A Comparison of Head-Up and Head-Down Display Formats during Instrument Flying Tasks
Abstract
In March 1989, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force issued a study regarding the status of instrument flying within the Air Force. In that report, specific recommendations were presented, first of which was the necessity to develop a standardized HUD format suitable for use as a primary flight reference. Since that time a HUD symbology set was proposed and adopted conditional upon final validation as a primary flight reference. The present report documents the simulation phase of the validation process in which a total of 38 pilots participated. The validation of the symbology set consisted of a comparison of pilot performance data during three instrument flight tasks (1) Unusual Attitude Recovery, (2) Precision Approach, and (3) Precision Instrument Maneuvering. Results indicated that pilot data were significantly improved while flying with the HUD during the Precision Approach and Instrument Maneuvering tasks. During the Unusual Attitude Recovery tasks, no significant differences were demonstrated; however, the HUD symbology showed a trend toward faster reaction times, particularly for the nose low recoveries. Based on these results, the CSEF recommended initiation of the follow-on flight test phase of the validation process.... Simulation, Head-up display, Symbology, Instrument flying
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA266140
Entities
People
- James M. Barnaba
- John A. Hassoun
- Thomas C. Hughes
Organizations
- Aeronautical Systems Center