Helmet-Mounted Displays: - USAARL - The - U.S. Army

Human Factors Engineering (HFE) Issues 237
alignments which require periodic checks to ensure optimal daily
performance.
Due to the lack of dedicated ALSE personnel, maintenance in the field
traditionally suffers from a lack of repair and replacement parts during unit
deployments. Such items are not placed on the highest priority/minimum
essential equipment lists. For IHADSS, repair has been extremely effective
through the modular design approach. An excellent example is the modular
electronic cans used in the head tracking system. Historically, the helmet
has not been a high maintenance concern, but the visionics has.
Training
Technology is a two-edged sword. While supposed to make tasks and
equipment designed to aid tasks easier, technology can result in a system
which requires extensive training, either in its operation, maintenance, or
both. System designers must provide training packages which provide both
the users and maintainers with specific instructions in system use. The
Army has the responsibility to ensure the use of such packages in aviator
training. And, this training should be introduced as early as possible in the
basic training program. It is imperative that the understanding and use of
HMDs not be left to the aviator on his own (Newman, 1995).
In a look at lessons learned with the IHADSS HMD in the Apache
(Newman and Haworth, 1994), it was reported that student aviators
typically require approximately 25 hours of training to learn the IHADSS.
A final point relating to training is that sophisticated systems inherently
require more careful handling, which can only be achieved through
ruggedized designs and aviator training/education.
System safety assessment
Safe and effective operation of the HMD is an important goal. The
SSA is intended to identify system and personnel factors which potentially
may result in injury or death to the user or maintenance personnel under
normal or nonroutine (e.g., alert, emergency, combat, etc.) operating
conditions. It serves to establish safety requirements and training
recommendations for operational and maintenance personnel. In addition,
the SSA documents the occurrence, investigation, and proposed correction
of mishaps or possible safety concerns associated with the system. The
SSA is conducted using the guidance provided in Army Regulation AR
385-16, “System safety engineering and management” (1985) and Military