The System Approach to the Design of an Optical Landing Display

The general safety of landing aircraft aboard carriers is of utmost importance to the Navy. Reduction of the accident rate is best accomplished by a general increase in total system precision. Analysis of the closed-loop man-machine system, as presently configured, located two prime sources of system inaccuracy in the use of the current display. Its deficiencies are 1) insufficient display gain or sensitivity, and 2) the absence of a direct presentation of lead information. A new display was developed to provide optimum guidance information to the pilot in a manner that is compatible with his vehicular control capabilities.