Visual Performance with Simulated Flare Light: Effects of Flare-Ignition Altitude

Abstract

Four groups of ten subjects performed simulated target acquisition (detection and recognition) tasks under simulated Mark 24 flare light (2,000,000 cp.) One group performed with six aerial flares dropped 0.25 mi. apart (simulated), another group with six flares 0.50 mi. apart, another with four flares 0.75 mi. apart, and the last group with two flares 1 mi. apart. All groups performed at two simulated observer altitudes (2,000 and 2,500 ft. and with three simulated flare-ignition altitudes (2,000, 2,500, and 3,000 ft.). Generally, more targets were acquired at the 2,000-ft. flare-ignition altitude. There were no statistically significant differences attributed to flare separation or observer altitude.