TA-7C airplane human factors evaluation

Developmental testing of the TA-7C airplane to determine its suitability for the light attack mission with emphasis on the interface provisions between man and airplane was conducted during 6.0 hours of ground tests and 4 flights totaling 6.0 hours. Flying qualities and performance testing as it pertained to man-machine coordination was conducted on production representative airplanes emphasizing typical mission utilization and the man-machine interface. Test results showed that the easy to operate UHF radio frequency/channel controls and the excellent location of the UHF frequency/channel readout will allow the pilot to maintain a heads up scan during all flight phases and are enhancing characteristics. The inaccessible location of the emergency power package handle with the pilot's shoulder harness locked may prevent quick deployment of the Emergency Power Package and is a major deficiency. The obscured and poorly located master caution and fire warning lights, the extremely restricted rear quarter field of view, the provisions for emergency ground egress, and the hidden location of the emergency fuel switch and monitor lights are also major deficiencies which must be corrected prior to the airplane's delivery to fleet units. Flight testing also revealed several deficiencies which, based on funding, should be corrected as soon as practicable. The TA-7C airplane demonstrated fair potential for the light attack mission and will be satisfactory upon correction of the major deficiencies. An updated cockpit and provisions for the interface between the pilot and airplane are required to correct the deficiencies.