Visual systems with a single window display are often utilized in ground based simulators used to study helicopter flying qualities during visual low altitude maneuvering tasks. The effects of this limited field of view (FOV) on pilot assessments of flying qualities are uncertain. A study was conducted using a variable stability UH-1H helicopter to compare restricted and unrestricted FOV for a range of flying qualities. With the restricted FOV, the pilots reported reduced ground track precision owing to loss of visual contact with the course markers. However, the predictable ground track of the repeated S-turn task with no obstacles made it easy for them to anticipate their maneuvers, and resulted in only a slight degradation of pilot ratings. This degradation was not sensitive to large changes in helicopter flying qualities.
Effect of Field of View on Performing a Low Altitude Maneuvering Task
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