Evaluation of Digital Data Broadcast for Area Navigation.

The objectives of this program were to evaluate the Digital Data Broadcast (DDB) system in the following areas: (1) Substantiate a predicted reduction in cockpit workload and pilot blunder provided by the addition of broadcast data into the RNAV environment. (2) Assess the technical performance characteristics and overall feasibility of a DDB Engineering Model hardware unit. (3) Determine the operational utilization of the DDB concept for RNAV in the terminal area. The results of program were: (1) The results of the DDB Flight Test program indicate a positive reduction in cockpit workload and pilot blunder through the utilization of the DDB concept in the RNAV environment system. (2) The DDB concept was satisfactorily proved by the utilization of the DDB Engineering Model hardware. Specific areas of recommended improvement are modifications to X-mode DDB pulse spacing and to waypoint designators. (3) The operational utilization of the DDB concept permits its user to devote more time to cockpit management duties, since it reduces the required RNAV navigation input times and thereby, reduces cockpit workload. (Author)
Prepared in cooperation with Champlain Technology Industries.