Study of Pilot Attitudes Regarding the Impact on Mission Effectiveness of UsingNew Cockpit Automation Technologies to Replace the Navigator/Weapon System Officer/Electronic Warfare Officer

摘要

This study analyzed the self-reported survey responses of 404 Air Force pilotsconcerning their perceptions of using advanced cockpit technologies to replace the Navigator, Weapon System Officer, and Electronic Warfare Officer (Nav/WSO/EWO) and the impact of advanced cockpit technologies on combat mission effectiveness. The first objective of this study was to compare, by aircraft type, the mission effectiveness factors that are always critical and almost always critical to the success of a combat mission. The second objective was to examine, from the pilot's point of view, the Nav/WSO/EWO's contribution (NAVCRIT) to enhancing the combat mission effectiveness factors. The third objective was to examine the Nav/WSO/EWO's contribution (REQ) to overall combat mission success. A stepwise regression model for predicting NAVCRIT and REQ utilizing surveyed pilot demographics was also explored. Research conclusions were mixed--aircraft type impacted on almost all results. Mission effectiveness factors that were always critical were, however, similar across all aircraft types. Examination of NAVCRIT and REQ revealed distinct differences, by aircraft type, of the pilot's perception of Nav/WSO/EWO contribution to combat mission effectiveness.