Human Factors Evaluation of ESAR/ATR Integration for the Theater Missile Defense (TMD) Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) Rapid Response Targeting Against Mobile Ground Targets (RTM) Program

摘要

This report describes a human factors evaluation of the target prosecution benefits of integrated enhanced synthetic aperture radar (ESAR) and automatic target recognition (ATR) technologies. Workstation operators aboard E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft field-tested integrated ATR information and ESAR imagery during performance of mobile missile launcher targeting tasks on a series of demonstration flights. Two methods of data collection were used: post-flight questionnaires collected subjective operator assessments, and a human factors engineer conducted in-flight observation. The evaluative goal was to assess operator acceptance and to establish guidelines for the integration of ATR and ESAR capabilities on the JSTARS. Results included significantly positive ratings for increase in situation awareness, somewhat decreased or unchanged ratings for workload, and no reports of increase in visual fatigue. Three of four operators recommended the incorporation of an integrated ATR/ESAR imagery capability into the JSTARS graphic display. Operators also requested inclusion of ATR numeric confidence ratings and that display of ATR information be optional. Human factors design recommendations cited existing military standards and human factors industry guidelines for improved displays and display interfaces.