Application of the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique to Aviation Test and Evaluation

A study was performed to assess pilot workload associated with the employment of an air-to-air weapon system integrated onto an attack helicopter. Mental workload was assessed using the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT). Pilots performed simulated engagements against an airborne target under varying conditions of engagement type, time of day, target background, and target range. The results indicated significant differences in SWAT ratings as a function of time of day and engagement type. To a lesser degree, SWAT ratings were also sensitive to changes in target background and range. These results are consistent with laboratory and simulation studies which have shown SWAT to be sensitive to changes in task demand and further demonstrate the utility of SWAT for assessing operator workload in the less structured test and evaluation environment.