COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE DETECTABILITY OF PATTERNED M113 VEHICLES IN NATURAL TERRAIN BACKGROUNDS

Photographic simulation was used to produce materials for a psychophysical assessment of the relative detectability of four different paint schemes on M113 vehicles viewed against six different backgrounds, and having their running gear obscured by ground foliage. Vehicles were presented in one of two possible orientations to the direction of viewing. The geometry of the simulation limited target range to approximately 50 metres. Using controlled image degradation, and limited viewing times, differential error rates for target detection were obtained in a four-alternative temporal-forced-choice procedure. Analysis of variance results showed a highly significant effect due to background, and significant effects due to both pattern and orientation. It is concluded that the technique is a useful method for quantifying the detectability of complex targets in natural terrain. Approved for Public Releas