Test Results of an Operability Rating Scale Using a Developmental Aerospace Vehicle

This paper summarizes handling qualities test results for a supersonic developmental aerospace vehicle (DAV) flight simulator using the Cooper-Harper Rating Scale (CHRS) and an alternative rating scale. Such alternative rating scale has been designed to include ratings for all possible task performance and pilot compensation combinations, unlike the CHRS. This research’s objective is to validate an alternative handling qualities rating scale to the CHRS that provides a more valid, reliable, and robust evaluations. This paper summarizes the full-scale handling qualities evaluation results from both rating scales. This paper first describes the alternative rating scale system’s design in comparison to the CHRS. This paper then outlines the test methods and results from three landing approach handling qualities test scenarios. A discussion of the results summarizes differences among rating scales and test scenarios.