On task dependence of helicopter pilot biodynamic feedthrough and neuromuscular admittance: An experimental and numerical study

In this article, the results of a piloted flight simulator campaign aimed at measuring biomechanical performance indicators of a helicopter pilot performing complex, realistic tasks are presented. The upper limbs' motion and the activation of the main muscle groups of the left arm were measured during ship-deck landings, performed flying several helicopter configurations with sea conditions of variable intensity. The analysis of the results shows an increase in the muscle activity relative to the increase in task difficulty, in agreement with subjective ratings (Bedford workload scale). The study provides useful indications to improve the corresponding biomechanical simulations, as well as to characterize pilot's performance during specific tasks.