Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a portion of the cockpit of an aircraft utilizing a night vision imaging system. The apparatus comprising and illumination unit rising an LED for selectively producing a beam of light which will not adversely affect the operation of the night vision imaging system. The illumination unit is arranged to be releasably mounted on the pilot's index finger. The illumination unit includes a pair of depressible switches each of which is arranged to be operated by the pilot's thumb or another finger to cause the unit to produce the light beam. The unit is mounted on the pilot's index finger by a ring formed of a hook and loop fastening system.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a portion of the cockpit of an aircraft utilizing a night vision imaging system. The apparatus comprising an illumination unit comprising light emitting diodes for selectively producing a wide angle flood beam of light or a narrow angle spot beam of light, neither of which will adversely affect the operation of the night vision imaging system. The illumination unit is releasably mounted on the microphone mounted on the pilot's helmet so that it is adjacent the pilot's mouth. The illumination unit includes a depressible switch arranged to be operated by the pilot's lip or tongue to cause the unit to produce the light beam. A first mode control switch is mounted on the illumination unit to disable the depressible switch while causing the illumination unit to produce the light beam. A second mode control switch is also mounted on the illumination unit for selecting either the flood beam or spot beam.