Arc Segment Attitude Reference (ASAR) Head-Up Display (HUD) Symbology as a Primary Flight Reference Test and Evaluation

Abstract

Abstract : This technical report presents the results of the arc segment attitude reference (ASAR) head-up display (HUD) symbology as a primary flight reference test and evaluation. Testing was requested by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The responsible test organization was the 412th Test Wing, Edwards AFB, California. The test execution organization was the ASAR HUD test team from the USAF Test Pilot School located at Edwards AFB. Testing was performed on the USAF NF-16D Variable-Stability In-Flight Simulator Test Aircraft serial number 86-0048, from 7 to 23 July 2004 and was comprised of 5 ground simulation familiarization and test sessions totaling 12.0 ground test hours, 2 calibration flights and 15 test sorties totaling 23.8 flight test hours. The overall test objective was to determine if the use of the ASAR in the MIL-STD- 1787C HUD symbology as the principal attitude reference, in place of the climb-dive ladder, improved pilot performance during unusual attitude recoveries, vertical banked S-turn (S-B) and vertical dive S-turn (S-D) maneuvers, and precision ILS approaches. The vertical S-B maneuver was a continuous series of rate climbs and descents flown on an initial constant heading. The vertical S-D maneuver was similar except that the direction of turn was reversed simultaneously with each change of vertical direction. The overall test objective was met.