Evaluation of the Use of a Head Worn Display (HWD) for Flight Support in the Commercial Flight Deck
Date Published: 2009-11-10
Paper Number:2009-01-3144
DOI: 10.4271/2009-01-3144
Citation:
Thomas, L., "Evaluation of the Use of a Head Worn Display (HWD) for Flight Support in the Commercial Flight Deck," SAE Int. J. Aerosp. 2(1):109-114, 2010, doi:10.4271/2009-01-3144.
This study compared the performance of pilots flying a series of approach and landings under each of three conditions: using standard 737-NG flight deck displays only, using those displays with an optical head up display (HUD), and using those displays with a head worn display (HWD) depicting the same symbology as the HUD.
Display condition had no effect on pilots' normal landing flight profiles or successful avoidance of a runway incursion. However, pilots reported decreased situation awareness and increased perceived workload when using the HWD as compared to the other two conditions. Pilot comments suggested that the poorer ratings for HWD were attributed to physical characteristics of the hardware and noticeable head-tracking latency.
The results indicate that while the HWD technology still needs more refinement, the near-to-eye display concept is a viable alternative to a HUD.
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