Physiological and Psychomotor Effects of Low Altitude Air Combat Maneuvering
Abstract
A human centrifuge was used to simulate the in-flight stresses and aircraft maneuvers involved in low altitude, air combat scenarios. The effects of these scenarios on aircrew physiological function and psychomotor performance were studied in depth. The in-flight stresses encountered included a realistic ACM profile, ground effect/high speed or stall buffet, as well as moderate and high intra-cockpit temperatures. Various methods of ameliorating the effects of these stressors were studied simultaneously. These included varying the pilots' seatback angle, with or without concomitant changes in armrest positioning, and decreasing the intra-cockpit temperature to low levels. Analysis of the physiological and psychomotor performance data revealed the following: (1) raising or lowering intra-cockpit temperature, from an ambient level, has a significant effect on the pilots' physiological and psychomotor performance under the conditions studied, (3) the effects of buffet were minor compared to changes in intra-cockpit temperature, so far as physiological or performance functions are concerned, (4) a simple adjustment in armrest position, concomitant with seatback angle alterations, produces significant changes in performance capabilities. Details of these and other physiological/performance findings, as well as hematological and biochemical findings, are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 29, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA080058
Entities
People
- Harald Von Beckh
- Jeffry S. Bowman
- Joseph M. Hagen
Organizations
- Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster