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In-Flight Study of Helmet-Mounted Symbology System Concepts in Degraded Visual Environments
Bob Cheung1, Gregory Craig, Brad Steels
1Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto Research Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|September 22, 2015
Summary
The Helmet Display Tracking System (HDTS) improved pilot situation awareness and reduced workload during rotary wing aircraft approach and departure maneuvers. Pilots preferred the HDTS system for its enhanced information delivery.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Psychology
- Human Factors Engineering
- Aerospace Medicine
Background:
- Loss of external visual reference during rotary wing aircraft operations can cause spatial disorientation.
- Effective symbology systems are crucial for maintaining situational awareness and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-dimensional conformal Helmet Display Tracking System (HDTS) compared to the BrownOut Symbology System (BOSS).
- To assess pilot performance and workload during critical flight phases like approach and departure.
Main Methods:
- 10 Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Griffon pilots participated in in-flight testing.
- Pilots performed departure and approach maneuvers using both HDTS and BOSS systems.
- Subjective (situation awareness, workload) and objective (flight parameters) data were collected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- HDTS demonstrated superior situation awareness and lower workload compared to BOSS.
- HDTS reduced lateral drift, altitude error, and heading error during departure and approach.
- Pilots exhibited increased control activity with HDTS, indicating better information utilization.
Conclusions:
- The HDTS provides more pertinent information to pilots, enhancing control and reducing disorientation.
- Pilots preferred the HDTS system, suggesting its practical utility in rotary wing operations.
