Valid Human Operator Control Models for Closed Loop Design

Abstract

The Sea Harrier VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft is an example of a complex man–machine system. During the development of such systems it is essential that financial costs and modifications are kept to a minimum. At the computer aided design stage it is necessary for the system designer to have available valid models of the various sub-systems in order to optimize the closed loop performance. The formulation of reliable models of the hardware components is relatively easy to obtain. However, this is not the case for the human operators who close the loop and control the system. Therefore the designer requires valid human operator models. Herein valid human operator models that have been developed in recent years are discussed. Although most of the models discussed have been developed for aerospace applications they may be adapted and used in other areas of study.