Commander, Naval Air Systems Command (Code 2.0), 1421 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, Va 22243-5120

16 -- COVERT EXTERNAL NIGHT LIGHTING CAPABILITY FOR AIRCRAFT POC Contact, Ronald G. Ostrom, Phone (703)604-1920 The Naval Air Systems Command is considering initiating a program to incorporate Covert External Night Lighting capability onto the AV-8B Harrier aircraft. The system is intended to significantly improve flight safety and operational effectiveness during Night Vision Device (NVD) training flights and actual operations. Proposed systems must eliminate, or reduce to acceptable limits, the ''blossoming'' effect or light saturation experienced during NVD operations caused by aircraft external position and anti-collision lighting currently installed. The system must complement, rather than replace, the existing US conventional (visible spectrum) lighting systems fitted to the AV-8B. The proposed improvement is intended to use Non-Development Initiative (NDI) components/technology, such as infrared (IR) lighting sources and conventional light filters, installed on the existing airframe with minimal modification to existing wing and fuselage wiring to allow flight operations in covert and training mode. Covert mode operation is IR lighting only at wing tip, tail, and anti-collision lights. Training mode operations will allow simultaneous operation of both the conventional lighting and IR lighting. Pilots using Night Vision Devices (MX-810/U ''Cats Eye'' Night Vision Goggles) will be able to see the IR lighting while, at the same time, pilots without such devices will be able to see the conventional lighting. IR anti-collision lighting should be visible to a pilot using NVDs from a distance of 4.5 NM or greater. IR taillight and wing tip lights should be visible using NVDs from a distance of 2.0 NM or greater. Conventional lighting acquisition range shall remain unchanged. Contractors are requested to submit information converning possible NDI candidate solutions for this initiative to the Naval Air Systems Command, AIR-2.3.3E, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202-2150. Naval Air Systems Command point of contact is Ronald G. Ostrom at (703) 604-1920, extension 6251. - NAVAIR Synopsis No. 30071-96. (0106)

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