Pictorial Format Display Evaluation

Abstract : Two sequential simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the usability and acceptability of pictorial format displays for fighter aircraft; to determine whether usability and acceptability were affected by display mode--color or monochrome; and to recommend format changes based on the simulations. Government-furnished formats were modified for dynamic display on CRTs in a simulator cockpit to support a representative mission scenario with surface and air threats. Objective performance data, subjective pilot ratings and comments were collected, and the formats were revised on the basis of this data. In the Basic Pictorial Display Evaluation study, pictorial formats were implemented and evaluated for flight, tactical situation, system status, engine, stores management and emergency status displays. In the Threat Warning Study, the number of threats, and the amount and type of threat information were increased. A total of thirty USAF and Navy pilots in the two studies flew mission simulations with color and monochrome versions of the displays. In general, the pilots found the pictorial format displays, and the specific implementation used in these studies quite acceptable, and preferred the color over the monochrome versions. Originator-supplied keywords include: Flight displays, Situation displays, Threat warning, Stores management displays, Engine displays, Airplane system displays, Advisory displays, and Human factors.