PERSONNEL TARGET ACQUISITION UNDER FLARE ILLUMINATION
Abstract
As part of the development of a small, low cost, ground flare, producing 30,000 to 65,000 candlepower for about 45 to 75 seconds, a human factors study of the usefulness of the flare to s ntries was conducted. A typical field problem was simulated by placing stationary human targets in varying attitudes (standing, kneeling, and prone) at different radial distances from a burning flare. Ten subjects, in the role of sentries,ATTEMPTED TO DETECT AND IDENTIFY THE TARGETS FROM A DISTANCE OF 900 FEET. Data analysis for 18 trials indicates that 67.8% of the targets were detected and 58.6% ere ide tified Positions directly behind and in front of the flare were very difficult o acquire because of glare effects; only 12% in front and 7% behind were ide tified. Differences between trials were significant but were not related to either candlepower or burning time. Evidence is presented to ascribe these differences to subject awareness and target location. The identification task proved to be an e sy one, though no improvement in acquisition was found as a result of practice in target searc Recommendations for flare design and use are made. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0278555
Entities
People
- Gino R. Detogni
- Paul S. Strauss
Organizations
- Picatinny Arsenal