Ananova News report
"Goggles allow chopper cops to see in the dark
Night vision goggles that allow pilots to see in the dark are being pioneered on a police helicopter.
The Devon and Cornwall force helicopter is the first aircraft to be certified by the Civilian Aviation Authority for the pilot and observer to use the goggles full-time for operational use.
Now other UK police forces are monitoring the use of the £15,000 goggles by the south-west force aboard its German-made £2.6 million Eurocopter - the only one in the country.
The force paid £100,000 to have the cockpit of their helicopter, one of the most advanced outside the armed forces, certified to use the goggles.
The goggles, which are mounted on the helmet of the pilot and observer, enable them to see in complete darkness and pick out landmarks and other landscape features.
They improve the crew's ability to navigate safely and to search for offenders and missing people more effectively, says force air support unit manager Captain Ian Payne.
"The goggles make night flying much easier and much safer," said Captain Payne.
The goggles will be used to complement the helicopter thermal imaging camera, which can also track offenders in low light or at night.
The force helicopter unit is also the only one in UK with pilots qualified to navigate by instruments alone.