Factors Influencing The Visual Detection And Recognition Of Low Altitude Aircraft

A study of man's ability to visually detect, recognize, and estimate range to low-altitude military aircraft is described. Twenty-seven Army enlisted men, who were given training and field experience in detecting and recognizing aircraft, served as observers. Observers were randomly assigned to the nine combinations of observer offset from the aircraft flight path (head-on, 650-, and 1,400-meter offset) and use of binoculars (binoculars for detection and recognition, binoculars for recognition, and no binoculars). Jet and propeller aircraft provided the low-altitude targets. Observers were provided early warning in time and aircraft position prior to each trial. Results of the study are presented. (Author).