Ground simulation of the G-excess illusion

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Factors Engineering
• Vestibular Science

Background:

• Spatial disorientation (SD) poses significant risks in aviation.
• Simulating hypergravity (HG) conditions on the ground is challenging.
• Understanding G-excess illusion is crucial for pilot training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate pilot perception of orientation in a hypergravity simulator.
• To assess the feasibility of simulating G-excess illusion using a centrifuge-like device.
• To analyze responses to head movements and cab attitude changes under simulated HG.

Main Methods:

• Twelve male pilots participated in the study.
• A centrifuge-like Spatial Disorientation (SD) simulator generated a 1.6 G force field.
• Pilots reported perceived orientation changes during head pitch movements and roll plane tilts.

Main Results:

• Pilots perceived a significant pitch-up attitude change (63.8° ± 48.3°) during head pitch movements.
• A 20° left cab tilt resulted in a perceived leftward tilt of 48.6° ± 39.4°.
• Despite strong Coriolis effects, most pilots experienced the G-excess illusion.

Conclusions:

• Centrifuge-like devices are feasible for simulating G-excess illusions on the ground.
• The 1.6 G HG simulation effectively induced spatial disorientation.
• This technology can enhance pilot training for G-excess scenarios.