Lloyd V. Searle; Ergonomics Pioneer, Military Systems Developer

Lloyd V. Searle, 83, ergonomics pioneer who developed systems for the military including the first sophisticated pilot training module. A native of Craig City, Okla., Searle was educated at UC Berkeley and Tufts University. He was the author of about 50 professional articles and was widely known for adapting complex military systems for practical, comfortable use by enlisted personnel. He first won recognition for his role in developing the Link Trainer, a stationary module in which student pilots learn the intricacies of flying with instruments. Over his long career, Searle did research for both the Navy and the Air Force in Washington, D.C., and California. From 1961 to 1979, he was senior human factors scientist with System Development Corp. Among Searle’s many awards were armed services certificates of appreciation in 1946 and 1968 for research during World War II and Vietnam respectively, and the Air Force meritorious civilian service award in 1958 for contributions to strategic aircraft and missile systems. On Jan. 31 in Northridge.