The effect of vibration on performance with electro-optical aids to night vision. SMRL Report No. 589.

Visual acuity at a level of illumination comparable to overcast starlight was measured at various frequencies and amplitudes of vibration chosen to be representative of conditions aboard various ships. Measures were made with electro-optical scopes of four-power and one-power, standard Navy 7x50 binoculars, four-power field glasses, and the naked eye. Decrements in acuity under vibration were largest for the four-power scope and least for the naked eye; they were, in fact, directly related to the original acuity level determined for the specific optical systems with no vibration. Despite the loss, vision with the four-power electro-optical aid remained superior to that with any other system under all conditions. These results indicate the usefulness of the aids under Naval operating conditions and, additionally, emphasize the importance of anti-vibration mounts.