PILOT-IN-THE-LOOP EVALUATION OF NEXT GENERATION WEATHER RADAR DISPLAYS

摘要

The focus of this paper is the comparative evaluation of pilot performance with conventional weather and Next Generation Weather Radar (NGR) display concepts. Forty-six pilots participated in an evaluation using a part-task simulator. Both subjective and objective data were collected during each scenario. Results indicate that there is a significant difference in hazardous weather detection rate between conventional and NGR displays. Mean detection times for the NGR displays were also superior. The NGR group weather avoidance decisions were significantly more prudent than those using conventional radar. Poor tilt management was the primary reason for the conventional weather display subjects missing significant weather targets. Overall, the Bedford workload ratings were lower for one of the NGR displays. The NGR displays received favourable perceived weather (situational) awareness ratings. Subjects also provided positive overall acceptability ratings and subjective comments reinforce these findings.