Voice Recognition in Fighter Aircraft

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

This study explored the significance of the voice type configuration used in U. S. Air Force fighter aircraft voice messaging systems. The research hypothesis stated that the voice of a person in a position of authority is more effective in commanding attention than the female voice type currently in use. Data were gathered using a questionnaire presented to U.S. Air Force aircrew members currently flying fighter aircraft. The data were analyzed using a nonparametric Chi-Square test to determine if the voice of a person in a position of authority significantly commands more attention than the female voice. The null hypothesis assumed no difference between the effectiveness of the two voice types. The study found that pilots significantly preferred the current configuration of a female voice. A comparison was also made utilizing a computer-synthesized voice. The results revealed that this computer-synthesized voice is preferred over the voice of an authority figure, but not over the current female voice.

Authors

• Bell, Gary Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Schultz, Marian C. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Schultz, James T Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University