Night Vision

(From Airwaves magazine - Issue 3, June 2007)

Our Search and Rescue capability has increased dramatically thanks to sophisticated new technology which allows our pilots and crews to literally see in the dark.

Imagine being lost in the bush. Cold, hungry, possibly injured but definitely alone.
As night falls you are facing the terrifying prospect of spending a night hidden from the sight of your rescuers by the thick, impenetrable darkness.

Up until recently, that was the reality facing  anyone needing night rescue. Whether for Search and Rescue, medical  emergency or critical accident transfer, New Zealand’s strict aviation safeguards stipulate our rescue helicopters are flown under Visual Flight Rules.

Put very simply - “if you can’t see where you’re going, you can’t fly”.

Now however, with the help of  fundraising and a Lotteries Grant, we have been able to purchase two sets  of high resolution Night Vision Goggles which are set to change the scope of helicopter operations, particularly in the area of Search and Rescue.

The helmet mounted goggles enhance ambient light in the surroundings giving pilots and crews an intensified  view - arguably better than with the naked eye in daylight!

How does Night Vision Technology work?

Our Night Vision equipment is based on the most sophisticated light amplification technology available.

This technology takes the small amount of light that is available in the surrounding area such as moonlight or starlight and converts the light energy (photons) into electrical energy (electrons).

These electrons pass through a thin disk which contains more than 10 million channels. As the electrons go through the channels, they strike the channel walls and thousands more electrons are released.

These multiplied electrons then bounce off a phosphor screen which converts the electrons back into photons allowing the wearer to see a very impressive and detailed view of their surroundings.

Pilots and crews have recently completed extensive training with the help of a visiting United States expert in Night Vision technology and have already had several occasions to use the equipment.

Recently, two trampers were facing the prospect of spending a night lost in the dense bush around Franz Josef in South Westland. The pair were located safely at around 11.30pm by the Christchurch-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter thanks to Night Vision equipment being carried.