Abstract
Energy maneuverability (EM) has been defined as the ability to perform a change, or a combination of changes, in direction, altitude and airspeed expresssed in terms of energy and energy rate. This paper describes two situations in which EM data have been presented to pilots in an effort to improve their ability to maximize the performance capability of their aircraft.
In the first situation, EM information (in terms of “g” and calibrated airspeed, CAS) was presented in analog format on a helmet-mounted display (HMD). In preliminary testing, one USAF pilot was trained with the HMD, while another served as a control. Both pilots flew the T-38 through 12 EM related maneuvers. On a comparison flight (during which the display was not utilized) the HMD trained pilot outperformed his non-HMD trained counterpart. Additionally, after a one week interval both pilots reflew the flight test profile and the HMD trained pilot again out-performed the non-HMD trained pilot. Because of the surprising ease with which pilots could use the display, a comparison was also made between two pilots (who were trained with the display and had less than 100 flight hours in the T-38) and an instructor pilot with approximately 1000 hours in T-38s. On their second flight with the HMD, the subject pilots flew the required maneuvers as well as the more experienced pilot. On the basis of the above, it was concluded that the display could be used to present EM information to pilots in a usable fashion; however, more complete data are needed regarding utilizing the display with student pilots.
In the second situation, energy maneuverability data were again presented in an analog format (turn rate vs. CAS) as a debriefing aid for use on the Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR). The ACMR gathers in-flight data from aircraft while they are engaged in air combat maneuvering. Upon returning from the ACMR aircrew are presented with 1) a pictorial display of the engagement, and 2) a digital printout of selected encounter parameters (e.g. velocity, “g”, altitude of each aircraft, range between aircraft). The display integrates these relevant energy maneuverability data into an analog format, thus providing an immediate comparison of the performance of each aircraft with respect to the maneuvering envelope of that aircraft and that of the opponent. The display also allows the aircrew to recognize very rapidly whether they are gaining or losing energy and the rate of gain or loss. It is expected that this new format 1) will provide a better means for pilots to determine how well they have maximized the performance of their aircraft, and 2) may serve as an aid in tactics development.
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