An Evaluation of Advanced Multisensory Display Concepts for use in Future Tactical Aircraft.
Abstract
Pilots from three NATO countries participated in simulated air combat scenarios in which they either flew a conventional cockpit, consisting of F-16/F-15 type cockpit displays, or a virtually-augmented cockpit, consisting of advanced head down/head up displays, helmet mounted displays/trackers, 3 dimensional auditory displays, and haptic displays. Pilots flew simulated air intercept missions against a four-ship ground attack group supported by two air to air adversary fighters. The pilot flying the principal cockpit was instructed to try to shoot down the ground-attack group and return to a pre-defined safe air space without being shot down by adversary aircraft. The degree to which pilot performance was differentially affected by the conventional versus virtually-augmented cockpit manipulation was assessed using objective and subjective measures including pilot-aircraft lethality/survivability, pilot workload, and pilot situation awareness. Results indicated a significant advantage for the virtually-augmented interface condition in the number of missions won, exchange ratio, mission length, and number of ground strikes. In addition, the performance improvements yielded by the virtually-augmented crew station were realized with enhanced situation awareness and a reduction in workload compared to the conventional crew station. Furthermore, post flight debrief questionnaires produced highly favorable subjective reports from pilots.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328767
Entities
People
- Bart J. Brickman
- Lawrence J. Hettinger
- Leon B. Dennis
- Michael W. Haas
- Steven L. Beyer