An Evaluation of Four Alternative Orientation Indicators to Accompany the Tank Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer

This research evaluated four orientation indicators (icons) under consideration for the Commander's Independent Thermal Viewer (CITV). Each icon consisted of three parts: Hull, CITV, and Main Gun. They differed with respect to moving versus stationary parts: (a) Hull stationary with moving CITV and Main Gun, (b) Main Gun stationary with moving Hull and CITV, (c) CITV stationary with moving Hull and Main gun, and (d) all moving parts. Forty-four M1-qualified tank crewmen were tested as tank commanders with a Unit Conduct of Fire (UCOFT) equipped with a prototype CITV. Results of analyses on performance measures and confidence ratings favored the all moving and Hull stationary icons over the CITV and Main gun stationary icons and, with one exception, the all moving icon over the Hull stationary icon. In addition, results of analyses on a preference measure indicated that the soldiers preferred the all moving and Hull stationary icons over the CITV and Main Gun stationary icons, but had no clear preference for either the all moving icon or the Hull stationary icon. Finally, over 40% of the soldiers recommended including a cardinal direction indicator with the icon.