TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: JSF Joint Strike Fighter Program

OBJECTIVE: Establish measurement techniques to determine the physical and cognitive effects of long duration wear of the JSF head mounted system in order to optimize pilot performance in the JSF tactical maneuvering environment.

DESCRIPTION: JSF pilot workload and efficiency will potentially be enhanced with the use of visual displays, but the helmet system size and weight will likely increase with its center of gravity shifted forward relative to the current tactical helmet. The expanded male/female pilot population and helmet initiatives raise operational concern regarding pilot neck strength, endurance, muscle fatigue, situational awareness, and behavior under sustained G-loading. The physiological and performance effects induced on the pilot while wearing a relatively heavy, possibly unbalanced, HMD during long missions are not fully understood. Supporting added head weight of the HMD for extended periods in flight could impose muscle fatigue and discomfort leading to distraction, which is related to time worn and how the weight is distributed on the head. The use of pilot-in-the-loop, modern ground-based static and dynamic flight simulation technology will yield a comprehensive assessment of the endurance and physiological effects in an operationally realistic environment. Once assessed, dynamic simulation exercises may yield validated solutions to optimize pilot performance. The measurement technique should assess/define the following: significant dynamic performance variables for long duration missions and critical maneuvers applicable to simulation; measures of effectiveness (MOE), performance (MOP), and value (MOV) applicable to long duration missions; flight profiles; physiological metrics and skill retention/decay for long duration missions.

PHASE I: Define and develop a methodology to determine the physiological limitations and performance effects on the pilot population while supporting an HMD for extended periods of time, including exposures in a high-G tactical flight environment using a ground based dynamic simulator.

PHASE II: Demonstrate the measurement techniques developed in Phase I by configuring a ground-based flight simulator for static and dynamic test modes for JSF HMD endurance tests of physiologic and cognitive performance effects. (Note: JSF cockpit configuration and HMD are required.)

PHASE III: Use the demonstrated measurement techniques to formulate pilot/helmet system requirements addressing endurance and fatigue under long term wear.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The commercial aviation sector would benefit through the development of ground-based simulator capability to include (a) commercial pilot endurance training and (b) endurance training for space travelers including, sustained G training and situation awareness familiarization.

REFERENCES:
1. Thuresson M, Ang B, Linder J, Harms-Ringdahl K. Neck Muscle Activity in Helicopter Pilots: Effects of Position and Helmet-mounted Equipment. Aviat Space Environ Med 2003; 74:527-32

2. Shender BS, Heffner PL. Dynamic Strength Capabilities of Small-stature Females to Eject & Support Added Head Weight. Aviat Space Environ Med 2001; 72:100-9.

3. Alricsson M, Hams-Ringdahl K, Schuldt K, Ekholm J, Linder J. Mobility, Muscular Strength & Endurance in the Cervical Spine in Swedish Air Force Pilots. Aviat Space Environ Med 2001; 72:336-42.

4. Morris CE, Popper SE. Gender and Effects of Impact Acceleration on Neck Motion. Aviat Space Environ Med 1999; 70:851-6.

KEYWORDS: Helmet; Helmet Mounted Display; HMD; Endurance; Proficiency; Fatigue

TPOC: (301)342-8881
2nd TPOC: (301)342-8884

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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