EUROFIGHTER ERGONOMICS

BAE Systems looks to Direct Voice Input to address cockpit ergonomic concerns for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Direct Voice Input (DVI) is likely to become an increasingly important aspect of military cockpit ergonomics in the future. “DVI is natural and intuitive,” said Chris Smith, BAE Systems' Eurofighter Typhoon Enhanced Operations Capability Manager. “It is used extensively in the aircraft, and the teams involved in cockpit design believe it will become an integral way in which to manage the systems within the aircraft.” While DVI is not likely to be used for the operation of safety-critical systems or for weapons release, Smith believes applications for it are likely to expand.

A four nation program-UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain (France dropped out to develop the Rafale)-the Typhoon has been a long time in the making. In the mid-1980s, BAE designed and flew the EAP (Experimental Aircraft Program) technology demonstrator, the general configuration of which pointed the way to the Eurofighter's design. Political developments, including the end of the Cold War and the resultant change in military requirements, have been contributory factors to the Typhoon's lengthy gestation period. First flight of the initial development aircraft, designated DAI, occurred at the European Aeronautic, Defense, and Space Co. (EADS) facility at Manching, Germany, in March 1994.