Accession Number:

AD0645537

Title:

THE PERFORMANCE OF GROUND OBSERVERS IN DETECTING, RECOGNIZING, AND ESTIMATING RANGE TO LOW-ALTITUDE AIRCRAFT

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept

Corporate Author:

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIV ALEXANDRIA VA HUMAN RESOURCES RESEARCH OFFICE

Personal Author(s):

• Wright, A. D.

Report Date:

1966-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

36.0

Abstract:

The purpose of the test was to determine mans capability to visually detect, recognize, and estimate range to low-altitude aircraft. Twenty-seven Army enlisted men served as observers. The results indicate that man can defect and recognize low-altitude aircraft at a considerable range under near-optimum field conditions. The value of binoculars for aircraft detection was found to be dependent upon a observer offset from the aircraft flight path, b accuracy of early warning, c aircraft speed, and d exhaust smoke trail characteristics of the aircraft. Under the test conditions employed, binoculars reduced the detection range on the most potentially threatening targets, high- speed, head-on jet aircraft. The data show that large range estimation errors occurred. Filmed simulation of the recognition task appears promising as a training tool.

Descriptors:

• *AIRCRAFT
• *DETECTION
• VISUAL PERCEPTION
• RANGE FINDING
• LOW ALTITUDE
• PERFORMANCE(HUMAN)
• TARGET RECOGNITION

Subject Categories:

• Psychology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE