Visual Search Training Techniques in a UAV Simulator Environment: Pilots’ Performance, Workload, and Stress

ii Target search is a common objective in military operations involving UAVs. The development of visual search training techniques could improve target search efficiency and reduce mission cost. In this study, target, cue and visual scanning training techniques were evaluated using the FlightGear UAV flight simulator. Participants were assigned at random to one of four training conditions including a control training condition. In a target training condition, participants learned how to discriminate a target military fuel truck from other types of trucks. In the cue condition, participants learned how to discriminate a cue (i.e., military hangar) from other types of non-cue hangars. In the visual scanning condition, participants were asked to search for the cue located in different parts of the screen. In the control condition, participants learned how to discriminate a military antenna from other types of antennae. The participants also received UAV navigation and, where applicable, secondary task trainings. The skills achieved in the training were tested during a 30-minute UAV flight. The participants were asked to fly the plane along the route, detect and take pictures of the targets. One half o