Pilot and Observer Performance in Simulated Low Altitude High Speed Flight

Abstract

Responses of experienced pilots and aerial observers were studied in simulated low-altitude, high-speed (LAHS) flight. The pilots “flew” three-hour surveillance missions at airspeeds of .4M and .9M in different degrees of simulated atmospheric turbulence. Flying ability decreased from .4 to .9M; however, intensity of vertical accelerations did not seem to affect flying ability except at the most severe levels. Target identification was unimpaired by either turbulence or airspeed. The observers also flew three-hour missions while experiencing acceleration time histories recorded from the pilot's flights. Target identification deteriorated as airspeed increased from 0.4 to 0.9 Mach. Gust intensity did not affect performance of any of their tasks. Performance efficiency on all tasks did not deteriorate from beginning to end of the missions of both pilots and observers.