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PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF LONG-RANGE UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM OPERATORS

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF LONG-RANGE UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM OPERATORS

ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.21, No 4, 2025

https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2025.04.336

PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL AND MORAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF LONG-RANGE UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM OPERATORS

V. V. Kalnysh

Full article (PDF), UKR

Introduction. The rapid expansion of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in both military and civilian domains has significantly increased the importance of the psychophysiological reliability of long-range drone operators. Despite the high level of automation, the human operator remains a critical element in the human–machine system, performing monitoring, situation assessment, and decision-making tasks under conditions of prolonged cognitive load. These working conditions are often characterized by sensory monotony, information overload, and chronic stress, which may negatively affect vigilance, cognitive performance, and operational reliability.

Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychophysiological and moral-psychological aspects of the functioning of long-range unmanned aerial system operators and to identify key factors influencing the effectiveness of their professional activity.

Methods. The study employed methods of generalization and systematization of scientific literature as well as content analysis of the operational activities of long-range UAS operators performing high-risk tasks.

Results. Despite a high level of automation, the operator remains a key element of the human–machine system. The effectiveness of task performance is largely determined by the operator’s functional state. The stages of operator activity were analyzed, with particular attention to prolonged cruise-flight monitoring, which is associated with the development of monotony. The mechanisms of monotony formation and its influence on vigilance, neurodynamic stability, cognitive efficiency and operational reliability were examined. Differences between operators resistant and prone to monotony were identified, taking into account neurophysiological, cognitive and motivational factors. Moral-psychological aspects of remote operational activity were also analyzed in the context of modern technological and military transformations.

Conclusions. The activity of long-range UAS operators combines prolonged monotony with periods of intense cognitive load, which increases the risk of reduced vigilance and operational errors. The reliability of performance largely depends on individual resistance to monotony and psychophysiological resources, which necessitates comprehensive selection, specialized training and continuous psychophysiological support for UAS operators.

Keywords: unmanned aerial system operators, psychophysiological state, monotony, neurodynamic stability, vigilance, human factors.

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