Now that NVIS is live at our Perth base, Pilot Kimball gives us an insight into how this advanced technology works, and how it will benefit our frontline response.
Q. What is NVIS?
A. NVIS stands for night vision imaging system. This system is comprised of several components, the most recognisable of which are the night vision goggles – which we refer to as NVG.
The goggles work by amplifying low levels of light and enhancing it to a level that allows us to see, but they don’t work in complete darkness.
Q. What modifications have been added for NVIS?
A. We have new flying helmets which allow us to clamp the goggles to our foreheads. The interior lighting has been modified so that we can turn the brightness down to a very low level as high levels of light inside the aircraft will interfere with the operation of the goggles.
We also have a number of additional LED lights fitted outside the aircraft to increase the amount of light and a very bright, controllable lamp that allows us to illuminate our landing site.
Q. What do you see when you look out of night vision goggles?
A. It’s like looking through binoculars except you see everything in shades of green and the image is generally quite grainy.
Q. What are the benefits of using NVIS for our air ambulance?
A. The technology, training and legal approval to carry out NVIS operations offers us the ability to fly after sunset and get medical help to a patient in need. With NVIS, we can visually identify any hazards such as power lines and locate a suitable place to land.
Watch our NVIS Q&A video with Pilot Kimball here:
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Along with our new, larger air ambulance aircraft (H145 D3), Operation Skyward includes the launch of NVIS for Helimed 79 in Aberdeen. This technology will be live and operational from October this year. These service upgrades have been achieved thanks to the generosity of the public and will undoubtably help SCAA save and improve lives all over the country.
