PROJECT SUBIC. SHIP CONTROL IV. AN EMPIRICAL EVALUATION OF THE UTILITY OF A PITCH-RATE INDICATOR IN SUBMARINE DEPTH CONTROL.

Abstract : Seven operators performed simulated depth-control maneuvers under two display conditions. One display consisted of conventional depth-control instruments; the second display was identical except for the addition of a pitch-rate indicator. The operators performed two types of tanks: (a) changing depth 200 ft up or down (depth seeking); and (b) maintaining a constant depth while counteracting a cyclic forcing function (depth keeping). The maneuvers consisted of simulated depth changes only; no changes in heading were involved. Each operator performed ten trials under each display-task condition over a five-day period. An analysis of the graphic records indicated that the inclusion of a pitch-rate indicator did not significantly improve depth-keeping performance. In the case of depth seeking, however, the results were equivocal. Performance with the pitch-rate indicator was better in some cases; not significantly different in others. (Author)