LCP-10 Intelligibility of Oxygen Masks and Microphones in Aircraft Noise
Abstract
A series of studies was conducted to examine the effectiveness and limitations of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) voice channel in noisy environments. Initial efforts to improve performance focused on the input to JTIDS, specifically modifications to the oxygen mask and the use of prototype noise cancelling microphones. No improvements in voice communications were observed with the modified masks, prototype microphones or the various mask-microphone combinations. These and other measurement data demonstrated that the limit to voice communications performance with this system in noise was imposed at the listener instead of at the talker (oxygen mask input). The sound attenuation properties of the helmets and headsets were not adequate to provide the required speech-to-noise ratios at the ear in the highest noise levels. Among the conclusions were (1) speech processed by the JTIDS voice channel may be more vulnerable to noise or easier to mask than regular speech, (2) efforts to improve voice communications effectiveness in noise in the near term should focus on improvements in the signal at the listener and (3) active noise reduction technology in headsets has been proven, it offers a high potential for enhanced voice communications with the basic JTIDS voice channel and its utility should be pursued. Keywords: F-15 aircraft; Experimental design
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 24, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA202474
Entities
People
- Charles W. Nixon
- Richard L. McKinley
Organizations
- Armstrong Laboratory