TRISTAR 1: Evaluation methods for testing head-up display (HUD) flight symbology

Abstract : A piloted head up display (HUD) flight symbology study (TRISTAR) measuring pilot task performance was conducted at the NASA Ames Research Center by the Tri-Service Flight Symbology Working Group (FSWO), which served as a focal point for the FSWG to examine HUD test methodology and flight symbology presentations. HUD climb-dive marker dynamics and climb-dive ladder presentations were examined as pilots performed air-to-air (A/A), air-to-ground (AIG), instrument landing system, and unusual attitude recovery tasks. Symbolic presentations resembled pitch ladder variations used by the U.S. Air Force (USAF), U.S. Navy (USN), and Royal Air Force (RAF). Investigations were conducted in a NASA fixed-base simulation cab. The cockpit of the simulation cab was configured to resemble a Harrier aircraft cockpit with fast-jet HUD flight symbology dynamics and AV-8B Harrier aerodynamic equations of motion. Six HUD-experienced male fighter and attack pilots from the USAF, USN, and RAF participated in the study. Time histories of 83 variables were recorded during the simulation. Four task maneuver performance methods were examined and both subjective and objective data were obtained for each task. Subjective questionnaires revealed several interesting trends based upon each task, such as the preference for a quickened climb-dive marker and a variable-compression pitch ladder for AIG tasks. Objective data indicated decreased reaction times and increased spatial awareness with asymmetrical climb-live ladders (CDLs). The study was beneficial for working group researchers, providing a mechanism for exchange of test techniques and methods of presentations. Test techniques developed during the TRISTAR I simulation will be used during the TRISTAR II flight symbology evaluation.