Tool-based development of man-machine interfaces

The Northrop Grumman Advanced Human Engineering Tool (AHET) is a natural outgrowth of the original reconfigurable cockpit of 1987 and the Advanced Crewstation Integration Cockpit (ACIC) of 1992. The AHET was developed by the Business and Advanced Systems Development organization at Northrop Grumman B-2 Division in Pico Rivera, California. The AHET is actively used to support both research and full-scale development programs dealing with the requirement for affordable, next-generation enhanced capability avionics. Primarily a pilot-vehicle interface definition tool, the AHET can also accept/evaluate flight-worthy display hardware and associated input-output devices such as HOTAS (Hands-On-Throttle And Stick) control elements. The AHET is a rapid prototyping and cockpit evaluation tool that allows many design iterations prior to freezing the design in a new application and continues the refinement of the ultimate cockpit solution well into the life cycle of the host aircraft