Voice recognition and systems activation for aircrew and weapon system interaction

Attempts have been made to develop voice systems for weapon system control. One current problem involves voice characteristics changes under different flight conditions, where the original loading is no longer recognizable. It is suggested that a voice system would be a great benefit to single-seat systems where pilot saturation and distraction in complicated and complex cockpits are real problems. It is pointed out that the successful application of artificial intelligence techniques in a commercial voice recognition/activation system may present potential solutions for military application. To evaluate that potential, a simple test using the F-16 system was conducted. Two test pilots recorded various terms selected from the stores management system and flew profiles ranging from 10000 to 25000 feet, maneuvering at 7 to 9 Gs. The change in voice quality was readily discernible under those conditions. The next phase was to take a commercial unit and have the two pilots load it with their normal voice, then play the flight recording for that unit. It recognized and reacted to the various terms used. A third and vital step is to take the technology of the commercial unit and design it into a military qualified version.<>