Effects on Target Tracking of Motion Simulator Drive-Logic Filters

Abstract : Two experiments were performed on separate moving-base flight simulators at Wright-Patterson AFB to determine the effects on air to air tracking tasks of motion-reducing drive logic (washout filters) in the roll and sway degrees of freedom. Measurements included not only error and control performance, but also pilot behavior (describing functions and fitted parameters) and pilot subjective evaluations. Excellent consistency of data resulted across the two facilities, and between very thoroughly practiced non- pilots and experienced military pilots. The results indicate that rotary motion cues are used primarily in the role of stability augmentors (i.e., as rata dampers) and that lateral specific-force cues below 0.1 Gy are ignored or have small effects. Limited data indicate that grossly spurious motion distortion due to washout filter dynamics were rated and performed worse than no motion at all. Optimum combinations of attenuation and first-order washout filtering were found for the roll motion drive logic. An adaptive nonlinear logic was developed and validated for the sway drive logic.