Application of artificial intelligence to improve aircraft survivability

Abstract

The hazards associated with the critical flight phases of civil as well as military flight operations can seriously degrade pilot efficiency, and therefore aircraft survivability, if the number or complexity of tasks that the pilot must manage exceeds his/her capabilities. This thesis explores the feasibility of applying artificial intelligence (AI) research to the construction of a Survivability Manager (SM) knowledge based system (KBS) that will assist the pilot by assuming a portion of the survivability task management load. The application of KBS principles to survivability management is illustrated using the normal and emergency management procedures for a hypothetical engine fuel supply system as a working example. Though the SM is not a reality today, there is considerable research in both AI and survivability management studies to draw upon. It is recommended that a prototype be developed using currently available assets to further investigate the feasibility od the Survivability Manager.