Cognitive modelling of fighter aircraft process control: a step towards an intelligent on-board assistance system

Abstract

A baseline description of a cognitive model that has been successfully implemented on high-speed, low-altitude navigation fighter plane missions illustrates designs for an intelligent assistance system for future French combat aircraft. The outcomes are based on several empirical studies. Task complexity (risk, uncertainty, time pressure) is extreme and provides a prototypical example of a rapid process control situation which requires specific assistance problems. The paper is divided into three sections: 1. 1. A general review discusses implications of the specific requirements for coupling an intelligent assistance system to pilots. Special attention is paid to understanding and coherence of the aid, both of which directly influence the nature of the system. 2. 2. An empirical analysis of missions carried out by novice and experienced pilots forms the basis for a cognitive model of in-flight navigation problem solving. Because of time pressure and risk, pilots have as much difficulty applying solutions as diagnosing problems. Pilots tend to develop a sophisticated model of the situation in order to anticipate problems and actively avoid or minimize problem difficulty. In contrast, poor solutions tend to be found for unexpected problems and generally result in renunciation of the mission and/or crash. 3. 3. The cognitive model described above serves as the basis for a computer cognitive model for flying high-speed, low-altitude navigation missions. The model splits functional knowledge into two levels: the local level deals with sub-goals and short-term activities; the global level deals with mission objectives and handles medium- and long-term activities. A resource manager coordinates the two levels. The program uses an Al actor programming style. This computer cognitive model serves to develop an intelligent navigation assistance system which can function as an automaton or as a tactical support system.