摘要 |
<p>A contoured transparency (37) such as an aircraft windshield or canopy, and a method for making it, that provides reduced optical distortion for a pilot seating beneath it. The transparency (37) is configured to have a tailored thickness gradient (Tv) across its surface such that light passing obliquely through it and converging at a predetermined low distortion point is refracted in such a way the optical distortion is minimized. In one embodiment, the thickness gradient (Tv) is selected such that light passing obliquely through it and converging on a single point follows a path after exiting the transparency that substantially parallels its path before entering the transparency. This eliminates angular deviation of a line of slight from that specific low distortion point. In another embodiment, the thickness gradient (Tv) is selected such that the angle (α) between the lines of sight of the pilot's two eyes to a remote target remains unchanged after passing through the transparency. This eliminates binocular deviation.</p> |