Precedent of CAP using Night Vision for aircrew

[SAR-EMT1]

Has CAP ever looked at getting NVG or FLIR systems permanently? AE- other then the Washington Wing Test.

I think one FLIR system per region mounted on a 182 or the Airvan would be a smart investment.

[PORed]

The cheaper NVGs or NVG binos are not for flight use, I agree that it would be ludicrous to try to fly with those. I am talking for the Scanner or Observer exclusively. I don't see the need for the pilot to be flying with night vision quiet yet; we aren't going into situations where the cockpit and aircraft have to been darkened for a hostile environment. The whole idea is in a night situation for the pilot to worry exclusively with flying the aircraft and the scanner or observer dealing with being the lookout. I know after our mission debrief that the mission observer said he felt he was too busy helping the pilot and working the radio to effectively be the only pair of eyes looking out, especially on a night mission.