An Evaluation of Perceptual-Motor Workload during a Helicopter Hover Maneuver.

摘要

Stability augmentation systems are purported to reduce pilot workload during hover, nap-of-the-earth, and IFR maneuvers. The current research project examines a method of aiding the MEDEVAC pilot in performing a hover maneuver while perhaps reducing workload. A modular, four-axes stability augmentation system (Ministab) with integrated rate attitude and heading retention was installed on the USAARL JUH-1H helicopter. Participating personnel for the project were nine US Army aviators with a total average of 1172 flight hours. The aviators hovered at 30 feet above ground level for five minutes under each of the three following flight control conditions: Unaided-normal hover with visual flight rules conditions, using Force Trim, and using the Ministab. Continuous information from twenty pilot and aircraft monitoring points was recorded on an incremental digital recorder for all flights. Multivariate analyses were performed on both aircraft status variables and control input workload/activity measures. Under the conditions tested, the stability augmentation system evaluated did not provide a clearcut improvement in flight performance and workload across all flight parameters. (Author)