Analysis Techniques For Man-Machine Systems Design

AC/243(Panel 8)TR/7 -8 -Volume 21.2 GRAPHIC MISSION PROFILESWhat the technique doesGraphic mission profiles are used to analyse system missions or operations. For the system of interest, they showrelevant system activities and significant mission events plotted against time, and/or space. System variables whichare represented include system state, geographical position, tracks, altitude or depth, and speed. Significant missionfunctions are noted on the ploL Most published examples of mission profiles are for aircraft (Linton et al., 1978,Meister, 1985; Stringer, 1978). They show the flight profile during the mission, and the major events which willdictate the system functions. Another example shows the system variable, speed, plotted against the independentvariable of time (see Dbring, 1992).Inputs to the techniqueThe analyst requires information on the missionobjectives and operational requirements. From thatinformation he/she must select the appropriate systemvariables for representation.Outputs of the techniqueThe completed profiles show a sequence of operationalevents or situations that will dc&crminethe function andperformance requirements of the system. Implicit in thoserequirements is the overall performance of the operator(s).MACH1.81.4-1.00.60.22 - 2.2orbitair descend fallen air cruise, nightrefuelling, for low anti-SAM airman refuelling climb approachALTITUDE level attack lan ingALTITUDEattack(x 1,000FEET)mriaenemymarginal60 *oin cruise, air attackJo4n° clb atk \ \ attack -200 0. 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 TIME (HOURS)5Figure 1.2: Example of an attack aircraft mission profile (after Zipoy et al. 1970)NATO UNCLASSIFIED-8 -