Perceived Magnitudes of Distortion, Secondary Imaging, and Rainbowing in Aircraft Windshields

Abstract

Distortion, secondary imaging, and rainbowing are perhaps the most critical optical problems inherent to windshields designed for high performance aircraft. Although manufacturers are required to inspect each windshield and render perceptual decisions about the severity of these optical problems, the procedures followed by different observers vary greatly. As a result, visual quality control can be improved significantly. This report describes the successful application of a psychophysical method for scaling visual judgments concerning the apparent magnitudes of distortion, secondary imaging, and rainbowing in current Air Force F-111 windshields.