Study of Flight Environment Effects on Helicopter Gunner

Abstract

Disorientation periods of a helicopter gunner in the conduct of his task during a planned flight profile were investigated through the use of a computerized mathematical model of the vestibular system. Flight attitude and crewman seat change data were used as input to the model and crewman nystagmus rates and perceived angular sensations were predicted. These output data were then compared to actual onboard flight observations of crewman status and well being. The mathematical model was found to accurately predict periods of disorientation that coincided with those observed and were manifested by either excess nystagmus rates, perceived sensations of motion, or a combination of both. Rapid changes in seat angle were attributed as the primary cause of disorientation with vehicle attitude changes cross-coupled with seat angle changes, producing a secondary effect. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1973
Accession Number
AD0766224

Entities

People

  • Burton H. Kaplan
  • Carl Larson
  • Edward Wells

Organizations

  • United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Angular Acceleration
  • Angular Motion
  • Central Nervous System
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Coordinate Systems
  • Ear
  • Environment
  • Equations
  • Experimental Data
  • Eye Movements
  • Mathematical Models
  • Models
  • Nervous System
  • Neurobehavioral Manifestations
  • Rotation
  • Transfer Functions

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Computational Modeling and Simulation