Standardization of Aircraft Control and Performance Symbology on the USAF Head-Up Display
Abstract
Researchers and pilots throughout the world continue to examine and debate the utility of the head-up display (HUD) for presenting instrument flight information. Although initially intended for the presentation of landing and weapons delivery information, the HUD has evolved into a flight instrument that researchers and pilots claim is successfully replacing many of the traditional panel instruments. Since the Attitude Awareness Workshop of 1985, the United States Air Force (USAF) has conducted numerous research projects to determine the most effective way to integrate the HUD with the other mission-essential instrument displays. The requirement to use the HUD for instrument flight, as well as a need to determine the optimal configuration of the HUD symbols, has prompted a significant portion of that research. This paper summarizes the research efforts conducted by scientists in the Visual Orientation Laboratory (VOL) and the Flight Motion Effects Branch of the Armstrong Laboratory (AL/CFTF) . Suggested standardization guidelines based on empirical findings are discussed, including the use of: counter-pointers for airspeed and altitude indicators, vertical and horizontal asymmetry for pitch-ladder configurations, a ghost horizon, analog information for vertical velocity, energy management symbology, and quickening for climb/dive markers. Cockpit display design, Flight instruments, Display symbology, Spatial disorientation, Head-up display.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA274283
Entities
People
- D. F. Bitton
- Ian Mckenzie
- Kent K. Gillingham
- Lisa F. Weinstein
- William R. Ercoline