Engineering topics

Szoboszlay, Zoltan

Publications and source records attributed to Szoboszlay, Zoltan.

8 records

NASA NTRS2006

Comanche Helmet-Mounted Display Symbology Simulation

The Aeroflightdynamics Directorate (AMRDEC) conducted a simulation to examine the performance of the Comanche Contact Analog world-referenced symbology displayed on the Comanche HIDSS when compared with a compressed symbology design similar to that specified by the former MIL-STD 1295. Six experimental test pilots flew one modified ADS-33 maneuver (hover turn, bob-up), an unusual attitude recovery, and two terrain flight tactical tasks in the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS). Analysis of the pilot objective performance data and subjective data showed the following results. Objective test results showed that 1295 symbology yielded more rapid maneuvering in the hover turn bob-up than Contact Analog symbology. The average margin of difference in the time to complete the maneuver was approximately two seconds, which was statistically significant. There were no significant differences measured between symbology sets with respect to altitude or position performance measures for all other maneuvers. The NOE target ID task data showed improved accuracy in determining heading to target when using Contact Analog over MIL-STD-1295. Subjective test results, including handling qualities ratings (HQRs) and NASA-TLX workload ratings, showed small but consistent advantages of 1295 symbology over Contact Analog for most parameters. For the bob-up maneuver, 1295 symbology handling qualities were rated Desired for lateral position error and time to complete whereas Contact Analog was rated adequate. The average HQRs for all other maneuvers were rated the same for both symbology sets. Pilot comments and the results of an online questionnaire more strongly favored 1295 over Contact Analog. Repeated comments from all six pilots led to a focus on design issues with six Contact Analog symbols. Those symbols were the heading tape, horizon line, radar altitude six-second predictor, the position of the torque symbol, the absence of a hover position cue, and the widespread positioning of the symbology to the outer edges of the display field-of-view. Pilots rated the present design of three of the six symbols as having safety-of-flight implications. Those symbols were the heading tape, horizon line, and six-second predictor. To summarize, test results showed no objective data that would warrant restricting experimental test pilots from flying constrained tasks. Small but consistent advantages were recorded for the MILSTD-1295 symbology design when executing ADS-33 constrained tasks. No general performance differences were recorded for the operational maneuvers (NOE, contour flight modes) except for the azimuth-to-target task, which favored the Contact Analog heading tape design. There were consistent and strong pilot comments supporting the MIL-STD-1295 design over Contact Analog in both this current simulation and in Comanche Sim I. Three Contact Analog symbols warrant modification and further evaluation to mitigate safety-of-flight implications noted by participating test pilots. A plan for symbology redesign and testing was developed. However, the Comanche program was cancelled by Department of Army in February 2004.

Turpin, Terry S.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Comanche Helmet-Mounted Display Symbology Evaluation

This study assessed pilot-vehicle performance and workload associated with flying the Comanche Contact Analog, world-referenced primary flight symbology when compared with a conventional, screen-fixed, Compressed symbology. Previous investigation had revealed benefits when utilizing Compressed symbology in constrained flight maneuvers. The current evaluation further evaluated the effects of symbology by testing pilots in a high-fidelity simulator, executing more operational tasks. Flight performance and subjective ratings from six experimental test pilots were collected. Results replicated previous findings, and no performance differences were found in operational tasks. Pilot comments revealed significant preference for Compressed symbology, while some aspects of Contact Analog symbology raised objections. Performance, preference, and safety of flight issues perceived by test pilots merit a review of Contact Analog symbology design.

Dowell, Susan R.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Rotary Wing Flight Test Methods Used for the Evaluation of Night Vision Devices

A number of rotary wing flight tests have been conducted by the Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate in cooperation with NASA which involved the use of night vision devices and simulated devices. The test set up and data analysis have been taken from two perspectives. Some of the flight tests were structured to look at aircraft handling qualities when the pilot's image quality was reduced from normal daylight levels. In this case, aircraft flight path information was given to the pilot as one input into the Handling Qualities Ratings. Other flight tests were structured to look at pilot and workload directly. In this second case, aircraft position was accurately measured and used as pilot performance data. This paper provides an overview of the test methods used, lessons learned, and recommendations for future tam of night vision devices.

Haworth, Loran↗

NASA NTRS2001

A Comparison of the AVS-9 and the Panoramic Night Vision Goggle During Rotorcraft Hover and Landing

The purpose of this flight test was to measure any differences in pilot-vehicle performance and pilot opinion between the use of the current generation AVS-9 Night Vision Goggle and one variant of the prototype Panoramic Night Vision Goggle (the PNV.GII). The PNVGII has more than double the horizontal field-of-view of the AVS-9, but reduced image quality. The flight path of the AH-1S helicopter was used as a measure of pilot-vehicle performance. Also recorded were subjective measures of flying qualities, physical reserves of the pilot, situational awareness, and display usability. Pilot comment and data indicate that the benefits of additional FOV with the PNVGIIs are to some extent negated by the reduced image quality of the PNVGIIs.

Szoboszlay, Zoltan↗

NASA NTRS2000

A Comparison of the AVS-9 and the Panoramic Night Vision Goggles During Rotorcraft Hover and Landing

A flight test was conducted to assess any differences in pilot-vehicle performance and pilot opinion between the use of a current generation night vision goggle (the AVS-9) and one variant of the prototype panoramic night vision goggle (the PNVGII). The panoramic goggle has more than double the horizontal field-of-view of the AVS-9, but reduced image quality. Overall the panoramic goggles compared well to the AVS-9 goggles. However, pilot comment and data are consistent with the assertion that some of the benefits of additional field-of-view with the panoramic goggles were negated by the reduced image quality of the particular variant of the panoramic goggles tested.

Szoboszlay, Zoltan↗

NASA NTRS1992

Modification Of A Communication Switch In A Helicopter

Report describes preliminary study of modification of electronic circuitry connected to communication-channel-selecting switches in AH-1 Cobra helicopter. Switches in question are foot switch and cyclic thumb-wheel switch mounted on joystick flight control. Modification enables pilots and other crewmembers to select radio channels or intercommunication with less diversion of attention from flight control and other critical tasks. Intended to enhance safety and performance in critical situations.

Haworth, Loran↗

NASA NTRS1989

AH-1S communication switch integration program

The C-6533/ARC communication system as installed on the test AH-1E Cobra helicopter was modified to allow discrete radio selection of all aircraft radios at the cyclic radio/intercommunication system switch. The current Cobra-fleet use of the C-6533 system is cumbersome, particularly during low-altitude operations. Operationally, the current system C-6533 configuration and design requires the pilot to estimate when he can safely remove his hand from an active flight control to select radios during low-altitude flight. The pilot must then physically remove his hand from the flight control, look inside the cockpit to select and verify the radio selection and then effect the selected radio transmission by activating the radio/ICS switch on the cyclic. This condition is potentially hazardous, especially during low-level flight at night in degraded weather. To improve pilot performance, communications effectiveness, and safety, manprint principles were utilized in the selection of a design modification. The modified C-6533 design was kept as basic as possible for potential Cobra-fleet modification. The communications system was modified and the design was subsequently flight-tested by the U.S. Army Aeroflightdynamics Directorate and NASA at the NASA Ames Research Center, Mountain View, California. The design modification enables the Cobra pilot to maintain hands-on flight controls while selecting radios during nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) flight without looking inside the cockpit which resulted in reduced pilot workload ratings, better pilot handling quality ratings and increased flight safety for the NOE flight environment.

Haworth, Loran↗

NASA NTRS1989

Cobra communications switch integration program

The paper describes a design modification to reduce the visual and manual workload associated with the radio selection and communications tasks in the U.S. Army AH-1 Cobra helicopter. The modification involves the integration of the radio selection and microphone actuating tasks into a single operation controlled by the transmit-intercom switch. Ground-based and flight tests were conducted to evaluate the modified configuration during twelve flight tasks. The results show that the proposed configuration performs twice as fast as the original configuration.

Shively, Robert J.↗