355 research outputs found

    Using Helmet Mounted Displays to Designate and Locate Targets in the Urban Environment

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    Technologies have developed within the last ten years to allow the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) to be much more effective as an air-to-ground (A/G) weapons cue. HMD A/G accuracy and performance requirements should be added to the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) specifications, detailed to be as good or better than the FA-18 heads-up-display (HUD). Because of target ranging and line-of-sight (LOS) errors, the JHMCS is only used as an area sensor cue in the urban close air support (CAS) role. Therefore, for use against point targets, improvements to JHMCS are needed. LOS errors have to be reduced from the current 13-mil error, which would equate to +/- 260 feet from a 20,000 ft slant range. To decrease this error, more accurate helmet trackers must be used with faster update rates. HMD Earth referenced symbol update rates, which are currently restricted to 20 Hz, must be increased to allow the helmet to provide accurate information, despite aggressive maneuvering or operations in a turbulent environment. Accurate ranging sources must be developed to enhance the target elevation algorithm in the FA-18 to ensure usable target data, once designations are made. During turbulent flight conditions, the difference between the actual target position on the ground and the unstable target designation (TD) diamond depicting it cause motion differences, which distract the pilot. Methods to filter the movement of earth-referenced symbols should be explored, as well as increasing JHMCS symbol write rates. Additionally, vibration levels during low-level flight and moderate turbulence levels make HMD A/G aiming and designation tasks very difficult. Buffet suppression algorithms are used during vibrations in the air-to-air (A/A) aiming role and should be implemented for A/G use as well. The purpose of this study is to focus on present capabilities with JHMCS. The author’s tactical experience has been achieved on the FA-18 A-F variants and tactical applicability will be directed to that platform. While most references to helmet displays will center on lessons learned from the JHMCS, helmet mounted display experience was gained while serving as an exchange officer with the UK Royal Air Force and evaluating the Guardian HMD system. The analysis contained within this thesis is based on the operational insights of operating within the demanding Close Air Support (CAS) environment and the tactical enhancement that has been demonstrated with the use of Helmet Mounted Cueing systems. Currently, JHMCS is available to about half the FA-18 fleet and operational assessments, resulting from its use in the Iraqi conflict, has accelerated the demand for increased capabilities to this target cueing device. Lessons learned from the current generation of HMDs will play a major role in the design of the cockpit for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)

    Handling Qualities Evaluation of a Supersonic Tailless Air Vehicle

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    This thesis presents the results of a handling qualities evaluation of a supersonic tailless air vehicle. The 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review mandated the need for the next generation of long-range strike aircraft by 2018. Due to speed and stealth requirements, this resulted in a tailless aircraft with an instantaneous center of rotation located well forward of that of a conventional aircraft. This thesis examines how this center of rotation affected pilot handling qualities ratings. This effect should have been the most pronounced during approach and landing, and was where the testing focused. The goal of this research was to develop a systematic procedure for evaluating the handling qualities of this aircraft, and to determine how different pilot flying techniques or pilot-inceptor interactions influenced them. This procedure was demonstrated in simulator testing and in flight testing on the Calspan-operated Total In-Flight Simulator aircraft

    Development of a multi-directional manoeuvre for unified handling qualities investigation

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    A slalom and alignment tracking manoeuvre was developed for multi-directional handling qualities analysis of large transport aircraft in simulation environments. The manoeuvre is defined and scaled as a function of aircraft characteristics, flight conditions using a simple set of mathematical models. Throughout the manoeuvre, the trajectory and overall performances are monitored at a set of gross position and alignment control checkpoints methodically distributed and sized to buoy the task and allow handling qualities analysis based on Cooper Harper Ratings and quantitative data analysis. Initial tests have shown that the manoeuvre sizing method led to feasible manoeuvres at multiple points of the flight envelope of a large civil transport aircraft. The manoeuvre capability to highlight desirable and undesirable handling qualities was also highlighted based on the initial findings for a couple of commercial large transport aircraft, a high aspect ratio wing and in-flight folding wingtip aircraft concepts. The relevance and applicability of the manoeuvre for multi-directional studies are discussed and compared against a more conventional offset landing manoeuvre. Finally, the potential use of the manoeuvre for different aircraft type and test flight is also suggested based on augmented reality technology

    Aeronautical engineering: A continuing bibliography with indexes (supplement 272)

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    This bibliography lists 719 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in November, 1991. Subject coverage includes: design, construction and testing of aircraft and aircraft engines; aircraft components, equipment, and systems; ground support systems; and theoretical and applied aspects of aerodynamics and general fluid dynamics

    US and USSR Military Aircraft and Missile Aerodynamics 1970-1980. A selected, annotated bibliography, volume 1

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    The purpose of this selected bibliography (281 citations) is to list available, unclassified, unlimited publications which provide aerodynamic data on major aircraft and missiles currently used by the military forces of the United States of America and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Technical disciplines surveyed include aerodynamic performance, static and dynamic stability, stall-spin, flutter, buffet, inlets nozzles, flap performance, and flying qualities. Concentration is on specific aircraft including fighters, bombers, helicopters, missiles, and some work on transports, which are or could be used for military purposes. The bibliography is limited to material published from 1970 to 1980. The publications herein illustrate many of the types of aerodynamic data obtained in the course of aircraft development programs and may therefore provide some guidance in identifying problems to be expected in the conduct of such work. As such, this information may be useful in planning future research programs

    Conceptual design study for an advanced cab and visual system, volume 2

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    The performance, design, construction and testing requirements are defined for developing an advanced cab and visual system. The rotorcraft system integration simulator is composed of the advanced cab and visual system and the rotorcraft system motion generator, and is part of an existing simulation facility. User's applications for the simulator include rotorcraft design development, product improvement, threat assessment, and accident investigation

    Aeronautical Engineering, A Continuing Bibliography With Indexes

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    This bibliography lists 693 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in September 1984

    Aerospace Medicine and Biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes, supplement 257

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    This bibliography lists 331 reports, articles and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in March 1984

    Assessment of avionics technology in European aerospace organizations

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    This report provides a summary of the observations and recommendations made by a technical panel formed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The panel, comprising prominent experts in the avionics field, was tasked to visit various organizations in Europe to assess the level of technology planned for use in manufactured civil avionics in the future. The primary purpose of the study was to assess avionics systems planned for implementation or already employed on civil aircraft and to evaluate future research, development, and engineering (RD&E) programs, address avionic systems and aircraft programs. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the technology addressed by NASa programs is commensurate with the needs of the aerospace industry at an international level. The panel focused on specific technologies, including guidance and control systems, advanced cockpit displays, sensors and data networks, and fly-by-wire/fly-by-light systems. However, discussions the panel had with the European organizations were not limited to these topics

    Modeling and Evaluating Pilot Performance in NextGen: Review of and Recommendations Regarding Pilot Modeling Efforts, Architectures, and Validation Studies

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    NextGen operations are associated with a variety of changes to the national airspace system (NAS) including changes to the allocation of roles and responsibilities among operators and automation, the use of new technologies and automation, additional information presented on the flight deck, and the entire concept of operations (ConOps). In the transition to NextGen airspace, aviation and air operations designers need to consider the implications of design or system changes on human performance and the potential for error. To ensure continued safety of the NAS, it will be necessary for researchers to evaluate design concepts and potential NextGen scenarios well before implementation. One approach for such evaluations is through human performance modeling. Human performance models (HPMs) provide effective tools for predicting and evaluating operator performance in systems. HPMs offer significant advantages over empirical, human-in-the-loop testing in that (1) they allow detailed analyses of systems that have not yet been built, (2) they offer great flexibility for extensive data collection, (3) they do not require experimental participants, and thus can offer cost and time savings. HPMs differ in their ability to predict performance and safety with NextGen procedures, equipment and ConOps. Models also vary in terms of how they approach human performance (e.g., some focus on cognitive processing, others focus on discrete tasks performed by a human, while others consider perceptual processes), and in terms of their associated validation efforts. The objectives of this research effort were to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in identifying HPMs that are appropriate for predicting pilot performance in NextGen operations, to provide guidance on how to evaluate the quality of different models, and to identify gaps in pilot performance modeling research, that could guide future research opportunities. This research effort is intended to help the FAA evaluate pilot modeling efforts and select the appropriate tools for future modeling efforts to predict pilot performance in NextGen operations
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