F/A-18Cs since BuNo 163985, equipped to full night attack standard, are easily recognized as their D-model counterparts by their gold-tinted canopy. This night attack suite allows the F/A-18 to conduct operations below weather and at low altitude aided by infrared (IR) equipment. The F/A-18C night attack Hornet has a pod-mounted Hughes AAR-50 TINS, which displays a thermal representation of the terrain ahead on the Kaiser AVQ-28 raster HUD. Night Attack Hornets also employ the Loral AAS-38B Nite Hawk forward looking infrared (FLIR) targeting pod and pilot's GEC MXV-810 Catseyes night vision goggles (NVGs).
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3.2.1 Night Vision Goggles
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These binocular AN/VIS-6 NVGs enhance overall Situational Awareness (SA). They are lightweight and easy to use, requiring the pilot to just click them onto the helmet and flip the switch. A major drawback is "washout", the condition that occurs when any bright light temporarily disables them. Although they will eventually adjust until the light is minimized, their overall effectiveness is often degraded. The brighter the light, the harder it is for the goggles to compensate.
