I__. - International Military Testing Association

situation devoid of external distractions. In this way an adequate performance comparison
between different candidates is provided. In addition a qualitative description of candidate
behaviour may be formulated by observations during the test.
Description of the FPS 80 Test Device
Test position
The two identical test positions are built to resemble cockpits. They contain a seat and the usual
flight controls, viz: stick, rudder, flap-lever, gear-switch, and throttle. These are actual parts
from scrapped military aircraft. In the interest of cost reduction, a stationary cockpit is used.
Impressions of movement originate exclusively from visual inputs.
Conventional flight instruments are depicted on an instrument panel. Three colour VDUs appear
above the panel. These represent the view from the cockpit. The view forwards covers a
landscape of approximately 80 kilometres square. The view includes an airfield and the
surrounding landscape. The scale of the depicted landscape represents the cockpit current
displacement from it; the speed of change of a display represents the speed of the cockpit and
perspective of the objects displayed represents the current orientation of the cockpit. In this way
a realistic impression of motion is convey to the candidate.
In the lower third of the central VDU are displayed the following instruments: power, speedo,
compass, horizon, altimeter, vertical speed indicator and G-meter.
The cockpits additionally have a control and warning-panel that gives information about such
things as landing gear (up/unsafe/down), flaps (up/down), parking brakes, stall warning. An
input key-pad is found on the right side. The performance characteristics mirror those of a
standard single engine machine. System parameters may be changed to simulate other machine
types. The two cockpits operate independently of one another.
System Configuration
The FPS 80 system comprises 7 computers linked by a network. One of these is a central
computer and each cockpit is driven by three more. Tests are controlled from the central
computer console ftom where the test supervisor can start the different test programs, communicate
with the candidates and monitor their progress. He can additionally intercept their visual
displays, and speak with the candidates, singly or severally, by radio link. The candidate
performance data is returned to the central computer where it is stored on tape, later to be
processed on an external computer in combination with the results of the other screening
procedures, to produce a composite performance profile for each candidate. The results from
all candidates may then be statistically analysed.
Test procedure
The PPS 80 Test Procedure consists of 5 missions. Each candidate receives a standard briefing
from the instructor befog beginning each mission. A mission is built up of various distinct
manoeuvres, usually starting and ending with a take-off and landing. Every mission has three
phases, viz:
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