High performance supine flight assessment using the NAWC dynamic flight simulator

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Factors Engineering
• Physiological Simulation

Background:

• The USAF Canopy Escape Module was modified to assess supine flight feasibility.
• The study utilized the Naval Air Warfare Center Dynamic Flight Simulator.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility of high-performance supine flight.
• To evaluate the effects of motion (G-force) and seat position on pilot performance.
• To identify potential performance decrements in dynamic flight conditions.

Main Methods:

• Seven male subjects performed instrument flight maneuvers in supine and upright postures under static and dynamic conditions.
• Performance was assessed using a weighted objective grading scheme based on flight parameters.
• Data were analyzed to determine the effects of G-force and seat position.

Main Results:

• Supine posture did not affect G-load maintenance during turns, unlike upright posture.
• Static conditions generally yielded lower error rates than dynamic conditions.
• While experienced pilots performed better upright, naive subjects performed better supine; one subject experienced G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC) supine.

Conclusions:

• High-performance supine flight is feasible, warranting further investigation.
• Dynamic flight simulation is crucial for uncovering unanticipated performance decrements.
• Understanding G-LOC and optimizing pilot positioning in supine configurations requires additional study.