7.1.1 Modeling Pilot Workload for Multi‐Aircraft Control of an Unmanned Aircraft System

Abstract

Abstract.A demand for increased use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) without commensurate increases in pilot manpower has created proposals for the concept of Multiple Aircraft Control (MAC). To understand the potential effect of such proposals, a workload model was developed from pedigreed system architecture which permits the prediction of the effects of MAC on individual pilot workload levels. Results indicate multiple critical factors that affect the implementation of MAC. Although the model suggests that pilots may experience relatively low workload when operating a single UAS during benign operations, workload builds rapidly when the pilot is required to operate three or more aircraft. The results of this model indicate the need for techniques and technology to reduce task and communications demands on UAS pilots to effectively implement MAC.

A Cognitive Task Analysis-based evaluation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft situation awareness transfer mechanisms

“…When considering MAC, past research has identified several challenges to include dynamic and emergency task saturation, communications interruptions, and effective and efficient transfer of operational SA from a losing pilot to a gaining pilot [3]. This SA transfer occurs at the conclusion of a typical shift and is termed "change-over".…”

“…This SA transfer occurs at the conclusion of a typical shift and is termed "change-over". Analyses have concluded that change-over activities can consume up to 10% of a pilot's mission time [3]. In a MAC scenario, if a pilot accepts control of three or four aircraft, the subsequent transfer time and effort can balloon to consume an unreasonable percentage of the pilot's effective mission time.…”

“…Specific US Air Force RPAs have sustainable loiter times greater than 24 hours. Couple that with the fact that these military RPA crews typically limit operation time to 2-3 hour intervals [3], and it becomes clear that change-overs, being defined as the transfer of RPA control from a losing crew to a gaining crew, are a very common process that often occurs multiple times during the course of any given mission. In fact, a single aircrew frequently completes more than one changeover in a day.…”

“…In fact, a single aircrew frequently completes more than one changeover in a day. In terms of duration and therefore operational impact, analysis has shown that change-overs can account for 8-20% of total mission time in single aircraft control, and have been projected to require as much as 40% of total mission time if a MAC of four was employed [3]. When you consider its frequency, duration, and impact on mission success, changeover is a phase of RPA operation that deserves rigorous analysis and disciplined efforts towards optimization.…”

Teammates Instead of Tools: The Impacts of Level of Autonomy on Mission Performance and Human–Agent Teaming Dynamics in Multi-Agent Distributed Teams

“…In the case of a single operator overseeing multiple agents in multi-HAT missions, cognitive overload may occur. During simulated ISR missions in which an operator controlled four vehicles which were navigating and communicating in a benign setting, workload was found to exceed the acceptable limit for a majority of the mission, resulting in mission degradation, particularly any time communication was needed ( Schneider et al, 2011 ). Furthermore, workload can increase as the reliability of an autonomous teammate decreases as operators take more manual control ( Chen and Barnes, 2012 ).…”