Full range of NVG upgrade techniques available
Internal filtering
Overlay filtering
MIL-STD-3009 and RTCA/DO-275 compliant
Fast turn around with stock filters
There are many different display technologies in use in aircraft cockpits and other locations requiring NVG compatibility. These may include full colour LCDs using either LED or CCFL backlighting, monochrome LED displays, vacuum fluorescent displays, OLED displays, and even legacy CRTs. They also include hand-held devices such as iPads and other tablets.
In addition displays come in a huge range of sizes, they may use resistive or capacitive touchscreens, and may have special requirements such as EMC compliance, contrast enhancement, and anti-reflection.
We regularly upgrade customer displays to NVG compatibility using two main routes – internal or external (overlay) filtering. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
The main benefit of internal filtering is no impact on the external appearance of the display. Against that the display must be partially disassembled and it is not suitable for all display types.
External filtering can be used on any display, but requires a means of fixing the filter to the front of the display.
We stock a wide range of filter materials suitable for both types which, in combination with our in house assembly and test capabilities, means we can react quickly to customer requirements.
| External | Internal |
|---|---|
| Requires means of fixing to front of display | No impact on external appearance or touchscreen function |
| Can be used on any display type | Not suitable for all display types |
| No disassembly or impact on warranty | Requires partial disassembly of the display |
| Size limitation and cost of larger filters | No theoretical limitation on display size |
Overlay Filtering
Adding an overlay filter to the front face of a display is the simplest and most common upgrade route for NVG modification.
It can be used on any type of display, and need not require any invasive modification to the display.
Possible routes to affixing the display are use of a separate bezel to mount the filter, use of Velcro or similar where the filter needs to be easily removable, or use of an adhesive backing to the filter, particularly suited to touch screen displays.
We stock a wide range of filter materials for all types of display, including full colour LCDs using either LED or CCFL backlighting, monochrome LED displays, vacuum fluorescent displays, OLED displays, legacy CRTs, and hand-held devices such as iPads, smart phones and other tablets.
We have polymeric filter materials with anti-reflection coatings or a textured anti-glare coating, and can accommodate display sizes up to 21 inches. Larger LCD displays may be possible as “specials”, although we would recommend internal filtering to keep filter costs down if possible. Thin filter materials are available and are suitable for use on most touchscreens.
In other cases we may recommend glass filter materials, especially where high performance AR coatings or conductive ITO coatings are required.
Internal Filtering
NVG upgrading of displays by internal filtering is best suited to LCD displays using edge illumination of a light plate.
There must be a space available for the filter as a thin filter strip is positioned between the light sources (LED or CCFL) and the edge of the light plate. Sometimes the light plate can be machined to accommodate the filter.
The advantages of this approach is that the display external appearance is maintained, and the filter area is relatively small, keeping material costs down. Large displays can be accommodated. Touchscreen functionality is unaffected.
The disadvantages are that some disassembly is needed, potentially affecting the equipment warranty. However, we frequently work with the display OEM to get around the latter issue.
We maintain extensive stocks of different thin filter materials suited to this type of upgrade, and for the different light sources that are commonly encountered.
Following the upgrade we can test in our dark room facility to certify compliance with MIL-STD-3009/RTCA/DO-275 or other relevant standards as required.
Hand Held Display Upgrades
Modern military operations increasingly rely on troops using hand held displays for provision of map and other information.
Use of such displays at night, even when fully dimmed, can offer a target to enemy forces equipped with night vision goggles (NVGs). Use of displays inside a military helicopter can affect pilots’ night vision goggles.
Addition of filters offers a simple and cost effective means of reducing signature to a safe level.
Consolite can supply a full range of filters suitable for touch screen displays, and can effect upgrades and test for compliance if required.
Following any upgrade we can test in our dark room facility to certify compliance with MIL-STD-3009/RTCA/DO-275 or other relevant standards as required.
Please contact us for further information.
