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CIG Data Bases–Where are  We Headed?

Robert W. Beck, Program Engineer

and

Micheal R. Nicol, Visual Engineer

Aeronautical Systems Division

U.S. Air Force Systems Command

Wright-Patterson Air force Base

The rapid advancement in capabilities of computer image generation (CIG) visual systems has resulted in increased application of such systems from take-off and landing training to full-mission simulation.  These full-mission applications dictate a need for the creation of high-fidelity databases covering large geographical areas on the order of multiple thousands of square miles.  As a consequence, the manual techniques employed in the past to create small, airfield vicinity databases are not practical for generation of very large databases.  Clearly, some type of automated data base generation technique is required.  Current trends are aimed at utilizing the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA), CIG system constraints, and training utility of the end product limit the amount of automation possible in the data base generation process.  This paper discusses the evolution of the CIG data base generation process from total manual methods to current trends toward full automation.  Practical limits of automation and potential future developments are examined.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Automatic Transformation of the DMA DDB

For Real Time Visual Simulation

                Paul Hughett, Lead Systems Engineer for Data Base Software

Link Division, The Singer Company

This visual data base transformation program automatically transforms the Defense Mapping Agency Digital Data Base (DMA DDB) into a data base for real-time simulation of the B-52 electro-optical viewing system.  The user reviews the source data and specifies edge budgets, error tolerances, and visual/infrared models for DMA planimetry feature classes.  The DMA DDB is read re-blocked into standard geographical areas; data from different manuscripts, levels, and releases are merged into a composite source file.  The user may edit the composite source.  Then planimetry and terrain are independently modeled into visual/IR representations and progressively simplified (levelled) to meet the specified edge and error budgets at several levels of detail.  The leveled planimetry and terrain are integrated into a combined scene model and reformatted for real-time use.  Utility software facilitates production management and configuration control.  Significant advances include automatic level of detail generation, terrain modeling, planimetry/terrain integration, and a 100-fold speedup in data base generation.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Automation of Data Base Development In

Computer Image Generators

Timothy B. Cunningham and Gino O. Picasso

General Electric Company

Military requirements for large scale training missions on computer image generation (CIG) systems have placed increased emphasis on the CIG data base development process.  General Electric produces large scale data bases in a semi-automatic process involving the transformation and enhancement of Defense Mapping Agency digital data bases into CIG scene descriptors.  The enhancement process is the limiting factor in the evolution of a fully automated data base development system, and suggests a requirement for a single source data base.  Future General Electric CIG systems will incorporate automation technology to allow for low cost generation of visual scenes meeting strategic applications of specific weapon systems trainers.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Effective Antialiasing of Computer Generated Images

Dr. Geoffrey Y. Gardner and Edwin P. Berlin Jr.

Grumman Aerospace Corporation

Aliasing in computer generated image produces artifacts, which degrade training effectiveness.  A rigorous implementation of low-pass filtering required to prevent aliasing requires computation too extensive to be incorporated into real-time computer image generation (CIG) systems.  As a result, current CIG systems employ poor approximations to proper filtering, and aliasing still occurs.

This paper discusses the theory of image filtering and demonstrates a new real-time anti-aliasing technique developed from the theory.  The new technique represents a much closer approximation to the rigorous solution and therefore produces images of much higher quality than current real-time techniques.  At the same time it requires less computation.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Distortion Correction in Computer-Image

Generation-Based Wide Angle Visual Display Systems

Jerome T. Carollo and Nathaniel D. Reynolds

General Electric Company

Wide angle visual display systems used in flight simulation systems often exhibit distortion due to the display geometry and/or optics.  Distortion correction in the image generator permits the use of a wide variety of display systems with the assurance that the correct perspective of the environment is always presented to the viewer.  The paper will address the definitions of geometric and optical distortion followed by a discussion of some parameters relating to Computer Image Generation (CIG) and display system performance.  Several kinds of displays including domes, on-or-off axis infinity systems, will be considered, together with the image projection devices used in these displays, including unshapeable light value projectors with f-tan 0, f-0, or anamorphic lenses, laser displays, or dynamically changing projectors.  Some discussion of the distortion correction implemented on the Aviation Wide Angle Visual System (AWAVS) and Visual Technology Research Simulator’s (VTRS) two flight simulators CTOL and VTOL at the Naval Training Equipment Center (NTEC), Orlando, Florida will be presented.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Computer Generation of Curvilinear Objects

Johnson K. Yan

Link Division, The Singer Company

This paper surveys alternative approaches to curvilinear object generation by computer.  These alternative approaches are compared in terms of ease of generation of silhouettes of objects, ease of intensity computation, ease of texture generation, image quality, data base compactness and flexibility of modeling free-form curvilinear objects.  The alternative approaches surveyed are planar surface approach, quadric surface approach and parametric surface approach.  Other techniques within the class of parametric surfaces, which appear to be promising, but have not yet been tried are also discussed.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Joining Techniques for Optically Combined Visual Display Systems

Jerry L. Bentz

McDonnell Douglas Electronics Company

Since the introduction and FAA certification of VITAL in March 1972, computer generated image display modules containing a spherical mirror, beamsplitter, and cathode ray tube (CRT) have become very familiar to flight simulator visual system users.  Increased utilization of simulators has created the need for expanded visual system fields of view.  CGI techniques and creative variations to these basic display modules are satisfying this need.

In less than one decade, visual display systems have progressed from single module, single channel to multiple channels using optically combined modules.  To provide for these broader requirements, McDonnell Douglas Electronics company (MDEC) has developed three separate approaches employing optical combining techniques.  They are modular, wide field of view and zero gap.  All are capable of being optically joined into multiple module configurations with overlapping imagery, and each exhibits a different set of tradeoff considerations.  This paper discusses field of view (FOV), and describes the joining characteristics for each technique.  It concludes by presenting photographs of imagery from our latest configurations, the wide Field of View and Zero Gap overlapped displays.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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High Output–High Speed Video Images Projector Adapted to the Simulation Needs

Francois Desvignes et Jean R. Huriet

Societe Anonyme d’Etudes et Realisations Nucleaires (SODERN) France

The main specifications, for the visual displays associated with military aircraft simulators are first recalled; they take into account the eye properties for spatial resolution, color and speed of response.  These specifications are examined from the point of view of simulator design and video-to-visual image converters.  The features of a new projector developed by SODERN are then briefly described and their adaptation to simulator needs are discussed.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Behavioral Bases for Determining Vehicle Detailing In Simulation Displays

Dr. Brian L. Kottas and Dr. David W. Bessemer

United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Effective representation of armored vehicles in simulation displays demands a careful evaluation of human perceptual capabilities.  This holds especially true for computer generated target displays, which must provide sufficient detail to allow vehicle identification within limitations of computer processing time and display resolution.  Even in image generation and display systems not incurring such limitations, the image detail need not exceed human perceptual and cognitive information processing capabilities.  Providing excessive detailing of targets may, in fact, produce negative training by allowing those being trained to depend on information unavailable in combat for target identification training and its implications for target displays are discussed.  Estimates are presented for the visibility of features of threat and friendly main battle tanks, based on analysis of past empirical research done under ideal visibility conditions and visibility data from past research.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Training Techniques Using Computer Generated Imagery (CGI)

David B. Coblitz

McDonnell Douglas Electronics Company

Aircraft simulators have in the past been designed and used primarily as substitutes for aircraft.  CGI provides the flexibility to enhance training in ways not normally possible in an aircraft.  This research conceived and demonstrated training approaches to take advantage of this flexibility.  Rather than duplicate the real world cockpit environment, this study considers other objectives attainable.  This requires a change from thinking of a simulator as an airplane substitute to thinking of it as a training device that can complement “real world” training from text through actual aircraft.  Another change requiring consideration is the expected change in military use of simulators from teaching initial, simple flight skills and procedures, to teaching and maintaining complex combat skills involving interactions among several aircraft and ground systems.

Scene elements were incorporated into a computer generated visual presentation which did not represent “real world” objects, but which were there solely for instructional purposes.

Hopefully, these techniques will be used to improve the effectiveness of actual aircraft hours spent in training rather than replace them.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Digital Visual Special Effects

Frank P. Lewandowski, David Hinkle and William Tucker

Advanced Products Operations, Link Division, The Singer Company

Link has developed techniques that significantly improve the usefulness and appearance of visual scenes without expending an undue amount of visual system capability.  Much of this work used face or object substitution, real time data base manipulation, and further frame and field logic to produce extremely realistic sea scenes including sea state, bow and stern wakes, and land scenes such as smoke, steam, rotor blades, weapons effects, etc.

These techniques will be discussed and a short movie illustrating some of the most dramatic effects will be shown.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Visual Cue Requirements for Terrain Flight Simulation

George H. Buckland

Air Force Human Resources Laboratory

Operations Training Division

Williams Air Force Base

Three types of visual scene cues were varied in order to determine their effect on pilot performance during simulated low altitude flight.  The three types of visual cues consisted of three sizes of ground texture patterns, the presence or absence of vertical object cues, and the presence or absence of an aircraft shadow.  The pilots who flew the simulated missions reported that all three visual cues were useful, however the vertical object cues and texture patterns were more useful than the aircraft shadow.  Both the texture patterns and the vertical object cues produced statistically significant differences in quantitative measures of pilot performance.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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A New Visual SYSTEM Architechture

Robert A. Schumacker, Director

Advanced Visual Systems

Evans and Sutherland

A new generation of daylight computer image generation (CIG) equipment, based on technology known as CT-5, employs some architectural concepts that depart substantially from previous practice.  A broad range of simulation requirements can be met efficiently by simple, modular configurations of equipment.  Some interesting characteristics of this architecture include modularity of resolution and capacity, graceful response to overloads, channel expansion with corresponding total capacity growth, and comprehensive treatment of image quality issues.  This paper provides an overview of CT-5 technology and system characteristics relative to visual simulation tasks.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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A New Approach to CGI Systems

W. Dichter, K. Doris and C. Conkling

Gould Inc., Simulation Systems Division

A new approach to CGI systems: A new approach to CGI visual systems is presented which has distinct advantages over conventional systems.  Although conventional systems have provided the simulation community with a high level of sophistication, they are costly and lack the modularity required for low-cost, limited requirement trainers.

The new CGI approach capitalizes on recent advances made in modern semiconductor technology coupled with double-buffered refresh memory, video lookup tables, and modular design techniques.  The advantages of this new system (GVS-1) are reduced system cost, minimal development risk, high modularity, and high reliability.

The basic components of this system (general-purpose computer, geometric processor, display generator, illumination control) are described in this paper.  In addition, texturing capability of the system is briefly discussed.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Realscan—A CIG System with Greatly Increased Image Detail

                Dr. A. Michael Spooner,  Denis R. Breglia

Naval Training Equipment Center

and

Dr. Benjamin W. Patz

University of Central Florida

Computer image generation (CIG) successfully provides images for a large proportion of visual simulation tasks, using polygon models of the environment.  However, for close approach to terrain, e.g., for air/ground weapon delivery, confined area maneuvering and harbor navigation, the image detail is insufficient and the cost of generating the high detail data bases is becoming increasingly prohibitive.

The authors are developing a new form of CIG – the Real Environment Algorithm for Line Scanning (Realscan) System, using a uniform grid type digital data base of contoured, textured terrain semi-automatically generated from Defense Mapping agency (DMA) and stereo photo data.  The system will use video disc bulk storage, potentially visible data (for a given position and attitude of the simulated vehicle) being read into random access memory and then addressed in accordance with an algorithm giving correct perspective mapping into the display in real time with automatic elimination of hidden areas of terrain and without aliasing (sampling artifacts).

The image detail in a system of this type can be limited only by the display resolution, giving a very large increase in scene detail over what is likely to be available for many years with polygon modeled CIG.  The application of the system to IR is being studied with the aim of producing coordinated visual/IR/radar displays generated from a common data base.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Conceptual Design of a Rotorcraft Advanced Visual System

                Arlin Deel, Colonel, United States Army

Aeromechanics Laboratory USARTL (AVRADCOM)

Robert J. Rue

Boeing Military Airplane Company

A conceptual design is presented of a large field-of-view, high resolution visual system with an integrated flexible cab configuration that can be procured with a high degree of confidence in the 1982-84 time period.  The mission requirements are defined for the Army rotocraft system Integration Simulator (RSIS) which incorporates this Advanced Cab and Visual System (ACAVS).  A brief description is provided of the NASA-Ames Vertical Motion Simulator as it will be configured with ACAVS installed.  Major ACAVS system requirements are addressed and some attention is given to their relationships to the intended mission.  Four existing visual display technologies and computer generated imagery approaches are identified and their potential application to ACAVS is described.  The ACAVS conceptual design is presented and a comparison is made of major requirements and goals to final system specifications.

The paper closes with a brief discussion of potential applications of the RSIS to future helicopter systems design, integration, product improvement evaluations and safety analysis.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Cost-Effectiveness of Computer-Based Instruction

For Military Training

Jesse Orlansky and Joseph String

Institute for Defense Analyses

The cost and effectiveness of computer-based instruction for military training are evaluated on the basis of about 30 studies conducted since 1968.  Four methods of instruction are distinguished and compared.  They are: Conventional Instruction, Individualized Instruction, Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Computer-Managed Instruction (CMI).  Student achievement at school is about the same with all methods of instruction.  CAI and CMI save about 30 percent (median) of the time required by students to complete the same course given by conventional instruction.  Individualized instruction (without computer support) also saves student time; the addition of CAI or CMI to courses taught this way saves little additional student time.  Student attrition appears to increase with CMI compared with conventional instruction, but changes in student quality may also account for this increase.  No such data is available on CAI.  Students prefer CAI or CMI to conventional instruction; attitudes of instructors, considered in only a few studies, are unfavorable to CAI and CMI.  Direct comparisons of the cost and effectiveness of different methods of instruction are not now possible because of incomplete cost data.  Most so-called cost savings attributed to CAI and CMI are based on estimates of pay and allowances of students for the time saved by these methods of instruction; data for other costs, such as for CAI or CMI equipment, courseware and instructors must also be considered.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Establishing the Training Cost for a Complex Weapons System: An Example Using the P-3 FRS

Dr. Richard A. Walker

Courseware, Inc.

and

Walter F. Thode

Navy Personnel Research and Development Center

This paper describes an approach of establishing the training cost for a complex weapons system.  The Navy P-3 Training Program in VP-30 and VP-31 was used as a model in establishing the cost parameters.  In this program over 5,691 training objectives were developed stretching over sever crew positions and a multitude of training tracks.  This paper will show how costs were developed for each crew position describing the costs for learning center, for weapon system trainer, for cockpit procedure trainer, for position trainer and for the aircraft itself.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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A Total Training System Cost Effectiveness Model

R. J. Strohl and J. R. Milligan

North American Aircraft Division

Rockwell International

Rapidly increasing costs and military requirements now dictate a total system life cycle approach to training system design and development.  Quantitative evaluation of training system concepts and acquisition alternatives requires the use of a rational procedure or model which defines the relationships between all elements of the system.  A first generation training system cost effectiveness (TSCE) model has been developed which allows media designers, instructional psychologists, and system analysts to integrate their concepts on a total system life cycle basis.  This model uses the Instructional System Development (ISD) process to derive media mix and syllabus.  Terminal learning objectives (TLOs) and syllabus are linked to design-oriented media characteristics and performance.  Application of the TSCE model to undergraduate pilot training system concept evaluation provides a detailed understanding of how the major system variables interact in addition to quantitative definition of total system performance.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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The Relevance of Cognitive Psychology to Instructional Technology

Gary G. Miller

Instructional Psychology

Northrop Corporation

This paper discusses the recent shift in emphasis in psychology from behaviorism to cognitive psychology and the relevance of this development to the field of instructional technology.  Several problem areas in the application of instructional psychology are discussed.  They include:  (a) the development of prescriptive handbooks/guidelines and (b) a preoccupation with hardware technology at the expense of instructional processes.  Recent research is cited which suggests that the basis for many of the instructional designs incorporated in DOD and industry wide training systems may not be as firm as once thought.  Adoption of some of the recent findings in cognitive psychology and a union of behaviorism and cognitive psychology are suggested as a partial solution of some of the above identified problem areas.  Some of the advantages of adopting a decision-oriented approach to the design of training systems are also discussed.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Instructional Factors in Modern Trainer Development

John F Schlyer

Crew Systems Technology, Boeing Military Airplane Company

and

Robert K. Knapp*

Department of Psychology

Wichita State University

*Staff consultant, Crew Systems, Technology, Boeing Military Airplane Company

Trends in simulation training are reviewed, highlighting both the technological advances and the recurrent problem areas, which have encouraged and plagued instructional system developers.  These trends are expected to persist into the 80’s.  In general, the paper draws from the simulation literature of the late 1970’s.  It clarifies and diagnoses the fundamental human factor issues in simulation training.  Viewpoints of industry and military researchers are evaluated and integrated.  Recommendations are based on existing data, which support concrete problem-solving strategies.  Research approaches are suggested for areas where knowledge gaps exist.  The following topics are discussed:

1) Persisting issues in motion, fidelity, and user attitudes;

2) Interaction of training device instructional features, traditional instructor functions, and clarity of behavioral goals;

3) The psychosocial culture of simulator instructors;

4) Training effectiveness and transfer–The problem of evaluation;

5) Simulator sophistication and instructor workload.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                Closed-Loop Training Systems Through the Application

            of Instructional Features

James D. Bell

Honeywell, Inc., Training and Control Systems Center

Training effectiveness requires that the training “devices” be closed-loop systems with properly applied and integrated instructional features.  This paper presents a generic approach to the application of instructional features based on the perspective gained through two diverse development efforts.  The paper emphasized the systematic application of the techniques such as cues, prompts, feedback and measurement to enable an objective and appropriately controlled training environment.  It presents for comparison the results of two separate efforts to develop programmed instruction and automated performance measurement features on a) the 14A2 ASW Tactical Team Trainer and b) the ASN-118 Navigation Computer system (NCS) Maintenance Procedure Simulator (MPS).    A comparative analysis describes the difference in an instructional features approach as governed by the training situations that are supported.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                Instructional Design for Aircrew Judgement Training

Dr. F. Brecke

Veda Incorporated

Aircrew training design has made significant progress during recent years.  However, significant gaps exist, both in design methodology and existing programs with respect to systematic training of higher level cognitive skills.  Training in decision-making and judgment is currently haphazard at best.  After a brief review of recent literature, the paper presents a conceptual model of judgment performance.  The theoretical model is an extrapolation from Jensen (1977) and unites the variables of cognitive complexity, time availability, uncertainty, and stress in one coherent model.  The model is used to examine current aircrew training and to develop new training strategies for improving judgment performance.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Student Flow Simulation Model–Applied to U.S. Navy Consolidated Electronic Warfare Training System

Chan S. Park, Ph.D., P.E.

Assistant Professor

Department of Industrial Engineering

Auburn University

and

Gary E. Whitehouse, P.H.D., P.E.

Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems

University of Central Florida

and

Ted E. Pearson, EW Project Team Leader

Training Analysis and Evaluation Group

Naval Training and Equipment Center

This paper describes an applied training research study in the use of computer simulation being conducted for the chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET) by the Training Analysis and evaluation Group (TAEG) of the United States Navy.  The study is a part of the consolidated Navy Electronic Warfare School (CNEWS) training system program.  A computer simulation model has been developed to model the complex student flows and training resource utilization patterns through a multi-track, mixed group-paced and self-paced training curriculum which exists in the electronic Warfare School (EW) at the Naval Technical Training Center.  This paper also describes the effectiveness of using SLAM as a simulation language to model the network-oriented structure of this simulation.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                The Role of the Prime Airframe Manufacturer as an Instructional Systems Developer

Dr. Jay R. Swink, Branch Chief,

Richard T. Goins, Training Analyst, and

Stanley M. Aronberg, Training Specialist

Instructional Systems Development

Human Factors Engineering, Douglas Aircraft Company

Instructional Systems Development (ISD) in the military has traditionally either been performed in-house or by an independent contractor.  Historically, prime airframe manufacturers have neither had the interest or the technical capabilities to provide this service.  Based strictly upon the technical requirements for conducting ISD for an emerging weapon system, however, the airframe manufacturer is in a unique position to concurrently design and develops training in parallel with the aircraft.  He has ready access to the technical data, engineering specification and design inputs much earlier than any outside agency.  His ability to collect performance data and determine system configuration can expedite the development of training device specifications thus insuring that devices are delivered in time to begin initial aircrew training.  Additionally, training requirements can be considered early enough to be integrated into the design process and actually impact the final system configuration.  With the emergence of a “total systems approach” mandated by OMB Circular A109 and DOD 5000.1 and .2, this ISD capability is being developed by the airframe industry and should be considered as an integral part of the prime’s responsibility during Full Scale Development.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Optimizing Simulator-Aircraft Training Mixes*

William R. Bickley

United States Army Research Institute Field Unit at Fort Rucker

Under the assumptions that (1) as simulator training increases, required aircraft training decreases to some non-negative minimum and that (2) at any point, the rate at which required aircraft training decreases is a fixed proportion of the difference between present required training and the minimum required training achievable, the function relating x, the simulation training received, with y, the subsequent training required in the actual aircraft to attain criterion, will be of the form y = ae –bx + c.  This formulation has tremendous utility in allowing the training analyst to calculate the most cost-effective mixes of simulator and aircraft training.  This approach was applied in the United States Army’s acceptance tests of the AH-1 flight simulator (AH1FS).  Non-linear regression analysis of data collected on some 30 individual maneuvers indicates the methodology is viable.  A straightforward methodology for incorporating these results into analysis of the combined cost and training effectiveness of the AH1FS and similar training devices is presented.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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* The views, opinions, and/or findings contained in this report are those of the author(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy, or decision, unless so designated by other official documentation.

Transfer of Training Effectiveness Evaluation for

UNITED STATES Navy Device 2B35

William V. Hagin, Wallace W. Prophet

Seville Research Corporation

and

Edwin P. Durall

Control Data Corporation

Training effectiveness of Navy Device 2B35, a computer image visual system used in Navy Advanced Jet Phase UPT, was evaluated utilizing a transfer of training design.  Comparisons were made for two simulator groups and a control group for the Familiarization, Night Familiarization, and Carrier Qualification stages of training; for the Weapons stage training, comparisons were made for a single simulator group and a control group.  Results are presented separately for the various training stages.  Implications for Navy UPT, the Navy VTXTS procurement, instructor training, and for visual simulation in general are drawn.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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United Airlines Use of CRI/CMI/CAI

David A. Kolakowski

Staff Flight Training Program Development Specialist

United Airlines

Since January, 1978, United Airlines has been using the PLATO computerized system to manage an individualized, criterion referenced instructional (CRI) program for newly hired pilots.  This program was designed utilizing the CRI concept to take advantage of trainees’ existing knowledge repertoires, the different rates at which trainees learn, for for scheduling flexibility.  Criterion tests, used to measure expected performance, are presented on the PLATO Computer Managed Instruction (CMI) system; learning resources are printed materials, slide-tapes and video-tapes.  The next program that was developed and implemented in January, 1980, Initial First Officer, utilizes both the CMI and Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) features of PLATO.  Also based on CRI design, this program is presented on PLATO as CAI lessons yet still contains the advantages of CMI record keeping.  In addition, no external media is necessary, the trainee is provided immediate feedback, and appropriate learning material is given on the spot.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                The Marine Corps Mastery Learning Project:

            New Directions in Training

                Colonel J. Deprima, USMC, Director

Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

The Mastery Learning Project at the Marine Corps communication-Electronics School in Twentynine Palms, California is the Marine corps’ test bed for the development of a self-paced, mastery-learning strategy.  This strategy is viewed as the way to improve personnel and training readiness by providing complex technical instruction in less time, with less academic attrition, and with no degradation in quality.  The key to success lies in the emphasis placed on offering closer, more personalized instructor attention to those students who require it.  A computer-based management information system provides essential automated support for instructional personnel as well as for all the administrative and managerial functions within the school, thereby permitting substantial reductions in training overhead costs.  Experience gained thus far has shown that students are achieving mastery of all learning objectives in 70% of the conventional training time, with academic attrition approaching zero.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Development of TGTS–A Tank Gunnery Training Simulator

John B. Keegan

Singer (U.K.) Link-Miles Division

Link-Miles has carried out a Student Program to develop a Tank Gunnery Training Simulator (TGTS).  The Program was carried out in consultation with many armies worldwide, and in close collaboration with a European army.  A survey of Armour training methods and User requirements was made, to define the features, which should be provided in the simulator.  There followed an Engineering investigation, to establish the design of a cost-effective device, which meets the identified training requirements.  This paper describes the Study Program, and the conceptual design of the TGTS.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                1200 PSI Propulsion Plant Trainer–Device 19E22

LCDR Daniel R. Bowler

Surface Warfare Officers’ School Command

and

Albert Vaskunas

Gould, Inc., Simulation Systems Division

The ability of today’s surface Navy to carry out its mission depends not only on advanced weapons systems and highly sophisticated electronics countermeasures, but also on the reliability of the steam propulsion plants which generate electrical power and propel the ships around the world.  Reliability of a propulsion plant depends upon a crew, both enlisted men and officers, who are well trained in equipment maintenance and the ability to operate the plant safely both under normal and casualty conditions.  To achieve this required expertise through training is the function of the 1200 PSI Propulsion Plant Trainer, Device 19E22.

This paper will discuss how the 1200 PSI Propulsion Plant Trainer executed its training mission through the following major elements:

1)       A full-scale mockup of  the engineering spaces including:

a)                   Engineer room

b)                   Fire Room and Forced Draft Blower Room

c)                   Auxiliary Machinery Spaces, consisting of Auxiliary Machinery

                                                Room Number 1, Auxiliary Machinery room Number 2,

                                                and Electrical Central.

2)       A high-speed digital computer and associated real Time Interface and peripheral equipment.

3)       Computer programs including:

a)                   Executive program

b)                   Math Model programs

c)                   Input/Output programs

4)       Instructor Station

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                Nuclear Submarine Machinery Control Room Training Simulators And Their Use in Training Engineering Watchkeepers

J. A. Waterfield

Rolls Royce and Associates Limited

and

K. Wells

Marconi Space and Defense Systems Limited

The training requirements for the nuclear submarine engineering watchkeeper are stringent.  The royal Navy uses simulators for initial and continuation training.  A typical submarine propulsion system is described.  A typical simulator is also described with reference to the hardware provided, the degree of simulation and the training facilities provided.  Training on the simulator is compared with training on actual plant, and the relative advantages and disadvantages are highlighted.  The use of the simulators in the overall training program is described, commencing with ab initio training where the use of the simulator is complementary to classroom instruction, through qualification and licensing of operators when operation of the simulator constitutes part of the qualifying examination, to continuation training where the simulator is used for coordinated team training.  The program of development of a family of simulators and their use by the royal Navy is described.  Some of the lessons learned during this program are discussed with pointers for future simulators.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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Development of Smartts Training Technology

Dr. Thomas J. Hammell

Eclectech Associates, Incorporated

and

LT Thomas Crosby

Naval Training Equipment Center

The Submarine Advanced Reactive Tactical Training system (SMARTTS) will be the “training subsystem” of the 21A Series Submarine Combat System Trainers.  SMARTTS is the result of a series of research and development investigations directed by the United States Naval Training Equipment Center investigating the application of advanced training technology to submarine tactics training.  SMARTTS is expected to greatly enhance the tactics training process by improving the quality and quantity of tactics training and by correcting current deficiencies of the tactics training system.  The advanced training technology embodied under SMARTTS will present emerging concepts and capabilities that should be initially developed as an integral part of every simulator-based training system.  The paper summarizes the SMARTTS program placing particular emphasis on the development of the SMARTTS characteristics as a result of a modified instructional systems development analysis.  The SMARTTS characteristics, which are primarily implemented via software additions to the simulator programs, are applicable to virtually every simulator-based training system.  SMARTTS will be a major addition to the Submarine Combat System Trainers; it represents a milestone in that it is a major subsystem, emphasizing advanced training technology as in integral part of the training device.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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An All-Software ImplementaTion of Embedded Trainer Capability

Richard P. Gagan

Raytheon Company, Missile Systems Division

For certain weapons systems, an all-software implementation of the operator proficiency trainer is possible.  The prospective benefit is reduction of unit production costs.  Suitable systems for this approach are generally identifiable by their use of computer display and control consoles as operator stations.  The system’s basic equipment configuration may appear to impose limitations for training usage.  Such as lack of an instructor station or a computer memory with insufficient capacity for storing the data of a realistic simulation scenario, but in a cost-effectiveness appraisal of the all-software approach, the possibilities for software solutions to these hardware limitations should be considered.  This paper reviews these considerations and the design decisions for a specific case, the Troop Proficiency Trainer of the United States Army’s PATRIOT Air Defense System.  In this trainer, simulation driver software is combined with tactical computer programs to produce highly realistic training exercises, and considerable flexibility is achieved for scenario selection and other aspects of exercise control.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                Advanced Fighter Avionics Simulation Design: 

The Simulate/Stimulate Question

R. Bruce McCreary

Air Force Human Resources Laboratory

Operations Training Division

Williams Air force Base

In the real-time simulation of advanced fighter avionics systems, a critical design decision is the choice of stimulating the actual aircraft hardware subsystems or simulating the subsystem function via general purpose computer.  This case study of a design decision addresses the effects on many aspects of the aircraft training or research device; training features/research capability, reliability and maintainability as well as major impact on the development/delivery schedule.

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                Developmental Tests For Artillery EngagemenT Simulation

Earl S. Stein

United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

and

Francis King

Science Applications, Inc.

Engagement Simulation (ES) has filled a training need for maneuver forces by realistically assessing casualties and by replacing fixed scenario exercises with free play interchanges where opponents’ actual behavior determined exercise results.  Artillery was not integrated into ES, however, and the goal of this research was to develop a realistic and inexpensive ES method for training artillery units.  A computational system, which used the data actually set on the guns and employed standard fire direction equipment, was designed to select the probably impact point of artillery rounds.  This meant that the behavior of artillerymen directly affected the placement of artillery simulators on the ground.  Thirty-six simulated missions were “fired” by an artillery battery during a developmental test.  Targets on the ground were assigned to a forward observer and simulators were placed based on the computer impact points.  Feedback on mission effects was provided.  Results indicated that the artillery system improved its speed and accuracy.

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The Semi-Automatic Instructional System

William S. Reese and Robert A. Hansen

Link Division, The Singer Company

This paper outlines Link Division’s approach to the general training requirements of the B-52 WST, and the specific requirements of the Instructional System.  A review of the analysis and design approach is presented, as well as an overview of the resulting Instructional System, including several of the factors, which influenced the design and development of the system.  Several design goals were established for the Instructional System and, at this writing, the system has undergone several months of limited qualification testing by the air force test team, culminating in a production contract award to Link.

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Scenario Development for the

Firefinder Operator And Maintenance Trainer

Rhea J. Hackler and Robert A. Severino

System Engineers

Hughes Aircraft Company

Ground Systems Group

This paper analyzes the methodology used for scenario development as learned from the firefinder Radar Trainer.  First, an overall concept of the operational and maintenance trainer is given with special emphasis on the scenario-training package.  The training effectiveness of the system is demonstrated by reviewing the transfer of knowledge tests conducted with the actual system.  The management of the scenario data base is described, stressing the use of the Chief Programmer concept, the reusability of the data elements, and the adherence to an effective configuration control plan.  The characterization of three levels of training complexity as designed in the scenarios is also given.  Next, several training schemes are suggested that make the maintenance trainer a cost-effective device.  Emphasized are special CAI/CMI techniques used to transform the simulator into an effective trainer.

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                Avoiding the Pitfalls in Maintenance Simulator Design

Nicholas A. Siecko

Vice President, Instructional Systems Development

Educational Computer Corporation

Simulators are now generally accepted and even sought to support maintenance training; especially troubleshooting.  This paper deals with the problems that are encountered by relying solely on a task analysis for establishing simulator design specifications and how these problems can be avoided through the use of a functional engineering analysis of the prime equipment.  It explains how a functional engineering analysis can alleviate the problems of determining how much front-end analysis is necessary for simulator design, aspects of the configuration, such as, three-dimensional versus two-dimensional simulators, and the depth of the cost analysis.  The necessity of conducting a functional engineering analysis in order to prepare viable simulator design specifications is elaborated with an example.  This necessarily leads to a description of the increasing role of a new breed of engineer in designing simulators for maintenance training.

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LT-2 MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE TRAINER, F-16 AIS

Art Mason, Principal Engineer,

Ken J. Gibson, Senior Software Engineer–WDSC, and

Richard J. Bonar, Manager of Off-Site Operations

General Dynamics Corporation

As Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) for Avionics becomes increasingly costly it becomes prohibitive to provide enough test stations to allow adequate individual hands-on training for maintenance personnel.  The LT-2 Trainer for F-16 Aircraft Immediate Shop (AIS) helps alleviate this problem.  The LT-2 trainer consists of a mini-computer system identical to that of the full F-16 AIS stations without the actual stimulus and measurement hardware.  The trainer is thus about one tenth of the cost and complexity of the full test station.  An Innovative Software Package allows test data captured on a full test station to be played back on the trainer.  This provides the student with a realistic simulation of actual test runs.  All the keyboard inputs and CRT responses are identical to those of a full test station.  A Library of test programs and captured data sets allow both test station Maintenance Programs and Avionics Test Programs to be simulated.  The captured data sets can be for good or faulty test runs.  Faults can also be inserted into good data sets to artificially create simulated test failures.  The techniques used on the LT-2 trainer allow cost-effective individual hands-on training for complex ATE.

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E-3A Maintenance Procedure Simulators–A New Breed of CATs

David L. Winter, Senior Research Scientist

American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences

and

Michael Sturm, AWACS Engineering Manager

Honeywell, Incorporated, Training and Control Systems Center

Computer-Aided Trainers (CATs) for mission avionics subsystems on the E-3A “Sentry” aircraft simulate BITE outputs to support self-paced practice in flight line maintenance procedures.  They represent a new breed of CATs evolved through application of the Instructional System Development (ISD) process and a unique synthesis of hardware, software and “courseware” to satisfy organizational maintenance training requirements.  This paper is in two parts.  Part I summarizes the application of the ISD process used to identify requirements for training and training equipment.  Part II concentrates on the evolution of the maintenance trainers, emphasizing the system development using as a case study the E-3A Maintenance Procedure Simulator (MPS) for the AN/ASN-118 Navigation Computer System.

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                Performance Technology in the Armed Forces:

            New Techniques for Maintenance

Training Simulator Design

Edgar A. Smith, Ed.D.

Human Resources Laboratory

Lowry Air Force Base

This presentation describes a portion of the Human Resources Laboratories continuing investigation of simulators for use in maintenance training. 

The increasing complexity of modern Air Force weapon systems and a decreasing Air Force training budget have combined to produce a maintenance training problem that demands cost-effective improvement in maintenance trainer design and acquisition.  The project was designed to address four objectives:

1)       To document the existing Instructional System Development (ISD) Process, particularly those procedures directed toward designing maintenance training equipment and documenting training equipment requirements.

2)       To document the existing System Program Office (SPO) procedures for acquiring maintenance trainers.

3)       To develop new training technology and tools to assist the ISD analysts to identify training equipment requirements (e.g., the level of fidelity) and to develop a procedure or mechanism to communicate these to SPO personnel.

4)       To develop procedures to assist the Acquisition Manager and his support personnel prepare a procurement specification suitable for distribution to vendors and contractors.

Two of the objectives were directed toward the ISD side of the acquisition process, while the remaining two objectives were directed toward the SPO side of the acquisition process.

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The Simulator Data Test Instrumentation System

            A New Concept in Training Device Fidelity Measurement

William L. Curtice, III

Aeronautical Systems Division

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

The Air Force recently completed in-house development of an instrumentation system designed to measure flight simulator cue correlation, aero model fidelity, and dynamic flight handling characteristics.  The Simulator Data Test Instrumentation System (SDTIS) represents a significant advance in the state of the art for flight simulation instrumentation.  The SDTIS hardware is configured as a field transportable “mini-system” using composite video recording techniques to concurrently record over 180 channels of analog or digital signal data, voice audio, and television camera acquired video information.  It provides immediate, n-field, automated data reduction and analysis.  It permits data acquired during simulator test to be directly compared to flight test data as a measure of simulation fidelity.  The air force intends to use SDTIS techniques as an integral part of future simulator test and specification procedures.  This paper will address the SDTIS capabilities, functions, and operation in conjunction with its application to future training equipment procurements.

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                Aircrew Information Requirements in Simulator Display

            Design–The Intergrated Cueing Requirements Study

                Kenneth R. Boff, Ph.D., Engineering Research Psychologist

Human Engineering Division, Air Force Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

and

Edward A. Martin, Technical Advisor

Simulator Engineering Division, Aeronautical Systems Division

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Problems involved in the design of flight simulator displays have received insufficient attention.  Simulator utilization and training problems have a basis in the design process.  It is generally left to the simulator designer to use “best judgement” in translating training requirements to display software/hardware specifications.  At present, human factors data needed to accomplish this are either not available or simply not accessible in a form useful to the designer.  Basic sensory and perceptual data, principles, and models exist or can be derived which could serve as a valuable resource for the designer in the specification of display requirements.  The Integrated Cuing Requirements Study is a current Air Force sponsored effort to consolidate and publish these data in a format, which will enable designers to rapidly access and apply this information.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                ASPT G-Seat/G-Suit Optimization

                Richard L. Engel, Major, USAF

Advanced Simulator Research Flight Test Officer

Air Force Human Resources Laboratory

Williams Air Force Base

and

Dan C. McGuire, Airforce Engineer

Air Force Human Resources Laboratory

Williams Air Force Base

Research was conducted to optimize, in terms of both hardware response and software driving philosophies, the effectiveness of pneumatically operated g-seat and g-suit flight simulation subsystems for high performance aircraft, such as the Advanced Simulator for Pilot Training (ASPT) F-16.  Results indicate that drive philosophies should be a dynamic function of g-range, ground or air operation, maneuver, and task.  In some cases logical and satisfactory philosophies for T-37 training were improved by reversing their effect for high g maneuvers.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.

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                Real-time Digital Simulation of Aircraft for

            Training Applications–Past, Present, and Future

G. V. Amico and C. E. Lindahl

Naval Training Equipment Center

The early use of special purpose analog computers in flight trainers faced many problems.  These difficulties along with the recognition that the then emerging digital computer technology might be applied to training systems led to investigations of this area.  The purpose of this paper is to trace the research and development of high-speed digital computers for real-time operations in solving the flight equations in real time through the current state-of-the-art digital systems used in flight trainers.  Three basic aspects of real-time digital computer systems for flight trainers are reviewed; namely, computer system architecture, iteration rates required and programming.  In addition, a forecast of future systems architecture and programming concepts based on research currently underway is offered.

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                Data Acquisition and Analysis System as a Training Device for Simulated Conventional Weapon Delivery

C.F.G.M. Hofman

National Aerospace Laboratory, NLR

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The tasks to be performed by the pilot during conventional weapon delivery in high-speed fighter aircraft depend on the systems available aboard the aircraft and on the type of weapon used. 

Presently the main part of the air-to-ground training method in the Netherlands consists of the delivery of training bombs at training ranges.  The disadvantages of this method are:

1)          The site of weapon delivery (and in many cases also the direction from which the attach is initiated) is often the same (learning effect!)

2)          The performance of the pilot is expressed in one quantity only: the score.  The release conditions are not measured

3)          The high consumption of weapons (expensive!).

In order to avoid these disadvantages, a simple system, called:  “Delivery and Impact Analysis System” (DIAS) has been developed and tested by the National Aerospace Laboratory NLR, under contract for the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF).  This system, based on a photogrammetric method, yields release conditions, the nominal weapon impact position and the weapon time of flight.  Simulated attacks on a great variety of realistic targets can easily be evaluated and validated as these is no need to drop training weapons.  Furthermore, no ground-based instrumentation is the target area is needed.  The system consisting of an airborne data acquisition system installed in the aircraft and a ground-based processing and analysis system at the airbase allows a debriefing of the pilot within half an hour after completion of the mission.  This paper gives a description of the system.  Attention is paid to the system requirements, the system evaluation and the implementation in an operational NF-5 squadron of the RNLAF.

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Visual and Infared Ship Modeling for Computer Image Generation

Richard J. Mitchell and Anthony J. Stenger

Technology Service Corporation

and

John L. Booker

Naval Training Equipment Center

Programs for generating simulated visual and far-infrared imagery of Soviet combatant ships were implemented on a computer system at the Naval Training Equipment Center.  These programs were used in a system definition study to determine the characteristics that a real-time computer image generation system must have in order to satisfy trainer performance requirements for processing capacity and resolution.  The implemented system consists of data bases at various levels of detail, visual and far-infrared sensor models, and image generation capabilities that include a flexible set of options for various viewing conditions and special features.

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                User Acceptance of R&D in Navy Training:

The Problem, Major Constraints,

and an Initial Model of the Acceptance Process

                Dr. Gerald R. Stoffer, LT, MSC and Dr. Arthur S. Blaiwes

Naval Training Equipment Center

and

Dr. Clyde A. Brictson

Dunlap and Associates, Inc.

The problem of operational user acceptance of naval training R&D studies and training devices is presented.  A number of constraints on acceptance are described, including deficiencies in motivational conditions, deficiencies in social role assignments, deficiencies in official organizational policy and structure, inadequate defense R&D contracting methods, lack of integration of the user into the trainer system acquisition process, other-than rational user responses to R&D studies in training, and deficiencies in training device design.  A preliminary model of the acceptance process is presented.  Finally, the degree of physical fidelity necessary for operational acceptance and training effectiveness is discussed.  It is concluded that this paper and related recent work form a basis for the development of alternative approaches to solving the user acceptance problem.

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Considering People at the Point of “MENS” Makes the Difference

W. W. Jordan

Head, Analysis and Design

Hughes Aircraft Company

The classical consideration of people requirements “after the fact” in weapons systems or simulator design instead of during concept definition is posing ever increasing threats to the survival of new programs.  Systems in a military environment composed of manpower shortages and reduced skill levels are being fielded with an inadequate provision for tailoring equipment/software which minimize skill requirements or ease of performance training.  People are at the heart of any system.  The Personnel Subsystem is one of the major system components which must be considered at the point of defining the Mission element Needs Statement (MENS).  Hardware and software are designed to extend the reach of the available manpower pool to meet a mission need; therefore, OMB A109 clearly requires that the definition of the personnel subsystem, including the training and training equipment requirements to develop the personnel, must commence at system concept formulation and continue through subsequent development of integrated logistic support.

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Buying in Syndrome

Joseph R. Zaleski, Major, UAF

Technical Director of Program Control

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

and

Gregory L. Grice, Lt., USAF

Financial Manager in Simulator Program Office

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

This article deals with the “buying-in” syndrome.  Buying-in describes the contractor’s actions in trying to win a contract award.  In short, the government sets a trap for itself.  Then the contractor bids below the actual costs in anticipation of being awarded a sole-source contract where losses are recovered.  Government funding characteristics even encourage this action.

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Simulator Qualification Testing–Sharing the Risks

                David P. Glenn and Major Lester H. Baer

Aeronautical Systems Division

Air Force Systems Command

United States Air Force

The qualification testing of most Air force aircrew simulators has stretched out far beyond the original test schedule estimates.  The result has been additional costs and extensive delays in getting the simulators into the field in a ready-for-training status.  This paper examines the historical data, identifies the persistent problem areas, assesses the inherent risks, and offers some recommendations for reducing the risks to both the government and the contractor.

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On-line Configuration Management

Wynn Gaylor and Ronald Murphy

Gould Inc., Simulation Systems Division

On-Line Configuration Management: Configuration Management is covered in many books and articles and is described in detail for development and test of systems which are either all software or all hardware.  In real time simulation which involves integrated and, many times, interactive hardware and software, plus human interaction with instructor and/or students, a new level of control is required called hardware software integration/test.  In addition, subjective customer evaluation and acceptance may extend this period indefinitely.  This period of test and evaluation could result in elapsed time of half the project schedule and is usually where all the budgets/schedules go down the tubes.  This paper describes an approach to on-line system configuration management, starting with a prototype baseline system ready for hardware software integration.

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Software Development for the Multi-environment Trainer (MET)

Robert J. Brousseau

Manager of Simulation Systems Software

CUBIC Defense Systems Division

The MET system is a tactical team trainer designed to simulate multiple-ship tactical operations.  The functions being simulated span the under sea, surface, and air environments and include operations in the Bridge, Combat Information Center and sonar areas.  The MET training system is designed about the use of eight computers configured in two groups of four.  Each group of four computers simulates the functions of a PCG (patrol craft gunboat) class ship.

The MET software development will result in the generation of approximately 150,000 computer instructions, a portion of which reside in each of the four computers which simulate tactical ship operations.  Management control and technical development of the MET has been characterized by the development and adoption of meaningful software development practices and procedures and adherence to the fundamental concept that software design must precede coding.

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Software Quality Assurance Applied to Trainer System Development

Terry Tierney, Senior Quality Assurance Engineer

Link Division, The Singer Company

This paper will discuss the application of software quality assurance techniques to trainer software development, taking into consideration military standards and specifications and the unique characteristics of trainer development programs.  Because military customers are paying greater attention to software development and software documentation, software quality assurance has become an increasingly important management objective.   Although there are no quick recipes for adapting software quality assurance techniques and standards to trainer development, this objective can be met by analyzing the software specifications and standards along with the software quality assurance specifications and standards, by considering the unique aspects of the trainer development, and by considering the aspects of applying and adapting software standards to trainer development.  First, the various specifications and standards that apply to software development must be analyzed with particular attention paid to their interrelationships and to their relationships with deliverable data items.  Then, this conceptual framework must be related to the software quality assurance standards and specifications.  Differences and similarities between the standards and specifications written by different military customers will also be considered.  Given this overall picture of the requirements for software development and quality assurance, the unique aspects of trainer development may be considered.  Among these are shortened schedules, abbreviated data requirements and the application of weapon system standards to trainer development.  Once the various requirements and the peculiar constraints of trainer development have been analyzed, the next step is to consider the meaningful application of software standards and quality assurance techniques to trainers.  Among these considerations are cost effectiveness, who should accomplish the various quality assurance tasks, applicability of internal standards, whether tasks are best handled on a company or program basis, tailoring quality assurance functions to program needs, and the problem of assuring quality of software when there are no specific software data item requirements.  In conclusion, this paper will present an approach to developing a software quality assurance program for trainer system development.

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Software-intenSe Trainers:

A Step Forward In Automated Software Support

Dr. Roger W. Johnson

Software Systems Department

Grumman Aerospace Corporation

and

John R. Ruckstuhl, P.E.

Engineering Change Support

Naval Training Equipment Center

A Software Support Facility (SSF) designed initially for the A-6E Weapon System Trainer (WST) and located at the Naval Training Equipment Center (NAVTRAEQUIPCEN), Orlando, is seen as a significant advance in capability for updating software-intense trainers.  This paper describes a software support environment that facilitates the modifications, testing, and baseline configuration management of software used in sophisticated trainers.  The software support environment consolidates a variety of techniques into an effective capability for managing the implementation of modifications.  Baseline configuration management is founded on the implementation of operational procedures that make it easy to adhere to configuration guidelines but difficult to get changes into the system by other means.  Automated identification of global symbol generation and usage greatly reduces the risk of unforeseen change impact on other routines.  A trainer software structure is described that permits modification of source code without patches and without the normal complete link-edit procedure.  A communication link facilitates rapid turnaround in the modification and test cycle.  Potential support of trainers with different computers is identified.  Further, the SSF reality makes possible the overall integrated environment of “man” and “machine” for management, control and visibility for software support.

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Penalty/Incentive Contractor Support for Training Devices

Mark Scaramella, Director

ILS Engineering, Simulation Systems Division

Gould, Incorporated

As budget limitations continue and shortages of experienced military personnel persist, more and more attention is being given to alternative support concepts, particularly when they offer potential cost savings or cost avoidance while meeting equipment availability requirements.  This paper examines current alternatives to conventional training device support concepts with emphasis on Fixed-Price, Penalty/Incentive Contractor Support (FPPICS).

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Cost Effective Acquisition of Contractor Maintenance Training

Thomas E. Gwise and William F. Cavitt

Logistics Element Managers

Training Acquisition Branch, Naval Training Equipment Center

This paper suggests that contractor maintenance training acquisition procedures used by Government are often not cost effective and suggests a paradigm for the development of acquisition procedures that will increase training effectiveness and reduce costs.  Government often levies excessive and unnecessary restrictions on contractors by insisting that certain military standards and data item descriptions be followed even in those circumstances when such standards are both inappropriate and undesirable.  This approach results in increased training acquisition costs.

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Cost Effectiveness in Data Management

 or

Why Buy More Than You Need?

Beverly S. Heroy

Naval Training Equipment Center

This paper suggests that data management acquisition procedures used by government are often not cost effective.  All sorts of military standards are deemed “the thing” when contractors’ formats would suffice at substantial savings.  Data management acquisition procedures need an overhaul.  The Naval Training Equipment Center (NAVTRAEQUIPCEN) has developed a Recommended List of Approved Data Item Descriptions (DID's) and DID numbers for a major weapon buy.  This list must be tailored to the requirement.  In addition, Data Management, Technical (DAMTEC), an automated system for tracking the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) items in contracts, has been developed to monitor the progress of the deliverable data and to serve as a data bank for use by project team members.  This data bank provides cost comparison information based upon the cost of data previously bought for various training equipment.

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Alternate Paper:

EW Training Using Radar Electromagnetic Environment Simulation

John F. Michaels and William W. Kestenbaum

Republic Electronics, Inc.

This paper describes what is necessary in a simulator to achieve a high degree of operator competence in interpreting a radar display in a threat environment.  The achieved level of operator competence is a function of the degree of realism and complexity created.  The models used for the generation of the signatures of aircraft/missile/ship targets, chaff, sea clutter, rain and jammers, operating in a dynamically controlled environment, are described in detail.  The hardware/software implementation and equipment installation, together with problems encountered during the simulator design is also discussed.

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