of NV
filters
• Disturbance even with NVIS
filter
Laboratory trials
• Trials in vitro with different
NVIS radiance levels
Analysis
• The value in the
MIL-L-85762A/MIL-STD-3009
probably to high
Analysis cont: NVG’s
• Original requirement:
NVG class B typ II
• Actually used by SwAF:
NVG class C typ I
MIL-L-85762A and
MIL-STD-3009
• Technology development
• Large CMFD´s (6’’x8’’)
• Partly in pilot FoV
• NVG performance
GEN III omnibus II ≈ 50.000
GEN III omnibus IV ≈ 80.000
Temporary remedial action
• Screening of HDD CMFDs
based on NRb value.

Ground trial, late 2004
A fourth ground evaluation
was performed with
operational use of NVGs in
mind
• Screened CMFDs were used,
typical half of max allowed
Nrb used.
The fourth ground evaluation
was performed by FMV T&E
and Saab Avitronics late 2004
(JAS39C/D E18:1)
• Result OK for flight test (with
remarks and limitations),
regarding operational use of
NVG
Visual signature trials
(external lighting)
“Bright Night” (2005-03)
Two days before full moon
39-815 (E18:1)
• SVGA CMFD’s
• Experiment with unfiltered
CMFD in rear seat
“Dark Night” (2006-01)
No moon
39-3302 (E18:3)
• XGA CMFD’s
Pilots with NVG in SK-60
Yes, SK-60 s/n:103!
Several profiles flown
• Over, under, side by side etc.
• COVERT mode

DT&E - Operational use of NVG
Flight test program, 2005
Preparation for first flight
• Flight safety
• Emergency egress procedures
• Screening of “good” CMFD’s
Pilot rehearsal training in SK-60
• FMV T&E Michel Rosenqvist
(Chief project experimental test
pilot)
• FMV T&E Nils Lundqvist
(project experimental test pilot)
Flight test program
development (DT&E)
• FMV T&E
• Saab
Flight test program based on
• NVG experience from SK-60
• NVG experience from rotary wing
programs.
• Ground tests results
Flight profile 1 – Basic profile
• NVG handing
• Basic a/c maneuverings with NVG
• Human factors
• HUD evaluation
• HDD evaluation
Flight profile 2
• expanding of flight envelop
• High G-force
• Advanced flight maneuvering
• High mach numbers
• HUD and HDD evaluation
• Situation awareness and Visual acuity and
performance
• Visual identification of ground objects
Flight profile 3
• Formation flight
• Leader unaided
• Wingman with NVGs
• basic two A/C maneuvers
• basic tactical maneuvers

First Flight!
(DT&E - Operational use of NVG, start of first flight test campaign)
First flight 2005-09-15 in
a/c 393-233
Test pilot: Michael
Rosenqvist
Duration: about 60 min

DT&E, The first flight test campaign, late -05
DT&E operational use of NVG
Flight test period
2005-09 to 2005-11
Nine sorties flown with
a/c 393-233
Lightning conditions down to 2.5
mLUX
Focus on SA and human factors
Focus on interaction between
NVG and cockpit lightning
especially CMFD´s and HUD.
Focus on basic flying qualities
Results
HUD – NVG interaction issues
• but HUD presentation (picture) really good!
• Saab Avitronics initiate a HUD vs NVG
performance study
HDD CMFD’s performed really well
Light setting issues
• Different light sources do not follow
central light knob
HMI
• protection visor issues
Lessons leaned
The expected problem is not always the
real problem
Problems to evaluate actual NVG
performance (VA & SA) and influence
from cultural lightning

The JAS39 Gripen NVG development.
2006 activities
The fifth ground trial
(early 06)
New type of CMFD´s (XGA
AMLCD-panel and NVIS filter)
in a/c 39-3303
New crypto panel also present
Trials with different HUD
brightness settings
• Part of HUD vs NVG
performance study
Second visual signature trial
in a/c 39-3302 (2006-01)
Preparation for Initial OT&E (IOT&E)
(late 06)
Flight test program development (IOT&E)
• FMV T&E
• Gripen OT&E unit
• Saab
Flight test program based on
• NVG experience from SK-60
• NVG experience from rotary wing
programs.
• Ground tests results
• NVG experience from the first flight test
campaign (DT&E)
Pilot rehearsal training in SK-60
• FMV T&E Michel Rosenqvist
(Chief project experimental test pilot)
• Gripen OT&E unit pilots

The JAS39 Gripen NVG development, early 2007.
(IOT&E - Operational use of NVG, Second flight test campaign)
Initial OT&E as joint effort between the Gripen OT&E wing, FMV
T&E and Saab
About 30 sorties flown with three a/c.
• Test period 2007-02 to 2007-04
Test points
• NVG handing in cockpit
• Expansion of flight envelop
(velocity & height and advanced flight)
• Visual identification
(jet trainer, helicopter, fighter)
• Live firings with gun (NEAT)
• CAS with gun and GBU12 (NEAT)
• Live firing with RB74 (NEAT)
• Sidewinder AIM-9L
• Live firing of IR flares (NEAT)
NEAT is Europe’s largest overland test range, located in northern Sweden.

Nordic Battle group, fast track - 2007
SwAF declares urgent operation
capability need for NVG
• Battle group -08
Saab Aerosytem accepts order from
FMV regarding a fast track introduction
of NV-capability (jan-07)
• Goal is a limited introduction in a/c
edition 18:9 for battle group 08.
• Deadline 1/1-08
Saab Aerosystem and Saab Avitronics
starts an IPT for the realization work
• Internal/external lighting
• Storage compartment
• Human factors
• Flight helmet and counter weights
• Neck strains
• Ejection
DT&E performed by Saab
Aerosystems and FMV
Test period 2007-03
One ground evaluation (the 6th)
performed in a/c 393-254.
Six DT&E sorties flown with
a/c 394-826
Test points
• SA
• Internal NV adaptation wit focus on
CMFD´s and HUD
• Human factor issues regarding flight
helmet 116, NVG and counterweights,
for example stains on head, neck and
eys.
• Handing of NVG in cockpit
• Solo and formation flights

Other tests than flight tests
NV Emergency Escape.
NV equipment Survival.
Net-test (UK)
Windblast (France)
Long term medical effects.,
test in dynamic flight simulator
(DFS) and research as joint
effort with royal institution of
technology
Nordic Battle group, fast track - 2007
Final cut for fast tracks…
Due to issues regarding
ejection the operational use of
NVG never was released to
Battlegroup08
Lack of NVG’s was also a
problem
Lack of CMFD´s with low Nrb
was also a problem
The “fast tracks” was dropped
and the planning was now
shifted towards E19 sw
edition. or partial introduction
in late E18:9.

Planning DT&E and OT&E, late - 07
Planning for DT&E and OT&E in
an joint effort between
• FMV T&E
• Gripen OT&E wing
• Saab Aerosystems
• Saab Avitronics
Ground and flight trials
• High Nrb values
Training of forward wing pilots
DT&E test points
• SVGA with high radiance
• XGA with high radiance
• Laser protection (goggles)
• NVG storage
• Helmet comfort
• Neck strains etc
OT&E test points
• NVG handing and storage
• Single flight profiles
• taxi, take-off, landing and
general A/C handing
• IFR
• VFR
• Maneuvering with advance flight
• Tactical flight
• CAS
• Targeting with FAC
• Targeting with LDP
• GUN attack
• GBU attack
• Visual Identification (VID)
• Two A/C
• Targeting with RDR

DT&E, early - 08
DT&E - Storage
Test period 2008-03
Flight tests of NVG storage
• NVG holder on right side (NVG assembly)
• Helmet mount, counterweight and NVG visor
compartment over right knee
Two sorties flown with a/c 253

DT&E and OT&E, NVG, mid - 08
NVIS measurement campaign
All CMFD’s in service
• Nine test assets
• three sets with different NVIS radiance
F17 and F21
• FMV T&E
• Saab

DT&E and OT&E, late - 08
Test A/C
CMFD’s:
SVGA and XGA with
nNRb ≈x.x, x.x and
≈x.x
Reference
lightsource
36 meters
7 meters
Pos 1
Pos 2
Field reference
Chart No 1 and 2
Pos 3
Pos 4
Reference A/C
CMFD’s nNRb ≤1.0
Field reference
Chart No 3
Field reference
Chart No 4
Ground trials
• Four A/Cs
• One with CMFD’s with known
reference value
• Three a/c’s with selected test
assets
• Saab and FMV T&E test pilots
Results
• All test assets OK
for flight trials!

OT&E, early - 09, Third test flight test campaign
Flight trials
• 32 flights performed
• FMV T&E and Gripen OT&E pilots
General flight one A/C
• Taxi
• Start
• Navigation
• Maneuvering
General formation flights
• NVG ac as wingman
• Start as open formation
• Formation Maneuvering
• Tactical Maneuvering
Advanced flight
• High G loads and High α
• Looping, roll etc
CAS (medium level)
• Ground target
• GBU-12
• LDP
• GUN
VID performed with two A/C
with different Nrb values
• Four flights/evening
• Ground targets (not
illuminated)
• Detection ranges
• Flight targets
• Detection ranges
• Type identification
• Individual identification

OT&E, Third test flight test campaign, Results
SVGA & XGA CMFD’s
• Cleared for operational service with all NVIS
radiance levels
Storage compartments
• Cleared for operational service
HUD – NVG interaction issues
• New methodology regarding HUD light
adjustment cleared for operational service
Light setting issues
• New light curves cleared for operational service
Training procedures and tactics
• Cleared for operational service

Release to service
Official release to service 2009-02-24
F17 and F21 wing
• Training during fall -08
Initial flights at NEAT during march
• Preparation for the cold response exercise
Cold response, late march
• First international use of NVG by SwAF
SwAF very pleased!
“I realise that I really was blind
when I flew in the dark before
now without goggles,” said one
SAF pilot training for Cold
Response

Flight testing – a part of the road to NVG introduction in SwAF

Flight testing – a part of the road to NVG introduction in SwAF

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