An artificial neural network model of certain aspects of fighter pilot cognition

The purpose of the research described was to model the representation of the major cognitive states and decision making processes of a fighter pilot during the intercept phase of a two-versus-two air combat engagement against a single group of adversary aircraft. A highlight of the research was the integration of an artificial neural network (ANN) model into a hybrid structure containing conventional symbolic logic and algorithmic elements. A conceptual framework was developed within which to define the situational awareness (SA) construct. The key design goal for the ANN was to achieve a depth of learning that transcends associative mapping and internalizes the multivariate, nonlinear relationships characteristic of an air combat engagement. An air combat simulation was created to illustrate the model's performance.<
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