SPAACE - 3D Audio Support for Confined Area Operations

A major challenge in aviation and cockpit design is data overload. Especially in the visual channel and associated breakdowns in monitoring systems. These problems are expected to worsen with new and advancing complex missions, which will require pilots to manage increased amounts of data and adopt new responsibilities. Multimodal approaches and especially new developed 3D audio systems have the potential to become a major part. Current cockpits convey audio only as warning- or information-sound. This paper documents a helicopter simulator study to test a new developed 3D audio system to support pilots in future cockpits, accurate enough for real-time applications. The system named SPAACE - Spatial Pilot Audio Assistance. Sixteen professional helicopter pilots (law enforcement, search and rescue service and VIP transportation) flew an approach, hover and vertical landing close to obstacles in challenging areas and weather conditions. Results show that pilots' can maintain a hover close to an obstacle with the support of spatial audio. The distance to the desired landing position improves noticeable. Results of questionnaires and interviews with the pilots point out, that the system is easy to use and need only minimal training. Pilots reported longer head-up time and better situation awareness during the mission with 3D audio assistance.