Weapons Director Intelligent-Agent-Assist Task: Procedure and Findings for a Validation Study
Abstract
The Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is a core command and control (C2) function in which sensors, shooters, and refuelers are managed by "Weapons Directors" (WDs) in an airborne radar and communications command post. Improving the quality of WD training can have profound effects on mission outcome. A basic technology capable of doing this is "intelligent-agent" technology, which allows more frequent practice, via simulated players, and embedded decision aids that display reasonable task options online. We report initial empirical work with an embedded-agent simulation based on the AWACS, namely the 21st Century Systems, Inc. Weapon's Director Intelligent-Agent Assist platform. Using this platform, we observed how 38 WDs performed during two high-workload missions. One mission was played with a decision aid that recommended target pairings and refuelings, while the other was not. Our sample benefited from the decision aid, but the more experienced WDs benefited the most (counter to our expectations). We discuss the results in terms of interface challenges decision aids will face in high workload environments. This report extends the initial report for this system (Elliott, Chaiken, Dalrymple, Petrov, Stoyen, 2000).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA468181
Entities
People
- Dawn Riddle
- Donald E. Miles
- Kimberly A. Hoffman
- Linda R. Elliott
- Mathieu Dalrymple
- Michael D. Coovert
- Samuel G. Schiflett
- Scott Chaiken
- Thomas R. Gordon
- Thomas V. King
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory