The Use of Full Scale Mission Simulation for the Assessment of Complex Operator Performance 1

Abstract

This report describes the use of full-scale high fidelity simulation as a technique for the evaluation of the performance of the human operator in an aerospace vehicle context. The specific implementation of this approach used an Apollo simulation with highly trained aerospace research pilots as subjects. The major advantages of the approach are considered to derive from the relative ease with which generalizations can be made from the research vehicle to the vehicle being simulated. The ultimate criterion, in-flight validation, is not as yet attainable, but the prediction is made that this approach would be fully supported by the outcome of such an evaluation. A requirement exists for the examination of this approach in relation to more commonly employed laboratory situations and tasks so that a tie in with such research can be established.