LEVERAGING AUGMENTED REALITY IN SUPPORT OF AIRCRAFT TOWING EVOLUTIONS

Abstract

This thesis investigated the potential of utilizing augmented reality (AR) as an operational tool to assist tow crew directors in reducing the occurrence of aviation ground mishaps (AGMs) within the fleet. An experiment using experienced tow crew directors in a virtual environment (VE) found improved collision detection rate, mean stopping distance, and user confidence levels amongst all experiment participants across various aviation ground operation scenarios. While the effects did not rise to the level of statistical significance, experiment participants readily recognized and emphasized the potential impact of such a system on a tow crew director’s ability to control towing operations effectively and safely with enhanced efficiency. This thesis serves as a compelling proof of concept, providing valuable support to ongoing endeavors to further improve the safety and efficiency of naval aviation enterprise ground operations.