Joint Shipboard Helicopter Operations: Human Factors Issues and Challenges

Abstract

As part of the US military's Joint Force initiative, non-Navy helicopters are increasingly required to conduct operations on Navy ships. Consequently, shipboard helicopter interoperability has become a requirement for all the military forces. Key shipboard helicopter operations include: landings and takeoffs, launch and recovery support activities, ordnance handling, refueling, and external load operations. These operations involve a variety of helicopter types from the different services on all aviation-capable Navy ships, in different sea states, and under changing visibility and environmental conditions. The requirement for shipboard helicopter interoperability involves several unique human factors issues and poses many challenges. In this paper, we discuss the major issues and challenges as they relate to three broad categories: procedures, training, and compatibility. We identify areas where human factors specialists can make significant contributions to improve the effectiveness and safety of shipboard helicopter operations. In addition, we identify opportunities for future research.