A Piloted Simulation Study to Investigate the Relationship between Handling Qualities and Workload

Abstract

In application, ADS-33E-PRF provides the means to effectively predict rotorcraft handling qualities via validated criteria and demonstrate actual handling qualities in flight test using mission task elements (MTE). With decades of successful outcomes achieved by integrated industry and government test teams, international users, and researchers, this approach provides an effective means to evaluate handling qualities of advanced rotorcraft designs. The requirement for at least three test pilot evaluators of each MTE expands the flight hours required for test and hence increases costs. To reduce flight hours required, while maintaining process effectiveness, the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) is interested in better understanding the relationship between pilot workload and assigned handling qualities ratings such that predictive tools, if proven effective, can reduce this burden. To meet this challenge, Systems Technology, Inc. (STI), Charles River Analytics, Inc. (CRA), Mitchell Aerospace Research, and Advanced Brain Monitoring, Inc. joined with NAWCAD to explore through piloted simulation the relationship between physiological measures of pilot workload and assigned pilot ratings as experienced test pilots conducted handling qualities evaluations using three exemplar MTEs. This paper describes the piloted simulation study and summarizes initial results.