Prototype UAV Control Station Interface for Automated Aerial Refueling

摘要

The Air Force has recognized a growing need for an air refueling capability on Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) as these programs have developed. Such a capability will allow the UAVs to deploy into theater, extend their combat range and add to their persistence in the battle area. The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL's) Human Effectiveness Directorate, Warfighter Interface Division, System Control Interface Branch's (AFRL/HECI) Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle - Operator/Vehicle Interface (UCAV-OVI) Laboratory has developed prototype control station interfaces for controlling multiple unmanned air vehicles during the air refueling phase of flight. A simulation evaluation was initiated to allow various subject matter experts (SMEs) the opportunity to review and comment upon the features and preliminary design concepts of these display interfaces. As a baseline evaluation, the intent was to collect subjective data and determine if there were any major flaws with the design. The SMEs provided excellent comments and suggestions and there were no major obstacles to completing the air refueling task.