Development of a Non-Distributed Flight Reference Symbology for Helmet-Mounted Display Use During Off-Boresight Viewing

Abstract

Abstract : The primary purpose of the helmet-mounted display (HMD) for the fixed-wing tactical application is to provide target acquisition information to the pilot. The HMD and the information associated with it should first be designed to get the pilot's eyes on a target and to help lead a weapon sensor to a point of interest. In parallel arises both the capability and the need to provide other types of information via the HMD. For instance, ownship status information (including airspeed, altitude, heading, and attitude) can be presented to the pilot regardless of head location or movement. Off-boresight ownship status information may be useful during high off-boresight targeting tasks. Ownship status information includes at least airspeed, altitude, heading, and attitude. It is anticipated that this information will be useful during low-light and degraded visual conditions at viewing angles outside of the cockpit and HUD FOV. The challenge to the designer is to develop symbology that supports all the display information tactical objectives without adversely affecting the primary utility of the HMD. This means the symbology has to be highly usable compared to any associated cost and clutter incurred by its presence. It is not acceptable for HMD ownship status information to cause spatial disorientation or any other significant distraction from the primary objective of the information source. The present paper describes an ownship status symbology set being developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to enhance information affordance of future operational HMDs. The requirements of a successful HMD ownship status symbology set are understood to be an information source that adds to the operational utility of the HMD by increasing lethality and survivability for day, night, and all weather application.