A Pilot's Perspective on Workload in Single Seat Fighters,
Abstract
Pilot workload in single seat fighters is obviously increasing. The pilot workload includes physical workload and mental workload. The physical workload has steadily increased. In the past, the F-4 could pull 7.33 g's. Today the F-16 can sustain 9 g's, and in the future the AFTI/F-16 will add 2 lateral g's to the aircraft maneuvering capability. The impact of that physical workload on mental workload and task accomplishment needs to be determined. Mental workload demands have increased by a gigantic amount due to the increase in the amount of information displayed to the pilot and the increased complexity of modern systems. The F-4 has a radar & lead computing sight. The F-16 has a heads up display, stores control panel, fire control computer, and sophisticated radar. We are also forced to fly faster and lower to evade sophisticated ground based threats. The new MSIP III F-16s will have to multi-function displays, wide field of view hud, internal ECM, global positioning system, navigation pod, and an increased weapons capacity of radar missiles and 30 mm gun. The next generation fighter will have to be designed to kill tanks at night in European weather and battle for air superiority against overwhelming odds. Pilot workload must be one of the major factors to consider as new weapons systems are developed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP001125
Entities
People
- David W. Milam
Organizations
- Air Force Test Center