Windshield Quality And Pilot Performance Measurement Utilizing Computer-Generated Imagery

Conrad L. Kraft; Charles L. Elworth; Charles D. Anderson

doi:10.1117/12.956890

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22 December 1978 Windshield Quality And Pilot Performance Measurement Utilizing Computer-Generated Imagery

Conrad L. Kraft, Charles L. Elworth, Charles D. Anderson

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Proceedings Volume 0162, Visual Simulation and Image Realism I; (1978) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956890
Event: 22nd Annual Technical Symposium, 1978, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Two experimental investigations were performed with C-141 pilots making aircraft landings with a 727-200 flight crew training simulator mounted on a three-degree-of-freedom motion base. The terrain image was computer-generated and the 1000 TV line, full color scene was displayed at optical infinity with a resolution of 2.9 arc minutes. All pilots were extensively tested for visual skills. Optical distortion panels between the pilot and the visual scene simulated a range of windscreen image qualities from excellent to poor. One study used 8 pilots, 4 windscreen qualities, 2 times-of-day and 2 visibility conditions. A second study used 6 pilots, 3 windscreen qualities, 2 times-of-day, and 4 replications. In both studies, ten dependent measures were taken of pilots' perfor-mance. Decreased windscreen optical quality increased centerline deviations at touchdown point Windscreen quality and time-of-day significantly interacted. Night approaches with poor windscreens were significantly above glide slope, but on glide slope with better wind-screens. Approaches were low for all windscreens in daytime landings. Poor optical quality windscreens caused apparently more cautious night landings: higher faster approaches, more rapid descents and touchdowns that were harder and further down the run-way. Recommendations are made for measuring windscreen optical quality effects on flight performance.

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Conrad L. Kraft, Charles L. Elworth, and Charles D. Anderson "Windshield Quality And Pilot Performance Measurement Utilizing Computer-Generated Imagery", Proc. SPIE 0162, Visual Simulation and Image Realism I, (22 December 1978); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.956890

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