Evaluating the M1A2 Tank Commander's Interface: The Battle of Input Devices

Abstract

Speed and accuracy of command and control inputs are critical to mission success and the very survival of tank crews in the U.S. Army M1A2 main battle tanks. New control methodologies (i.e., voice and touch input) are being considered for upgrades to the next main battle tank. Proponents argue that voice and touch are fast, natural modes of control. If so, when voice and touch are evaluated against the tank commander's traditional interfaces (e.g., push buttons, joystick cursor controller), mission task completion times should be quicker and no less accurate. Voice and touch input also should reduce cognitive workload compared to traditional tank input devices. The findings were consistent with these hypotheses.