Human Factors and Training Implications of Advanced-Concept Cargo Vehicles

ARI obtained human factors data (with the exception of noise-level data) and training implications data by administering two questionnaires to drivers of three types of high mobility vehicles: the Lockheed Twister Dragon Wagon (DW), the M813 5-ton truck, and the M520 GOER truck. (Noise-level data for these trucks and for the M656 cargo truck were obtained by the Field Instrumentation Division of the MASSTER Engineering and Instrumentation Directorate.) The principle findings were: The Dragon Wagon was ranked significantly superior to the 5-ton and GOER on 16 of 26 human factors items; The Dragon Wagon was markedly superior to the 5-ton, GOER, and M656 on noise- level tests; Driver training provided on the Dragon Wagon was judged sufficient in 9 out of 14 areas by four or more of six drivers especially trained on that vehicle. In 5 acreas three or more of the drivers felt that additional training would be useful; and The Dragon Wagon, GOER, and 5-ton each have selected characteristics that require special training.