Computer-Aided Cockpit Workload Analysis for All Weather, Multirole Tactical Aircraft

With the ever-increasing demands for mission flexibility in Single Seat, All Weather, Multirole, Tactical Aircraft (SSAHTA), operational complexity is approaching boundaries beyond which lurks terra incognita as regards operator capability to cope. Human error is held to be the most significant contributer to SSAHTA operational incidents and accidents. There is no reason to expect alleviation of human error potential based solely on mechanization (automation) technology. Challenges continue to mount in measuring the crucial man-machine interface characteristics which are beginning to dominate SSAMTA cockpit workload to the detriment of mission effectiveness. Given the essential role of man-machine interface analysis in stabilizing SSAMTA mission effectiveness, it appears to be imperative to develop computer-aided cockpit workload analysis capable of forecasting man-machine interface problem areas in emerging designs. The Timebased Analysis of Significant Coordinated Operations (TASCO) represents an attempt to provide man-machine interface criteria for mechanized management of SSAMTA avionics systems.