Timely application of advanced human factors test and evaluation techniques during the acquisition of new air force systems

To ensure that all major Air Force systems are subject to adequate human factors examination, the dependence on data-free critical analysis concerning system (and human) performance should be kept to a minimum during testing. Human factors test and evaluators (T&Eers) require the timely application of state-of-the-art (SOA) test and evaluation (T&E) techologies to keep pace with advanced system design. The Air Force needs to establish high-level policies directing human factors technology to ensure there are: 1) SOA T&E procedures, models and techniques; 2) appropriate human performance criteria; 3) current specifications, standards and handbooks; 4) qualified and trained T&Eers 5) SOA T&E instrumentation and equipment, and 6) SOA T&E software. A proposed model for transfer of human factors technologies for test and evaluation is presented.

Download Full-text

Symposium: Human Factors Engineering for the Air Force; A Complete Examination

Proceedings of the Human Factors Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1071181379023001143 ◽

1979 ◽

Vol 23 (1) ◽

pp. 574-575

Author(s):

H. McIlvaine Parsons ◽

Robert C. Williges ◽

Donald A. Topmiller ◽

Edward R. Jones ◽

Hal W. Hendrick ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Factors ◽

Air Force ◽

Human Factors Engineering ◽

Research Development ◽

Test And Evaluation ◽

Force Systems

This symposium will review the technical findings of an Air Force-contractor study that comprehensively examined the needs of human factors engineering in the research, development, test-and-evaluation and operations process for Air Force systems. A nine-month team effort concluded in September 1979 constituted one of the most intensive and extensive inquiries into the human factors field that has been undertaken.

Download Full-text

Human Factors Engineering Simulation Methodology

Proceedings of the Human Factors Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/154193128603001316 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 30 (13) ◽

pp. 1306-1310 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brett A. Storey

Keyword(s):

Human Factors ◽

Dynamic Simulation ◽

Human Factors Engineering ◽

Human Engineering ◽

Simulation Research ◽

Test And Evaluation ◽

Simulation Techniques ◽

Simulation Evaluation ◽

Evaluation Techniques ◽

Intended Use

This report describes a methodology of simulation research which is designed to accomplish requirements of a human factors engineering simulation, plan. This approach, accompanied by detailed test plans and schedules will fulfill the data item DI-H-7052 (Human Engineering Dynamic Simulation Plan) for intended use of dynamic simulation techniques in support of human engineering analysis, design support and test and evaluation. This methodology will cover the need for dynamic simulation, evaluation techniques, procedures and guidelines, and the behavioral, subjective and physiological methods recommended for use in human engineering evaluations.

Download Full-text

Development of a Human Factors Engineering Test & Evaluation Techniques Manual

Proceedings of the Human Factors Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1071181380024001141 ◽

1980 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 549-551

Author(s):

Charles W. Geer ◽

William F. Moroney

Keyword(s):

Human Factors ◽

Test Evaluation ◽

Human Factors Engineering ◽

New Techniques ◽

Source Document ◽

Test And Evaluation ◽

Wide Range ◽

Evaluation Techniques

The manual is essentially a compilation of Test and Evaluation Techniques. In preparing the manual a wide range of techniques were considered. However, only those which could readily be applied in the T&E environment were included. The manual is intended to serve as a source document which will be updated as new techniques evolve.

Download Full-text

Developing Statistically Defensible Propulsion System Test and Evaluation Techniques

Volume 1: Aircraft Engine; Ceramics; Coal, Biomass and Alternative Fuels; Controls, Diagnostics and Instrumentation ◽

10.1115/gt2012-68190 ◽

2012 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

David Kidman ◽

Craig Stevens ◽

Christopher Moulder ◽

William Kitto ◽

James Brownlow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Force ◽

Uncertainty Propagation ◽

Flight Test ◽

The United States ◽

Propulsion System ◽

Design Development ◽

Test And Evaluation ◽

Operational Test ◽

Evaluation Techniques ◽

Aircraft Propulsion

Acquisition of military hardware typically proceeds from design, development, production, and finally to operational use and support. Prior to the full-rate production, both developmental and operational test and evaluation (DT&E, OT&E) must occur to ensure that the system meets military requirements. The United States Air Force (USAF) is continually looking for ways to improve its test and evaluation techniques. Since 1997, Air Combat Command (ACC) has been successfully using Design of Experiments (DOE) to construct and analyze operational test efforts. This paper highlights recent efforts to pursue statistically defensible test techniques to aid developmental test efforts. Defensible testing is a statistical approach similar to DOE by emphasizing the need for better test planning by: • insistence on understanding the system under test; • requiring clear and achievable test objectives; • ensuring system performance is measurable; • requiring that instrumentation accuracy and uncertainty propagation are well understood; • and requiring confidence, power, and performance thresholds. This paper highlights the Air Force Flight Test Center’s (AFFTC) first steps to improve aircraft propulsion system test and evaluation (T&E) through the implementation of statistically defensible test techniques. Background on the AF acquisition process, the Air Force vision for defensible testing, and an aircraft propulsion T&E case study are presented.

Download Full-text