SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N172-109

Description

One of the most challenging tasks for a naval aviator is to land a rotorcraft on a ship, the dynamic interface task. The pilot experiences variable wind environments, often degraded visual conditions, and a landing area that is moving in response to sea state. Creating a representative simulator-based testing and training environment for dynamic interface has also proven challenging. While existing technologies can provide motion cueing, the limitations of these devices can negatively impact effectiveness. To achieve a more effective body force cueing environment, the nature of the forces experienced by pilots in the critical dynamic interface flight regime must first be better understood. Then and only then can the cueing mechanisms be properly created new or reimagined from existing designs to produce the desired results in the simulator. A team led by Systems Technology, Inc. proposes to fully characterize the dynamic environment at the pilot station. A validated pilot biodynamic model will then be used to evaluate the impact of flight generated body forces versus simulated force cueing on the dynamic interface task. The critical body force cueing elements identified in this approach will be used to define candidate hardware solutions to be developed and tested in Phase II.