Integrated mission precision attack cockpit technology (IMPACT) role playing

The Cockpit Integration Division within Wright Laboratory at WPAFB, is exploring the Pilot Vehicle Interface (PVI) requirements for performing a precision strike mission against multiple mobile and fixed targets, at night and in adverse weather, in a single seat fighter. Such a mission has the potential for dramatically increasing pilot workload and compromising mission effectiveness. To address these issues, an exploratory simulation evaluation was conducted, using a “role playing” methodology to assess pilot workload associated with an air interdiction mission in a single seat aircraft. The role playing methodology was based on previous studies which used the Subjective Workload Analysis Technique (SWAT) “in a projective manner in order to estimate the workload implications of system configurations during the conceptual design stage of development” (Eggleston, 1984). An air interdiction scenario was developed in which the pilot was re-tasked inflight to attack a SCUD missile launcher. Pilots were asked to role play this mission in an F-15E with and without a Weapon System Officer (WSO). PROjective Subjective Workload Analysis Technique (PROSWAT) ratings were obtained for six critical mission events for each of two scenarios (i.e., with and without a WSO). The pilots were presented with a briefing of seven potential cockpit technologies, and a narrative including a potential scenario in a single seat Advanced Technology Cockpit (ATC) aircraft with those technologies incorporated. PROSWAT ratings were obtained based upon the ATC narrative. Results of the study quantified differences according to cockpit configuration, mission function, and aircraft type. Utility of the role playing methodology was substantiated