TESTING 3D 'VIRTUAL-WORLD' SYMBOLOGY FOR USE IN ROTARY WING BROWNOUT PREVENTION

摘要

Brownout conditions present significant safety challenges for helicopter operations in desert environments. The United Kingdom (UK) Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been researching the use of 3D ground referenced symbology projected through a Head-Tracked, Helmet-Mounted Display. The 3D symbology aims to prevent special disorientation by restoring the pilot's visual cues, during brownout, by presenting a virtual landing site. UK aircrew tested the 3D symbology during day and night testing in a Lynx Mk7 helicopter, including fully degraded vision for the assessing pilot. This paper aims to give an overview of the 3D symbology system, discuss the effect of the 3D symbology on handling qualities during degraded visual test conditions and provide lessons learned in testing 3D symbology, from both a safety and effectiveness perspective.