Studying the Effect of Sensor Visualization and Graphical Augmentation on Obstacle Detection Time in the Low Altitude Flight Environment

Presented at the Vertical Flight Society 79th Annual Forum & Technology Display
Crew Stations and Human Factors Technical Session - Paper 37
8 pages

https://doi.org/10.4050/F-0079-2023-18021

Abstract:
Obstacle strikes are only behind controlled flight into terrain as the known cause of fatal civilian helicopter accidents. Failing to notice obstacles is also a leading cause of military rotor craft mishaps. This can be explained, in part, by the fact that aircrews must quickly notice and locate a wide variety of hazards, including vertical obstacles while performing various other flight-related tasks. This need for divided attention calls for the development of better bottom-up support for obstacle detection through display design. To this end, the present study will employ a within-subjects design to assess the efficacy of visualization types (unaided, image intensification, or thermal imaging) and obstacle augmentation approaches (none, a priori circles, or active sensor boxes around the obstacle) for aiding hazard awareness and avoidance. Performance and eye tracking data, verbal behavior, and qualitative feedback will be collected to assess pilots' ability to balance vital aircraft state awareness with timely perception of obstacles in the low altitude flight environment. Ultimately, the results from this study will contribute to the literature in visual attention and interface design, potentially increasing safety during helicopter flight operations.

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