The army special operations aircraft integrated avionics subsystem-an operational perspective

The authors focus on integration techniques utilized to enhance an operator interface and contain pilot workload within acceptable levels. The US Army MH-47E and MH-60K special operations aircraft (SOA) provide the capability to perform the Army´s clandestine, deep-penetration missions in adverse weather, at night, over any terrain which the aircraft can traverse. The inherent complexity of this mission required an extensive avionics subsystem (IAS). The ultimate success of any integrated system hinges on the ability of the operators to access system capabilities and interpret system data in a timely fashion. Through the use of workload-reducing integration techniques, the IAS design has allowed capabilities to be successfully managed by a two-operator aircrew