MICRO SAINT SIMULATION ANALYZING OPERATOR WORKLOAD IN A FUTURE ATTACK HELICOPTER.

A methodology for studying operator workload is discussed. This technique, task network modeling and simulation, builds from a task analysis. It permits a variety of workload theories to be incorporated into a consistent, logical framework for studying the overall system performance implications of system design. Through the use of Micro SAINT as a task network modeling tool these models can be developed quickly and inexpensively by individuals with no training in computer simulation. This technique is discussed as it is applied to the simulation of four alternative cockpit designs for a future attack helicopter. Computer simulations were developed which included helicopter and threat models in addition to the operator models, so that system performance measures (e. g. , vulnerability) could be collected in addition to operator workload measures. The effort provided several useful insights concerning the cockpits under consideration. The entire modeling, data collection, and data analysis effort required only ten weeks and less than sixteen man-weeks.