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Military

APPENDIX B

BINOCULARS IN IDENTIFICATION OF AIRCRAFT

Once an aircraft has been detected, ground observers should use binoculars to aid visual recognition. Time for identification is limited. Identification of a fast-moving jet aircraft must be completed within about 5 to 15 seconds. The observer will lose valuable time if he fumbles or tries to readjust his binoculars at this stage of the game. This appendix tells how to adjust and use binoculars in identifying aircraft.

METHOD OF HOLDING

Loss of efficiency occurs if the binoculars are not held correctly to the eyes. Binoculars are held as shown in illustration below.

They should be held tightly, with the monocles resting on and supported by the heels of the hands. The thumbs block out light that would enter between the eyes and eyecups. The eyecups are held lightly to the eyes to avoid transmission of body movement. When observing with the binoculars, use a stationary rest for the elbows, if possible.

CONTENTS

Method of Holding

Adjustments

Tips

ADJUSTMENTS

Binoculars must be prefocused and adjusted prior to use.

INTERPUPILLARY ADJUSTMENT

The distance between the eyes of individuals varies. The two monocles that make up a pair of field glasses are hinged together so that the lenses can be centered over the pupils of the eyes. The hinge is equipped with a scale which indicates in millimeters the interpupillary distance. To find the correct setting, look through the binoculars and adjust the hinge until the field of vision appears as a single, sharply defined circle. Once the interpupillary adjustment is correctly made, remember the scale setting so that no time is lost when the glasses are used again. Record the setting for future use.

FOCAL ADJUSTMENT

Each eye of an individual requires a different focal setting. Adjust the focus for each eye as follows:

  • Look through the glasses at a distant object with both eyes open.

  • Place one hand over the right monocle and turn the focusing ring of the left monocle until the object is sharply defined.

  • Uncover the right lens and cover the left one.

  • Rotate the right focusing ring until the object is sharply defined.

  • Uncover the left lens; the distant object should be clear to both eyes.

  • Note the setting on the focusing scales and record for future reference.

    Polarized filters eliminate glare and should be used if available.

    TIPS

    Binoculars are a positive aid in aircraft recognition. By magnifying the aircraft's image, they aid the observer in distinguishing recognition features at long distances. In contrast, use of binoculars for search and detection tends to reduce detection range because of their limited field of view. Some tips on using binoculars are as follows:

  • Binoculars must be focused and adjusted prior to use.

  • Binoculars must be focused at the range where they will most likely be used (where targets are expected to appear).

  • Binoculars should be readily available whether the user is in a vehicle or a ground position. The binoculars should be uncased and ready for instant use.

  • Immediately upon detection of an aircraft, the observer, keeping his eyes on the aircraft, carefully raises the binoculars to his eyes. Because of the binocular's narrow field of view, a sudden or jerky movement may cause the observer to lose the target.

  • Binoculars must be protected from dust contamination.



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