Unmanned GCS Human Factors Issues – Lockheed Martin mGCS

The research process for ground control stations was at first a bit challenging in finding specific details about each system for military applications. I discovered a good amount of information on the Lockheed Martin mobile ground control station which I feel will be more prevalent in the future due to the use of lower cost mini/small multi-rotor and fixed wing unmanned aircraft in both military and commercial applications. The mobile ground control station is optimized to be portable in all situations allowing for touch screen operation, and interface options with other laptops, tablets (Windows/Linux), or hand-held devices (Lockheed Martin, 2015). The system offers interoperability with numerous aircraft such as quad-copters, fixed wing, and other multi-rotor unmanned aircraft. Lockheed Martin is participating in the development of the NATO interoperability standard for UAV’s utilizing the STANAG4586 protocol (Lockheed Martin, 2016). The standard allows for commonality and the promotion of a protocol to help in the advancement of UAV interoperability. The smaller mobile system allows for quick and rapid deployment in the field with embedded touch screen, antenna, and power pack all in one unit (Lockheed Martin, 2013).

The hand held controller can act as a remote viewing terminal as well as the controls for the air vehicle. The mobile system was designed to be intuitive and simple as can be seen by the controller in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Adapted from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/cdl-systems/mgcs.html



The interactive map has been designed to help enhance situational awareness allowing for map toggle modes for viewing large-video/small map and small-video/large map options quickly and seamlessly. Setting waypoints, loiter points, and headings can be done by simply touching the desired point of interest. Flight modes include waypoint, fly by sensor, manual, loiter, launch, land, and return to home. Figure 3 and 4 show the interactive viewing map screen and a sample of the menu options.

Figure 3.  Adapted from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/cdl-systems/mgcs.html

Figure 4.  Adapted from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/cdl-systems/mgcs.html

The mobile GCS system was designed with simplicity in mind to allow the operator ease of operation. The disadvantages of a mobile ground control station are a reduction in sensory cues due to being in an outdoor environment versus indoors where distractions are minimized. The mobile hand-held controller, although convenient, only has visual display capability with little to no haptic or tactile feedback further reducing sensory cues and increasing the disconnect between operator and pilot. Audio and visual alarm cues might not be enough when an operator is controlling an air vehicle outdoors in more extreme environments. Some type of force feedback or vibration in addition to standard methods would be beneficial to ensure the operator is aware of specific flight conditions or issues. System warnings would include turbulence, weather changes, severe banking, and encroachment of other aircraft.

The mobile GCS could also suffer from viewing difficulties without the proper sun visor, shade, or other type of protection. This issue an easily be resolved but needs serious consideration based on the usage environment.

Issues with the human-machine interface include the user screen interface being slightly “busy” for the size of the hand-held controller. The interoperability of the GCS system is a major advantage however; the software should recognize the controller and remote terminal type and adjust the user interface based on screen size and resolution. The held-held controller is field friendly but the smaller screen size can be challenging visually, impact cognitive workload, and workload management (Hobbs, Alan, 2013). Also the smaller screen size can allow for “fat fingering” of a command. A fix for this would be either double tapping commands or a confirmation of specific commands to eliminate incorrect selections.

Lastly, when designing a mobile handheld GCS that only utilizes a single screen the human factors engineering processes must be firmly integrated to take into account all human machine interface concerns. The number of onscreen options, spacing, color schemes, picture in picture, joystick placement to reduce fatigue, and safety warnings that are audible and visual.




References

Hobbs, Alan. (2013). Human Factor Challenges of Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Retrieved from http://human-factors.arc.nasa.gov/publications/Hobbs_EAAP.pdf

Lockheed Martin. (2015). Mobile Ground Control Station. Retrieved from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/cdl-systems/mgcs.html

Lockheed Martin. (2016). mGCS Civil, Ground Control Operator Software for Commercial Applications. Retrieved from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/ms2/documents/cdl-systems/mGCS-Commercial-brochure.pdf

Lockheed Martin. (2016). mGCS, Mini and Small UAV Ground Control Operator Software. Retrieved from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/ms2/documents/cdl-systems/CDL_mGCS_Datasheet_080613.pdf

Lockheed Martin (2013). mGCS Capabilities Guide, Mini and Small UAV Ground Control Operator Software. Retrieved from http://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed/data/ms2/documents/cdl-systems/mGCSCapabilitiesGuide-2013.pdf