Abstract
This paper is based on a demonstration of a distributed simulation conducted between the Flight Deck Display Research Laboratory (FDDRL) of NASA Ames Research Center and the Center for the Study of Advanced Aeronautic Technologies (CSAAT) at California State University, Long Beach. Simulated ROVs were flown in terminal airspace for the purpose of determining the feasibility of flying ROVs through commercial traffic. Pilots, with glass cockpit experience, were required to fly one or two ROVs in simulated airspace over water reservoirs near DFW airport, with the major goal of avoiding the approach traffic while patrolling Grapevine and nearby lakes. This paper will focus on pilot performance and strategies for controlling single versus multiple ROVs. Results showed that pilots had a difficult time patrolling the lake without losing separation from the approach traffic. However, their performance did improve after practice. Cooper-Harper workload ratings showed that pilots experienced higher workload when controlling two ROVs compared to one, especially in high traffic, which matches the performance data. Strategies for control of multiple ROVs are discussed.
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