Aircrew Recommendations for Voice Message Functions in Tactical Aircraft

Abstract

Results are presented from a survey of 135 active tactical aircrews regarding use of synthetic voice messages in tactical aircraft. The sample was primarily composed of F-16, F-15, and F-4 pilots. The participants rated 69 existing, proposed, or suggested functions for voice messages in tactical aircraft. Over two-thirds of the participants rated the following functions favorably: Engine Fire, Fuel Low, Oil Pressure, Hydraulic Pressure, Brakes Malfunction, Landing Gear Malfunction, Gear/Flaps Configuration, Low Altitude, Missile Launch, Threat Display, Bingo Fuel, and Joker Fuel. Other functions, applicable to some but not all tactical aircraft, received strong support from the aircrews of the applicable aircraft. The participants' responses to open-ended questions, concerning use of voice messages for checklists and desirable control features for voice message systems, are also summarized.

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