Human Factors and the Military -Cont.

Human Factors Engineering
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From Page 47

(1) Very good.

have to be identified.

So, since you know the question to ask, let's see what the answers

are. First, let's look at the human performance requirements. The rifleman

must be able to lift the X-2001 and maintain it steadily against his

shoulder for periods up to 'X' amount of time. Can he? Sure, the R&D team

already checked out this aspect with anthropometric and biomechanical data.

Next, the human must be able to detect the target up to a specified

number of yards. Can he? Sure, again R&D did well.

Can the human squeeze the trigger without jiggling the X-2001 to the

extent that he misses the target?

Yes, no problem. Proper attention has

been given to the level of tension on the trigger.

Next, the operator must be able to follow the rocket's path with the

naked eye. Sure, a bright flare has been added to ensure that he can track

the rocket.

Okay, now the marksman must be able to sight the target area when the

rocket is within range. Can he? Well, let's think about that for a second

or two. The human can estimate when the rocket is in range, but he can't

actually see when the rocket is on the target. Why?

(1) The marksman can't see beyond the rocket's glare. Turn to Page 70.

(2) Visual precision at this distance isn't possible, so the sighting

mechanism needs to be modified so that more magnification is possible. Turn

to Page 20.

(3) Visual perceptual accuracy isn't possible when tracking an object that

has the velocity of the rocket. Turn to Page 99.