Symbology Improvements Leading to Validated Ecological Representations for HUD Applications to Improve Warfighter Knowledge (SILVERHAWK) Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2016.1 Topic No.: N161-056 Topic Title: Symbology Improvements Leading to Validated Ecological Representations for HUD Applications to Improve Warfighter Knowledge (SILVERHAWK) Proposal No.: N161-056-0296 Firm: Charles River Analytics Inc. 625 Mount Auburn Street Cambridge, Massachusetts 2138 Contact: Martin Voshell Phone: (617) 491-3474 Web Site: http://www.cra.com Abstract: For Navy F/A-18E/F and F-35C pilots, carrier landings remain one of the most dangerous flight procedures. Modern heads-up displays (HUDs) and helmet-mounted display systems (HMDS) visualize integrated information from on-jet sensors and from carrier sensors through data-links with precision ship-relative navigation (PS-RN) to help aircrews perceive and anticipate whether they will be in-phase with the carrier deck during landing. However, the current HUD symbology does not incorporate these new information sources in natural, perceptually useful ways. To address this gap, we propose to use established Ecological Interface Design (EID) theory to design and demonstrate Symbology Improvements Leading to Validated Ecological Representations for HUD Applications to Improve Warfighter Knowledge (SILVERHAWK). We will first conduct a cognitive analysis with 4th/5th generation pilots to develop an inventory of tasks and perceptual constraints with current display symbology. Next, we will use perceptually driven concepts from 2D/3D attention, volumetric rendering, and information visualization to design intuitive, high-confidence symbology sets. We will then construct and evaluate working prototypes of promising SILVERHAWK displays within a medium fidelity flight simulator. The resulting SILVERHAWK displays will allow pilots to efficiently perceive and integrate PS-RN information to support stabilized rate of ascent and line-up for precise and safe carrier landings. Benefits: Initially, we will focus on transitioning SILVERHAWK to HUDs and HMDs under development for the F/A-18 and F-35 variants within the U.S. Navy and other Armed Forces. The underlying symbology display design principles will also be applicable to guide effective HUD symbology use in supervising remotely-piloted and pilot-optional aircraft, as well as augmented display devices for private and commercial pilots. We also see significant promise in the commercial application of novel HUD displays given the rapid emergence of commodity augmented reality and immersive reality systems; we therefore plan to transition specific enhancements into our DRIVET visualization toolkit to increase its adaptability and suitability for HUD and cockpit display prototyping in commercial aviation, as well as in the entertainment industry. Return