Abbreviated Assessment of Three Moving Map Displays for the UH-60 Helicopter

Abstract

An assessment of three moving map display systems was conducted to support modernization of the UH-60 helicopter. The systems included the Peregrine digital map, Applique V2 computer and Force XXI Battle Command-Brigade and Below (FBCB2) software, and the Primary Selectable Mission Support System (PRISMS2). The assessment was based on subjective ratings by Army pilots regarding the impact of the moving map displays on aircrew workload and situational awareness when these displays are used in the cockpit for pilotage, navigation, and mission tasks. The pilots also assessed the hardware and software usability characteristics of the displays. Results indicate that each system has potential for enhancing situational awareness and minimizing workload for UH-60 pilots. However, significant improvements in the hardware and software interface of the Applique-FBCB2 and Peregrine digital map would need to occur before they would be suitable for use in the UH-60 cockpit. Improvements in the hardware and software interface of the PRISMS2 would enhance its usability in the cockpit. Each of the systems would also need to be fully interoperable with the Aviation Mission Planning System.