Comparison of Helicopter Copilot Workload While Using Three Navigation Systems during Nap-of-the-Earth Flight
Abstract
Three different generic navigation systems were examined for their effects on helicopter copilot/navigator workload and performance during nap-of- the-earth (NOE) flight. The navigation systems examined were: (1) the conventional 1:50,000 scale topgraphic hand-held map, (2) a Doppler navigation system in conjunction with a hand-held map, and (3) a projected map system driven by Doppler signals in conjunction with a hand-held map. Eighteen pilots performed copilot/navigator duties in an Army JUH-1H utility helicopter flown by a laboratory research pilot. Data collected included measures of navigation performance, pilot-copilot communications, and copilot/navigator eye movements. The results indicate that automatic navigation systems like the ones used here improve navigation performance by enabling the aircrew to reach their destination with reduced in-flight delays, at a faster airspeed, and with fewer and smaller navigation errors. The number of verbal exchanges between the copilot and pilot was reduced when using the Doppler system versus the hand-held map alone. Subjects who used the Doppler also spent less time navigating. When using a projected map system, copilot/navigators experienced a lower level of visual workload and spent 10% more time looking outside the cockpit.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA120501
Entities
People
- David O. Cote
- Gerald P. Krueger
- Ronald R. Simmons
Organizations
- United States Army Aeromedical Research Lab