Virtual teleoperation performance under load factor in real flight

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) represents the future of aerial operations by enabling an operator aboard a manned aircraft to control one or more Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). As MUM-T interfaces are still developing, understanding how dynamic environments affect operators’ perception and control performance is essential. This study investigates the effect of load factor and visual perspective on teleoperation performance, workload, and motion sickness. Fourteen participants completed a simulated teleoperation task onboard a light Robin DR400 aircraft, subjected to turn angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° (load factors of 1.2, 1.4, and 2g respectively). Preliminary results reveal a significant increase in mental and physical demands under higher load factors without affecting teleoperation performance. No difference was observed between the two visual perspectives tested (first person and third person). This study shows that teleoperators can maintain their performance in real flight conditions at the cost of a higher subjective workload.