Evaluating the Effects of Task Load, Crew Size, and Work Design on Multiple Vehicle Operations

This study examines how the complexity of multi-vehicle operations scales due to the cost of coordinating multiple remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) between multiple operators. We conducted a desktop simulation study to investigate how task load (2 RPA vs. 4 RPA per person), crew size (2-person vs. 3-person), and work design (functional vs. structural), affect crew performance in multi-vehicle operations. Participants conducted search and rescue missions in crews using multiple RPA. We measured self-reported workload, number of images classified, and frequency of conflicts between RPA. Data was analyzed using Bayesian hierarchical models. Results suggest that coordination cost increases when increasing task load and crew size, and that these costs stem from interdependencies that are created between crew members in each work design.