As a primary developer of Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) DO-178C applications for manned and unmanned systems, Kutta is keenly aware of human machine interface (HMI) interaction issues in fixed-wing and rotary wing platforms. For this effort Kutta proposes to develop an Advanced Landing and Display System (ALDS) for use in Degraded Visual Environments (DVE). ALDS will assist in ship deck landing in the most challenging of sea states. The proposed system takes into account the knowledge of active helicopter pilots and subject matter experts from our large company partners and utilizes leading cognitive scientist to discover a new set of zero, zero landing symbology. Kutta utilizes a proven methodology to explore multiple options for visualizing and communicating critical data reduce the cognitive workload during the ship deck approach, hover and landing phases of flight. The Work Plan calls for extensive use of hybrid Cognitive Task Analysis combined with quantitative and qualitative human factors tests in a simulation environment to hone in on the best methods to display the information. The proposed Phase I effort culminates with a final report summarizing all findings from the research and a list of recommendations, including a demonstration of the high-potential technology.
