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Air Warrior is a program to define a fully integrated ensemble of equipment to be worn and/or carried by Army aviators. The U.S. Army Night Vision Directorate has conducted a trade study of helmet mounted intensifier and display components having potential utility for Air Warrior. Over two dozen technical design issues were identified (FOV, resolution, mass, symbology viewability, etc.) These were categorized, prioritized and assigned relative weightings amongst each other. Each was also given its own individual scoring metric on a 100 point maximum scale. The scoring system was implemented in a database/model and exercised against over sixty systems differing in number of image intensifier tubes, tube sizes, objective optics, and HMD technologies. The resulting model allows complex systems to be related to one another quantitatively on a common basis. While the benefit of substantial scientific understanding was applied in developing these metrics, the scope of the undertaking and the wide range of issues also required careful use of subjective judgment. Defmitive, quantitative studies have not been concluded on all parameters relevant to Air Warrior, however, the NVESD team believes that the product of this study is as forward thinking and applicable to near-future Army aviation as is possible given the current understanding of the myriad issues involved. The database/model is expected to evolve as the scientific knowledge base grows. This paper discusses model development and sample results of comparison exercises. For more detailed information, readers are referred to the 200 page fmal report which may be requested through Mr. Brian Gillespie at NVESD, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Keywords: trade study, image intensifier, helmet mounted display, Air Warrior
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