A method for optimizing a helicopter gun system lead computing optical sight through simulation

This research explores the use of simulation to optimize a lead computing sight for a helicopter gun system. Basic research into air-to-air gunnery, air-to-air combat, and helicopter gun accuracy improvement programs involving lead computing sights was accomplished as well as a review of the existing F-18 "Hornet" lead computing sight system. A computer simulation was developed to provide a test bed for obtaining tracking accuracy data for a gun tracking task using three different pilot interfaces. Volunteer operators, both pilots and non-pilots, "flew" the simulation and real time data were recorded. The data were analyzed and used to develop tracking accuracy models which were in turn used in the development of a computer ballistics program using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. This limited scope simulation was used to evaluate the effects of the various kinds of pilot interfaces on the accuracy of the modeled gun direction system in combination with various control feedback loops. Probability of hit (P_H) data were generated which was utilized as a basis for a discussion of sight design and implementation. The method was extrapolated to use more capable aircraft specific high-fidelity flight simulators as data gathering devices. Finally, a recommendation was made for the mechanization of an optimized helicopter air-to- air gun and lead computing optical sighting system for the AH-1W "SuperCobra".