AIRCRAFT DISPLAYS FOR STEEP-ANGLE APPROACHES.
Abstract:
The primary objective of the program was to investigate aircraft display requirements for steep-angle approaches and landings with 1975-1980 era tactical rotary-wing and VSTOL aircraft. The study was conducted with variable-velocity simulations of Bell UH-1 and Ryan XV-5 aircraft. Alternative display formats were developed and empirically evaluated by means of real-time man-in-the-loop simulation techniques. In addition, approach angle and profile characteristics were systematically varied to ascertain their effects on task performance. Interpreted within the constraints imposed upon and by the simulations, results of the study indicated that manually controlled IFR steep-angle approaches and landings are possible with all display formats evaluated. Generally, horizontal situation display formats were found to yield more accurate and precise piloting performance with both vehicles. Effects of approach-profile variations were minor, while effects of approach angle did vary as a function of the vehicle flown and the axis of error or performance measurement. Author