Investigation of Boundary Avoidance Tracking Theory from Ocular Parameters Through Simulator and Inflight Studies

Autor: M. Dilli Babu
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Aerotecnica Missili & Spazio. 100:303-319
ISSN: 2524-6968
0365-7442
DOI: 10.1007/s42496-021-00094-2
Popis: Boundary Avoidance Tracking (BAT) theory has emerged as a novel theory in the area of Handling Qualities (HQ). The HQ of the aircraft in a given environment greatly influences the cognitive load of the pilot. Advancement in eye gaze tracking technologies has enabled non-invasive estimation of cognitive load of pilots, even in combat aircraft cockpits. This research is aimed to investigate BAT theory using a COTS-based eye gaze tracker to record ocular parameters like fixations and saccades to study the effects of boundary size/limits on the cognitive load of the pilot. The statistical model involved three independent variables, namely aircraft flying qualities, secondary task, and boundary size. Initially, experiments were conducted in two stages on a fixed-base variable-stability HQ research flight simulator. Further, the study was extended to inflight tests involving flights in Hawk and Jaguar aircraft maneuvering in high G conditions and undertaking various training combat missions. Both studies found statistically significant correlation between boundary size/limit and ocular parameters, in particular, the rate of fixations. The results proved the application and effectiveness BAT theory in HQ Stress Testing to elevate pilot gain, during flight testing of flight control system for a new aircraft program.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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