A Comparison of Two Alternative Velocity Vector Cue Combinations for the AH-64D Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Subsystem

AH-64As are equipped with integrated helmet and display sight subsystems (IHADSS) which display 6 and 60 kt velocity vector (VV) cues. Movement and acceleration cues aid in controlling drift and velocity during low-speed and transitional night vision system (NVS) flight. Addition of a 20 kt cue was proposed for the AH-64D, pending an empirical investigation. AH-64A pilots flew seven Aircrew Training Manual (ATM) tasks in the simulator training research advanced testbed for aviation (STRATA) under day, NVS 6/60 and NVS 20/60 VV cue conditions. The STRATA visual display consisted of three rear-projection screens. For NVS operations the screens were black, the pilot only able to see the visual scene through IHADSS. Results indicated that (1) Of 210 task events, 209 were performed to ATM standards; (2) A significant main effect of cue condition supported the 6 kt VV cue over the 20 kt cue; (3) performance differences were greatest for ATM tasks involving hovering.