Operator-Mounted Controllers for Precision Tracking

Abstract

This study explored the feasibility of using hand-held and leg-mounted controllers for precision tracking tasks. The hand-held device was a thumb-actuated pressure controller; the leg-mounted device was a conventional displacement stick. Two experiments were undertaken. The first was conducted in a static-based facility to explore the effects of control sensitivity and controller type on tracking performance. The second was carried out in a dynamic-motion simulator to examine the effects of buffeting on tracking, and to continue the comparison of controllers. The dynamic environment was that of a light aircraft under various wind gust conditions. Results indicated that there was no significant difference in tracking performance between the two types of controllers or the two sensitivity levels, except when a lag-lead transfer function was introduced. As expected, tracking performance was inversely related to severity of buffeting. It was concluded that either controller could be considered for use in precision tracking tasks from light aircraft subjected to light or moderate wind gust conditions.