TSO-C164a

Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Effective
Aircraft Certification Service
Date: 10/02/15
Washington, D.C.

Technical Standard Order

Subject: Night Vision Goggles

1. PURPOSE. This technical standard order (TSO) is for manufacturers applying for a TSO
authorization (TSOA) or letter of design approval (LODA). In it, we (the Federal Aviation
Administration, (FAA)) tell you what minimum performance standards (MPS) your night vision
goggles (NVG) (portable imaging components of night vision imaging systems (NVIS)) must first
meet for approval and identification with the applicable TSO marking.

2. APPLICABILITY. This TSO affects new applications submitted after its effective date.

a. TSO-C164 will remain effective until April 1, 2017. After this date, we will no longer
accept applications for TSO-C164. Exception: TSO-C164 applications after the effective date
of this TSO must meet the marking requirements in paragraph 4.b. of this TSO.

b. Night vision goggles approved under a previous TSOA may still be manufactured under
the provisions of its original approval.

c. Battery standards are not part of this TSO. Commercially available AA or smaller
batteries may be used as long as the NVG meets the requirements in paragraph 3.c with them.
Larger batteries, external power sources, or charging batteries on the article while in use require
approval through the deviation process in paragraph 3.g.

3. REQUIREMENTS. New models of night vision goggles meeting the design assumptions of
Section 1 of RTCA Document No. (RTCA/DO)-275, Minimum Operational Performance
Standards for Integrated Night Vision Imaging System Equipment, dated October 12, 2001,
identified and manufactured on or after the effective date of this TSO must meet the MPS
qualification, and documentation requirements in Section 2 and the continued airworthiness
requirements of Section 5 of RTCA/DO-275, as modified by appendix 1 of this TSO. NVG
meeting these performance standards must be head-mounted and provide binocular vision. The
chromacity and performance of the vision tubes must match, but the medium for image presentation
may be monochromatic, traditionally a green-phosphor, or achromatic, such as white-phosphor.
Monocular NVG are not permitted under this TSO.
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a. Functionality. This TSO’s standards apply to equipment intended to provide the pilot
with an image intensified view of the existing scene outside the aircraft in night visual
meteorological conditions (VMC) operations, conducted under the basic visual flight rules
(VFR) weather minimums specified in Title14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
§ 91.155 as envisioned in RTCA/DO-268, Concept of Operations—Night Vision Imaging System
for Civil Operators, dated March 27, 2001. Note that the equipment is portable (battery
powered), with no interface with aircraft systems. Manufacturers wishing to develop night
vision goggles that utilize alternate power sources must apply for a deviation as defined in
paragraph 3.g of this TSO.

b. Failure Condition Classifications.

(1) Total loss of the function defined in paragraph 3.a when operating with the night
vision goggles under the premise of RTCA/DO-268, is a major failure condition.

(2) Design the system to at least this failure condition classification.

Note: The premise of RTCA/DO-268 is that the goggles are to be used as an

aid to night VFR flight where the safety of the flight path does not depend
solely upon the external view through the night vision goggles. For missions
and tasks that rely solely upon the night vision goggles for safe flight
operations, a higher failure classification may be required.

c. Functional Qualification.

(1) Demonstrate the required functional performance under the test conditions specified
in RTCA/DO-275, Section 2.4.

(2) Design the night vision goggle power source to minimize simultaneous loss of
battery power to both tubes using one of the two methods below:

(a) Provide separate and independent power sources to each tube, or

(b) Provide the user with a visual-alert of pending power loss. If you meet this
requirement by providing a visual-alert, then the time available between the alert and actual loss
of power to the tubes must be a minimum of 30 minutes. You must demonstrate that
performance of this alert requirement is not affected when the night vision goggles are operated
or stored within the environmental conditions for which the equipment is qualified.

(3) Battery technologies utilizing different chemical compositions have significantly

different discharge characteristics. Manufacturers must specify which battery types of battery
chemistry were evaluated in meeting the above requirements. You may demonstrate the
required performance with multiple types of batteries but mixing of battery types is prohibited.
For example, NVG may be approved with alkaline, lithium and nickel cadmium as authorized
battery types, but when used, all installed batteries must be of the same type with no mixing of
different types (i.e., no alkaline with lithium, or carbon zinc with nickel cadmium, etc.).You

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must document which battery types are authorized in the manuals required by paragraph 5.a.(1)
and 5.k of this TSO.

d. Environmental Qualification. Demonstrate the required performance under the test

conditions specified in RTCA/DO-275, Sections 2.3 and 2.5 using standard environmental
conditions and test procedures appropriate for airborne equipment in RTCA/DO-160D with
Change 3 or in Military Standards (Mil-Std) 810C and 461. You may use subsequent versions of
RTCA/DO-160 or its EUROCAE equivalent standard environmental conditions and test
procedures provided the standard is appropriate for the night vision goggles.

Note 1: The use of RTCA/DO-160D (with Changes 1 and 2 only,

without Change 3 incorporated) or earlier versions is generally not
considered appropriate and will require substantiation via the deviation
process as discussed in paragraph 3.g of this TSO.

Note 2: RTCA/DO-275, Sections 2.3 and 2.5 also provide guidance for
environmental testing to Military Standards (Mil-Std) 810C and 461. In
this case you must provide an environmental qualification form similar to
that required by paragraph 5.a.(5) of this TSO.

e. Software Qualification. If the article includes software, develop the software according
to RTCA, Inc. document RTCA/DO-178C, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and
Equipment Certification, dated December 13, 2011, including referenced supplements as
applicable, to at least the software level consistent with the failure condition classification
defined in paragraph 3.b of this TSO. You may also develop the software according to RTCA,
Inc. document RTCA/DO-178B, dated December 1, 1992, if you follow the guidance in
AC 20-115C, Airborne Software Assurance, dated July 19, 2013.

f. Electronic Hardware Qualification. If the article includes complex custom airborne

electronic hardware, develop the component according to RTCA, Inc. Document RTCA/DO-
254, Design Assurance Guidance for Airborne Electronic Hardware to at least the design
assurance level consistent with the failure condition classification defined in paragraph 3.b of
this TSO. For custom airborne electronic hardware determined to be simple, RTCA/DO-254,
paragraph 1.6 applies.

g. Deviations. We have provisions for using alternate or equivalent means of compliance to

the criteria in the MPS of this TSO. If you invoke these provisions, you must show that your
equipment maintains an equivalent level of safety. Apply for a deviation under the provision
of 14 CFR § 21.618.

4. MARKING.

a. Mark at least one major component permanently and legibly with all the information in
14 CFR § 45.15(b).

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b. Mark Heads Up Display (HUD) compatible NVGs “Modified Class B” for NVGs with a
modified Class B filter designed to allow their use with a HUD.

c. Also, mark the following permanently and legibly, with at least the manufacturer’s name,
subassembly part number, and the TSO number:

(1) Each component that is easily removable (without hand tools); and,

(2) Each subassembly of the article that you determined may be interchangeable to
include replaceable tubes.

d. If the article includes software and/or airborne electronic hardware, then the article part
numbering scheme must identify the software and airborne electronic hardware configuration.
The part numbering scheme can use separate, unique part numbers for software, hardware, and
airborne electronic hardware.

e. You may use electronic part marking to identify software or airborne electronic hardware
components by embedding the identification within the hardware component itself (using
software) rather than marking it on the equipment nameplate. If electronic marking is used, it
must be readily accessible without the use of special tools or equipment.

5. APPLICATION DATA REQUIREMENTS. You must give the FAA aircraft certification
office (ACO) manager responsible for your facility a statement of conformance, as specified in
14 CFR § 21.603(a)(1) and one copy each of the following technical data to support your design
and production approval. LODA applicants must submit the same data (excluding paragraph
5.g) through their civil aviation authority.

a. A Manual(s) containing the following:

(1) Operating instructions and equipment limitations sufficient to describe the

equipment’s operational capability. Include notes with the following statements:

“Night vision imaging systems (NVIS) are an aid to night VFR flight.
NVIS systems consist of a set of night vision goggles (NVG) and NVG
compatible aircraft lighting systems.”

“Modifications to the aircraft cockpit lighting and displays are often

required to allow the use of night vision goggles. Such aircraft
modifications require separate approval.”

“Use of installed NVIS requires additional flight crew/crew member

training and operations approvals.”

“CAUTION: Some LED lighting systems that are clearly visible to the
naked eye are not visible to NVGs, including some red LED

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obstruction lights. See Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 09007 for
additional information.”

(2) Describe in detail any deviations.

(3) Installation procedures and limitations sufficient to ensure that the night vision
goggles, when installed according to the installation or operational procedures, still meet this
TSO’s requirements. Limitations must identify any unique aspects of the installation. The
limitations must include a note with the following statement:

“This article meets the minimum performance and quality control

standards required by a technical standard order (TSO). Installation of this
article requires separate approval.”

(4) For each unique configuration of software and airborne electronic hardware,
reference the following:

(a) Software part number including revision and design assurance level;

(b) Airborne electronic hardware part number including revision and design
assurance level; and,

(c) Functional description.

(5) A summary of the test conditions used for environmental qualifications for each
component of the article. For example, a form as described in RTCA/DO-160G, Environmental
Conditions and Test Procedures for Airborne Equipment, Appendix A.

(6) Schematic drawings, wiring diagrams, and any other documentation necessary for
installation of the night vision goggles.

(7) List of replaceable components, by part number, that makes up the night vision
goggles. Include vendor part number cross-references, when applicable.

b. Instructions covering periodic maintenance, calibration, and repair, to ensure that the
night vision goggles continue to meet the TSO approved design. Include recommended
inspection intervals and service life, as appropriate. Inspection intervals must meet the minimum
requirements of RTCA/DO-275.

c. If the article includes software: a plan for software aspects of certification (PSAC),
software configuration index, and software accomplishment summary.

d. If the article includes simple or complex custom airborne electronic hardware: a plan for
hardware aspects of certification (PHAC), hardware verification plan, top-level drawing, and
hardware accomplishment summary (or similar document, as applicable).

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e. A drawing depicting how the article will be marked with the information required by
paragraph 4 of this TSO.

f. Identify functionality or performance contained in the article not evaluated under

paragraph 3 of this TSO (that is, non-TSO functions). Non-TSO functions are accepted in
parallel with the TSO authorization. For those non-TSO functions to be accepted, you must
declare these functions and include the following information with your TSO application:
(1) Description of the non-TSO function(s), such as performance specifications, failure
condition classifications, software, hardware, and environmental qualification levels. Include a
statement confirming that the non-TSO function(s) don’t interfere with the article’s compliance
with the requirements of paragraph 3.

(2) Installation procedures and limitations sufficient to ensure that the non-TSO
function(s) meets the declared functions and performance specification(s) described in paragraph
5.f.(1).

(3) Instructions for continued performance applicable to the non-TSO function(s)

described in paragraph 5.f.(1).

(4) Interface requirements and applicable installation test procedures to ensure

compliance with the performance data defined in paragraph 5.f.(1).

(5) Test plans, analysis and results, as appropriate, to verify that performance of the
hosting TSO article is not affected by the non-TSO function(s).

(6) Test plans, analysis and results, as appropriate, to verify the function and performance
of the non-TSO function(s) as described in paragraph 5.f.(1).

g. The quality system description required by 14 CFR § 21.608, including functional test
specifications. The quality system should ensure that you will detect any change to the approved
design that could adversely affect compliance with the TSO MPS, and reject the article
accordingly. (Not required for LODA applicants.)

h. Material and process specifications list.

i. List of all drawings and processes (including revision level) that define the article’s
design.

j. Manufacturer’s TSO qualification report showing results of testing accomplished

according to paragraph 3.c of this TSO.

k. A Pilot/Operator Operating Manual containing the following;

(1) The statements and data from 5.a.(1).

(2) Inspection and maintenance requirements from 5.b.

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(a) Include procedures to accomplish the items in table 5-1, Appendix 1

(b) Do not include procedures in this Operating Manual that the Pilot/Operator is
not authorized to perform.

(3) List authorized battery types from 3.c.(3).

(4) Other necessary Pilot/Operator instructions.

(5) If the article contains declared non-TSO function(s), include the data in
paragraphs 5.f.(1) through 5.f.(4) the Pilot/Operator needs to operate and maintain the article to
perform the non-TSO function(s).

6. MANUFACTURER DATA REQUIREMENTS. Besides the data given directly to the

responsible ACO, have the following technical data available for review by the responsible
ACO:

a. Functional qualification specifications for qualifying each production article to ensure

compliance with this TSO.

b. Article calibration procedures.

c. Schematic drawings.

d. Wiring diagrams.

e. Material and process specifications.

f. The results of the environmental qualification tests conducted according to paragraph 3.d
of this TSO.

g. If the article includes software, the appropriate documentation defined in RTCA/DO-

178B or RTCA/DO-178C specified by paragraph 3.e of this TSO, including all data supporting
the applicable objectives in RTCA/DO-178B Annex A, Process Objectives and Outputs by
Software Level.

h. If the article includes complex custom airborne electronic hardware, the appropriate
hardware life cycle data in combination with design assurance level, as defined in RTCA/
DO-254, Appendix A, Table A-l. For simple custom airborne electronic hardware, the following
data: test cases or procedures, test results, test coverage analysis, tool assessment and
qualification data, and configuration management records, including problem reports.

i. If the article contains non-TSO function(s), you must also make available items 6.a
through 6.h as they pertain to the non-TSO function(s).

7. FURNISHED DATA REQUIREMENTS

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a. Provide at least one copy of the Pilot/Operator Operating Manual in paragraph 5.k of this
TSO with each article.

b. If furnishing one or more articles manufactured under this TSO to one entity (such as an
operator or repair station), provide one copy or on-line access to the data in paragraphs 5.a and
5.b of this TSO. Add any other data needed for the proper installation, certification, use, or for
continued compliance with the TSO, of the night vision goggles

b. If the article contains declared non-TSO function(s), include one copy of the data in
paragraphs 5.f.(1) through 5.f.(4).

8. HOW TO GET REFERENCED DOCUMENTS.

a. Order RTCA documents from RTCA Inc., 1150 18th Street NW, Suite 910, Washington,
D.C. 20036. Telephone (202) 833-9339, fax (202) 833-9434. You can also order copies online
at www.rtca.org.

c. Order copies of 14 CFR parts 21 and 45 from the Superintendent of Documents,

Government Publishing Office, P.O. Box 979050, St. Louis, MO 63197. Telephone (202) 512-
1800, fax (202) 512-2250. You can also order copies online at www.gpo.gov .

d. You can find a current list of technical standard orders and advisory circulars on the FAA
Internet website Regulatory and Guidance Library at http://rgl.faa.gov/. You will also find the
TSO Index of Articles at the same site.

Susan J. M. Cabler
Acting Manager, Design, Manufacturing &
Airworthiness Division
Aircraft Certification Service

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APPENDIX 1
MODIFICATIONS TO RTCA DO-275
MINIMUM OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR INTEGRATED NIGHT
VISION IMAGING SYSTEM EQUIPMENT

The following sections of RTCA DO-275 are updated with these revised standards:

2.2.1.1 System Resolution

The system resolution shall be a minimum of 1.3 cycles per milliradian (cy/mrad) on-axis under
optimum light conditions using a nominal 100% contrast dark bar on white background
resolution target chart. At 14 degrees off-axis, the resolution shall be not less than 0.81 cycles
per milliradian. If each monocular has a variable focus objective lens, then it shall focus through
infinity, and at the through-infinity mechanical stop shall maintain an on-axis resolution of not
less than 0.49 cycles per milliradian. If each monocular has a fixed focus objective lens, then 1.0
cycle per milliradian will be maintained at infinity.

2.2.1.2 System Luminance Gain

At 1 x 10-4 footlamberts input light level, the luminance gain shall not be less than 4,000
footlamberts (fL) per footlambert. The output luminance averaged across the full field of view
shall not exceed 4 footlamberts. Output brightness uniformity shall be such that the ratio of the
maximum to minimum brightness variation over the useful image area shall not exceed 3:1. The
ratio of luminance gain between any two channels shall not exceed 1.5.

2.2.1.8 Image Cosmetic Defects (Table 2-1 Spot Criteria)

Diameter of Spots Quantity of spots Quantity of spots Quantity of spots
(inches) allowed within 0.22 allowed within allowed within the
inch diameter circle annulus bounded by 2 annulus bounded by 2
circles 0.22 and 0.58 circles 0.58 inch
inch diameter circle diameter circle and
total screen diameter
>.009 & larger 0 0 0
.006 - .009 0 1 1
.003 - .006 0 2 2

Note: The circles on the image screen, defined in the table above, shall be concentric and
centered on the optical axis of the assembly. Spots smaller than .003 inches shall be ignored.

2.2.1.10 Halo Size

Halos shall be no greater than 1.0 mm in diameter at the output of the image intensifier tube.

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5.2.1 Description of Maintenance Performed

Change second paragraph to read: . . . preventative maintenance (Pilot/ Crew Member

performed preventative maintenance exempt from record keeping except for Removing or
Installing Helmet or Headband Mounting Assembly), and alteration . . .

5.4 (Table 5-1 Authorized Preventative Maintenance Allocations)

Preventative Preventative Preventative Preventative Preventative Preventative

TYPE Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance

Minor
Adjustments
for fit, focus,
Removing or or other
Cleaning of Installing adjustments
Cleaning Power Helmet or required to
Funtional/ with no Sourced Headband complete
Preflight Battery disassembly Battery Mounting functional
Check Replacement required Contacts Assembly check
*Pilot/
Crew
Member Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Airframe
Mechanic Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Repair
Station Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
* Pilot/Crew Member performed preventative maintenance exempt from record keeping
requirement of 5.2.1 except for Removing or Installing Helmet or Headband Mounting
Assembly.

5.4.1 (Table 5-2) Change “Pilot” to read “Pilot/Crew Member”

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