Multi-UAV Supervisory Control Interface Technology

Michael Patzek, Doug Zimmer, Gregory Feitshans, Mark Draper, Tom Huges, John Flach

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Supervisory Control Interfaces Branch (711HPW/RHCI) is conducting an advanced technology development program, entitled Multi-UAV Supervisory Control Interface Technology (MUSCIT). This program is focused on human systems integration; developing and integrating controls, displays, and decision support aids that enable a single operator control station to control multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the performance of dynamic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks as well as close air support (CAS) missions. This 5-year program, which began in 2007, employs a spiral development approach that consists of repeated analysis, design, development, virtual simulations, and flight tests to evaluate, refine, and mature advanced control station designs. The program will demonstrate effective human supervisory control and multi-UAV mission execution across a variety of mission situations and complexity and will identify key human factors challenges that must be overcome for fully enabled multi-UAV control by a single control station. This paper provides an overview of the MUSCIT program and details program goals, technology challenges, developmental approach, and expected products.

Original languageAmerican English
Journal2009 International Symposium on Aviation Psychology
StatePublished - Jan 1 2009

Disciplines

  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Other Psychiatry and Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Psychology

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