Investigating Communication and Situation Awareness in Air Combat

Abstract

In an exploratory study, we examined whether communication could distinguish between high- or low-situation awareness (SA) F-15 lead pilots. With aid from an assigned wingman and an air weapons controller, the lead pilots flew 36 simulated combat engagements. Two measures of SA were utilized. First, ratings of SA were obtained from the operational squadrons. Second, subject matter experts based SA ratings of 40 lead pilots on (a) 28 critical behaviors identified in a task analysis, and (b) behaviors such as communication. Subsequent rankings from both SA measures revealed that, during the simulated engagements, high-situation awareness pilots directed team members more frequently and requested more information. Despite the varied complex simulated engagements, communication patterns were stable; lead pilots' communications were similar for identical engagements that were flown both early and late in the study. Larger studies using a correlational approach with communication categorization are suggested.

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