Recovery From Geographic Disorientation by Means of Brief Unmasking Maneuvers during Simulated Nap-of-the-Earth Flight

摘要

An experimental study was conducted to determine the ability of experienced aviators to recover from geographic disorientation by means of brief unmasking maneuvers during simulated nap-of-the-earth flight. The simulation was made visually realistic by the use of a special lens and screen system that provided a 360 deg field of view, completely surrounding the aviators. Photographic imagery was obtained at 12 geographic sites, and represented a broad range of terrain types. The lens system also projected compass information at the top edge of the screen. Aviators attempted to identify the correct position of each site on standard 1:50,000-scale maps of the areas. Four successive brief exposures of each site were presented, simulating the unmasking maneuvers. Twenty-eight experienced pilots participated in the study. The results of the study indicated that recovery from geographic disorientation is characterized by sudden insights rather than gradual improvements in position-finding. Insight, as defined in the study, occurred in 40% of the cases. Insightful position estimates averaged about 250 meters from the correct site; non-insightful estimates averaged about 1700 meters from the correct site and did not improve with additional exposures of the photograph. Insights were more likely to be achieved at sites including cultural features in the field of view, if these features were depicted on the map. Sites that demanded interpretation of landform contour for re-orientation were associated with the lowest frequency of insights. (Author)