HELICOPTER OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE SYSTEM: THE USE OF MANNED SIMULATION TO EVALUATE THE CONTRIBUTION OF KEY DESIGN PARAMETERS

An ongoing man-in-the-loop simulation experiment is described. The object of the experiment is to examine selected design variables related to helicopter obstacle avoidance systems. Four candidate sensor models differing in field-of-view, frame rate, stabilization, slewing method, and detection range are defined. The study focuses on the use of a dome display helicopter simulator with host software and a visual data base specifically designed for trials simulating high-speed contour night flight. The 30 -degree by 40 -degree Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS) forward looking infrared display provides all visual cues. A 2 × 4 repeated measures analysis of variance will be used to assess differences between the configurations. This paper provides a status report of the Obstacle Avoidance System (OASYS) Program, which is being conducted by the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company under contract to the Center for Night Vision and Electro-Optics. Data analysis is anticipated to be completed in mid-1989.