Flying Fast Jets: Human Factors and Performance Limitations

David G. Newman

Nov 2017 · CRC Press

About this ebook

This book provides a detailed general overview of the human factors and performance limitations associated with flying fast jets, integrating all the latest available research literature on the demanding operational tasks faced by such pilots and aircrews. As such, it has a strong military focus, dealing with pilots of fighter aircraft, attack aircraft and lead-in fighter trainer aircraft that are traditionally only single or dual pilot operations. The book deals not only with the issue of G force, but discusses ejection and escape/survival, disorientation, high altitude physiology, pilot training and selection, helmet-mounted equipment, situational awareness, data fusion and multi-sensor integration, human machine interface issues and advanced cockpit design. It examines the human performance issues associated with the technological advances made in fast jets, such as increased manoeuvrability, increased use of the pilot’s head as a mounting platform for sensor and weapons systems, and the complexities involved in the human-machine interface within these aircraft.

About the author

Associate Professor David G. Newman is Head of the Aviation Medicine Unit in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He is also the Head of Research in the Department of Aviation, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. His 13 years as an aviation medicine specialist in the Royal Australian Air Force, in both Australia and on exchange in the UK, include 2 years as Chief Instructor at the RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine, where he was responsible for the training of all Australian Defence Force aircrew and medical officers. He holds a medical degree from Monash University, a Diploma in Aviation Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians of London and a PhD from the University of Newcastle. He has won several awards for his aviation medicine efforts over the years, including the 2000 Buchanon-Barbour Award from the Royal Aeronautical Society and the 2012 A. Howard Hasbrook Award from the Aerospace Medical Association.