ABSTRACT
This chapter examines situational awareness (SA) from a fast jet pilot’s perspective, with a major emphasis on the information exchange between the pilot and the environment. It examines some of the major sensor systems in the modern fast jet. They are of two functional types: aircraft performance sensors, and tactical situation sensors. While SA is a complex phenomenon, it can be achieved through accurate and timely processing of information derived from the fast jet cockpit and its various sensor and display systems. Sensor systems are vital to the safety and survival of the aircraft, as well as to the successful prosecution of the air mission. The sensor systems to be discussed can be categorised into two groups: target detection sensors such as radar, infra-red search and track, forward-looking infra-red; and threat detection sensors such as radar warning, laser warning and missile approach warning systems.
