Progress and prospects in spatial orientation disorders in rotorcraft pilots

Abstract

The incidence rate of spatial disorientation is quite high, and it poses a significant threat to flight safety. However, current research on spatial orientation for rotary-wing aviators is still lack, and attention to the field remains in sufficient. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft pilots, the rotary-wing aviators face unique characteristics and challenges in disorders of spatial orientation. Over the past century, significant progress has been made in reducing flight accidents related to spatial disorientation through simulation training for rotary-wing aviators. With the rapid development of virtual reality technology and artificial intelligence, this approach holds great potential for further exploration in the future. In recent years, researchers have been studying the occurrence mechanism of spatial disorientation from the perspective of cognitive formation processes, which providing new targeted focal points for early warning. In terms of characteristics, targeted simulation training, and underlying mechanisms of spatial disorientation, we review the progress in the research on the aspect and prospect future research directions, which is of great military significance in effectively reducing the occurrence rate of spatial disorientation and the resulting accidents.

Keywords

• spatial disorientation
• rotorcraft aircraft
• simulation training
• cognition