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I/ITSEC 1986 – 8TH I/ITSEC

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

a multiprocessor bare machine ada system for flight simulators  5

real-time debug in ada environment  6

object-oriented development of training systems using ada   7

simulation of an advanced scout attack helicopter for crew station studies  8

MTs ii, a triple threat tactical environment trainer for air defense crews  9

simulation based maintenance training   10

real-time simulation of FLIR imagery   11

a new generation of trainers for acoustic analysis  12

The use of generic sensor simulators in team trainers  13

providing high performance visual simulation at low cost, revisited   14

design of an optical simulator visual system    15

visa 4–a computed image generator for ground training   16

generation of texture patterns for realistic visual simulation   17

aircrew training system: test and evaluation   18

issues in managing total training system development  19

the next step … emerging issues and implications for program management in the acquisition of training systems in the air force  20

The navy hardman process: Training the analyst  22

the role of the training situation analysis in united states marine corps training systems acquisition   22

The challenge of mpt integration   23

software security–how do we design it?  24

design, development and management of reusable software components in ada   25

training system building techniques & the potential of ada   26

design of level iii interactive videodisc training– exploiting the power of the technology to enhance learning   27

transferring classroom instruction to cbt  28

computer-based training to operate state-of-the-art weapons systems  28

simulator design criteria–new emphasis in concurrent developments  29

functional specification of training devices within a total training system context  30

specifying large cig data bases  31

organization of a photographic data base*  32

acceptance test procedures for very large data bases  33

systems engineering for training systems–a team approach   34

return on investment (roi) for full mission simulation–the developer’s perspective  35

whatever happened to teamwork? a concept of future customer acceptance testing   36

emphasis on quality: a procedural model for acquiring and managing technical support documentation   37

training systems quality assurance–the challenge to management  38

commercial quality standards for training system subcontractors and vendors  39

contractor logistic support puts the logistician into the front line of design   39

Practical applications of total contract training (tct)– lessons learned from E-3 TCT  40

combat mission simulation–the  41

the reserve component training technology field activity, boise, idaho   42

standards in weapons training   43

enhanced knowledge of results–individual and team approaches  44

computerized system for diagnosing maintenance technicians’ faults isolation capabilities–implemented in training packages for the LAVI fighter aircraft  45

can table-top training enhance p-3c acoustic analysis instruction?  46

aircrew training–the relative contribution of major training system resources to future readiness  46

the generic instructor/operator station–the next-generation approach to ios modularity   47

on-line help and references for courseware developers  47

a parallel processor alternative to the modular simulator architecture  48

multiple-microcomputer architectures–an integrated approach is needed for simulation   49

universal threat implementation concept development  50

measurements and effects of transport delays in a state-of-the-art f-16C flight simulator   50

Helicopter simulation techniques for full mission flight simulation   51

volatile environment software cost estimation   52

Proposal management through the contractor’s knothole  53

managing trainer configuration when development and production overlap  54

understanding cost estimating and cost-training effectiveness models–a place to start  55

methodologies for comparing cost/effective measures of alternative training systems  56

reserve component training   57

in-plant formative evaluation of training device instructional subsystems  57

the role of evaluation in training systems acquisition   57

training data generation with commercially available integrated software  58

government data requirements in a changing training environment  58

 

 

 

 

 

a multiprocessor bare machine ada system for flight simulators

Vincent F. Rich

Gould Inc., Information Systems, Computer Systems Division

 

In a conventional flight simulator, the real-time programs are loaded and controlled by an operating system, which is normally provided by the vendor of the computer system.  During the simulation, much of the operating system is redundant, as the functional capabilities of the operating system far exceed the requirements of the real-time programs.  The unused portions of the operating system consume system resources and increase the complexity of the design of those portions of the operating system that are called by the real-time programs.  Real-time programs written in Ada can use the I/O and tasking features of the language and need not call the operating system for these services.  The removal of the explicit calls to the operating system can lead to the removal of the operating system itself, and the direct connection of the Ada runtime system to the underlying hardware.  This configuration is known as a Bare Machine Ada system.  Real-time response, code execution speed, execution time predictability, user code space, and reliability are all improved by the removal of the operating system.  This paper discusses the advantages of a Bare Machine Ada system over a conventional implementation, and describes a prototype system implemented on a tightly coupled, dual processor, super-minicomputer system configured to represent a flight simulator.  The characteristics of a real-time Ada program executing on the prototype system are compared to similar Ada program and corresponding FORTRAN programs executing on a computer with an operating system.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

real-time debug in ada environment

Robert Epps

The Singer Company, Link Flight Simulation Division

 

Real-time debug is a tool which primarily isolates errors concerning lower-level computer software component (LLCSC) interfaces.  Because Ada discourages making data available on a “global” basis, it is necessary to design a real-time debug system that accesses information without violating the software engineering design principles of the Ada environment.  To meet the requirement for a test methodology which removes errors within the Ada Programming Support Environment (APSE), the DIANA data structure is examined to determine its suitability to be transformed to the real-time environment to assist in performing real-time debug functions.  Currently implemented real-time debug features are evaluated for their suitability within an Ada “real-time” environment and their applicability within an Ada Programming Support Environment (APSE).  The types of errors detected and their removal from software are examined, with emphasis on the types of errors which real-time debug must be designed to detect and evaluate to allow for the most effective error removal.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

object-oriented development of training systems using ada

Dr. Matt Narotam

Burtek

 

Dr. Sabina Saib

Tomson-CSF

 

Mr. Clifford Layton

Rogers State College

 

This paper discusses aspects of software engineering and design methodology to be used for development of software using Ada for an existing C-141B Operational Flight Trainer (OFT).  The OFT software was originally developed using FORTRAN 77 as the implementation language.  The paper describes the application of software engineering concepts such as abstraction, information hiding, modularization and generalization, and the development of a methodology for generating a program design based on these concepts.  Also describe are problems with the traditional object-oriented design (OOD) methodology, and attempts to front-end OOD process to incorporate solutions for these problems.  The methodology described is applicable to the development of software for any type of training device.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

simulation of an advanced scout attack

helicopter for crew station studies

P.A. Lypaczewski, Engineer

CSRDF Systems Architect

CAE Electronics Ltd.

 

A.D. Jones, CSRDF Project Manager

Flight Systems & Simulation Research Division

NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field

 

Major J.W. Voorhees

CSRDO Research Manager

Aeroflightdynamics, Directorate, AVSCOM, Moffett Field

 

The system complexity and high workload of the next generation of light scout/attack helicopters is a major cause of concern for the U.S. Army.  The Crew Station Research and Development Program has been established by the Army to study the issues of battle captain performance for one-man versus two-man crews.  A Crew Station Research and Development Facility (CSRDF) has been contracted for.  It consists of a distributed computer system with several stations which play different roles in experiments.  Coordination of experiments is done from the Experimenter-Operator Console where a team of Army experimenters and NASA personnel control and monitor the mission scenario used to test the crewmembers.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

MTs ii, a triple threat tactical environment trainer for air defense crews

Ian R. Gilchrist and Jeffrey J. Jerome

AAI Corporation

 

Modern Air defense weapons such as Stinger, Chaparral, etc., can be extremely effective if used within their tactical boundaries, but their high cost and the difficulty of obtaining suitable targets makes training with live weapons impractical.  Existing Moving Target Simulators such as the M87 Stinger MTS are effective for procedures training, but a scenario presented with a single target above a painted environment does little to convey the stresses of real-life combat to the trainees.

 

If, however, a simulation presents a screaming enemy fighter attacking the group of gunners head-on, strafing them as it passes overhead and, at the same time, a hostile helicopter pops up from the nap of the earth and a third, unidentified aircraft appears in the distance as the sounds of the battle roar on, will the trainees remain calm and make the right decisions?  Will the group leader assign individual gunners to the correct targets?  Will the trainees ensure that the target is within the range and angular velocity launch boundaries, and that it is not too close to the sun or a sunlit cloud before they fire?  The next step in training systems is then to provide all of these elements without the danger or expense of the real battle.

 

The MTS II was developed to provide the most effective training possible under these simulated threat conditions.  Designed for all Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems, the MTS II presents three realistic independent video aircraft targets interacting with up to eight different real life backgrounds.  These visual cues coupled with a correct IR environment, countermeasures and fully directional threat and battlefield sounds make the MTS-II the next step in SHORAD training.

 

This paper expounds on the MTS II system design, which presents a solution to the particularly difficult task of training air defense gunners in a realistic tactical environment in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

 

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

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simulation based maintenance training

Jack R. Fritz

Reflectone, Inc.

 

The training of personnel to maintain today’s sophisticated military equipment has long been associated with basically two extremes in terms of level of instruction and resulting proficiency.  On the simplistic end of the scale, recent technology has produced panel boards and video disk based devices which offer an abstracted, idealized portrayal of the operation and failure modes of the actual device to be maintained.  These two dimensional devices allow for a variety of training situations but lack fidelity and encourage development of poor maintenance habits.  At the other end of the scale, actual operating equipment has been used which, while certainly realistic, allow for only routine servicing and mundane maintenance tasks as failures of components cannot be activated upon demand.  These trainers also expose the trainee to hazards far above their ability to cope.  As an alternative a proper maintenance trainer design could be based upon proven simulation concepts.  These concepts have been established primarily in flight simulation and training.  This paper will enumerate and quantify these fundamental concepts.  It will then be shown that for the first time a set of maintenance trainers based upon these concepts has been developed, and that significant improvements in depth of training have been made.

 

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

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real-time simulation of FLIR imagery

Heiner Biesel and Tom Rohlfing

Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation

 

Infrared imagery appears superficially similar to monochrome television imagery.  An accurate simulation, however, must not only produce realistic images of self-luminous objects rather than illuminated scenery – it must also replicate the visual anomalies of the imaging system.  These anomalous effects arise from the imperfect nature of infrared imagers; they vary among systems, and they can become the dominant visual aspect of the displayed imagery.

 

A strategy has been developed for producing high-fidelity simulated IR imagery in real time.  The approach relies upon modeling techniques, which can create a database of infrared scenery derived from visual data, and upon a post-processor coupled to an existing image generator, which will produce IR system-specific effects.  A software emulation of the post-processor has been developed which permits evaluation of its projected performance, as well as facilitating tuning of system parameters in order to achieve realistic IR imagery.

 

To complement these developments in high-fidelity IR simulation a set of software tools is being developed to afford an efficient means of generating IR-specific characteristics for inclusion in the IG database.  These tools blend the physics of the scene, atmosphere, and sensor with the requirements of the mission to be simulated and the IG system to be used, thus contributing a major addition to the training system.

 

This paper reviews some of the aspects of FLIR imagery and their underlying causes, and describes the modeling approaches and tools, as well as the basic functions performed by the post-processor which are required in order to simulate FLIR imagery.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a new generation of trainers for acoustic analysis

Dr. Leonard D. Healy, William J. Curran, Gerald A. Wyndle

Theresa M. Rowan, Roger H. Werner, Thomas W. Verscharen

Claudia K. Slaton, and AWCS Walter S. Potts

Naval Training Systems Center

 

The development of low-cost trainers for acoustic analysis (AA) is dictated by the need for both initial training and continuing refresher training in this volatile skill.  The state-of-the-art in computers and graphics systems supports the development of trainers that produce the high resolution displays of operational equipment, support a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) system, and provide the portability and low cost for wide distribution to multiple fleet units and reserve components.

 

The key to an effective AA trainer for advanced and refresher training is a means of creating a realistic display of what the student would observe in the real world.  Recordings of actual acoustic contacts provide a data base from which realistic displays can be created.  Low-cost is achieved by performing the conversion from acoustic data into display data by an off-line process that is separate from the trainer.

 

This paper describes the development of the use of prestored data in a trainer, the signal processing necessary to create the data base, the proof-of-concept trainer that incorporates the use of prestored data, and the current research initiatives that will lead to improvements in low-cost trainers for AA.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

The use of generic sensor simulators in team trainers

Donald C. Kauffman

AAI Corporation

 

There is a natural tendency on the part of training systems designers to provide a level of simulation for team trainers similar to that provided for operator trainers.  Students entering a team training course should have a working knowledge of the equipment operating procedures; therefore, the real purpose of team training is to train the student in the proper interaction with other team members, based upon the scenario presented to the entire team.  This paper examines the types of trade-offs that must be made in designing a cost effective team training system, (i.e., What are the minimum sensor simulation capabilities that a team trainer must possess to facilitate team training?).  The main thrust of this paper is to reflect upon the types of trade-offs that were made during the design of the Generic Radar Display System (GRDS).  GRDS will provide the simulated radar video for the Fleet Combat Training Centers where as many as 22 Combat Information Center (CIC) mock-ups can be joined into 1 team exercise.  This paper describes how the selection of the proper generic radar simulation models simplified the design of GRDS while enabling it to simulate any of the Navy’s Air Search and Surface Search Radars to meet the needs of combat team training.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

providing high performance visual simulation at low cost, revisited

Allen E. Snow and Richard N. Moon

Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation

 

In the process of transitioning from the theoretical to the actual, things often change greatly.  This is also the case in the move from system design, to system implementation and finally the actual performance characterization.  In a follow-up to last year’s paper “Providing High Performance Visual Simulation At Low Cost,” which described the system design and architecture, this paper will discuss what has been learned in the actual implementation and use of this system.

 

An evaluation of the low cost approach is presented, delineating the system capabilities and limitations under various training requirements.  One aspect that will be discussed at length is the channelized system architecture and how this architecture responds to different types of visual imaging simulation including sensor channels, narrow fields of view, and combinations of imaging channels, all used in the same system.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

design of an optical simulator visual system

Ralph W. Fisher

McDonnell Aircraft Company

 

This paper describes the design of a truly optimal simulator visual system, i.e., one that fully satisfies human visual requirements with minimum information processing and display equipment.

 

The concept is based on the fact that only 130,000 visual resolution elements or pixels can be observed by the eye at any instant in time.  This, coupled with the inability of the human to distinguish intermittent visual occurrences if they occur at moderate rates (30 per second) leads to the conclusion that one should be able to generate a wide field high resolution display with no more information processing requirement than those of a conventional 525 line television system.  The impact of this is very great.  Current wide field visual systems require several 1000 line image generation and display systems to produce resolutions significantly poorer than the desired one minute of arc human capability.

 

The concept takes advantage of the variable acuity nature of human vision by utilizing non-linear projection optics to redistribute pixels on a linear light valve format in the correct geometric pattern on the viewing screen so the eyes’ requirement is met in both field of view and resolution.  The optical system is then slaved to the observers’ viewpoint by an eye position sensor and closed loop control system.

 

This paper describes the 10 years of development on this and related concepts conducted by MCAIR and supported by the Navy, NASA, and USAF.  It concludes with design and performance details of a demonstration system being constructed for the USAF (HRL), Williams Air force Base, Arizona.

 

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

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visa 4–a computed image generator for ground training

Gerard Allain and Paul Boidin

Thomson-CSF Division Simulateurs

 

VISA 4 is the most recent member of the THOMSON-CSF family real time computed image generators to have been developed by the Simulator Division.  VISA 4 has drastically changed and increased the capabilities of training simulators.  It is particularly well suited to armored vehicle simulators, and can meet requirements for driver and gunner training at the individual or platoon crew level.  This paper describes the principles of the VISA 4 system and the new features which contribute to its potential for training ground based personnel.

 

The main characteristics of VISA 4 are:

 

1)       high image quality

2)       generalized use of high definition texturing on the whole environment

3)       dynamic underload and overload control

4)       close correlation between image and vehicle simulation, necessary for aircraft simulators, and especially important for ground operation simulators.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

generation of texture patterns for realistic visual simulation

S. Yang, S. Wood, and D. Wallner

The Singer Company–Link Flight Simulation Division

Advanced Products Operation

 

Effective simulation of real-world scenes can be enhanced by the addition of the structured visual complexity of texture patterns, which provide important visual cues needed for more complete assessment of the operating environment.  This feedback can be provided by addition of texture rather than by increasing the complexity of the underlying database.  Texture patterns can be generated by reproduction of a real example of the desired surface or by synthetic generation of patterns from features derived from multiple images.  In either case, it is important that texture enhance the real-time simulation.  Edges of the texture pattern must be blended and obvious periodicities must be masked to create a realistic scene.  This paper reports the investigation of several approaches to the generation of good texture patterns.  Evaluations of synthetic methods of flat and solid texture pattern generation are compared to repeated use of a pattern derived from images of real surfaces.  Examples of foliage, grassland, and water demonstrate techniques.

 

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

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aircrew training system: test and evaluation

J.J. Shaw

SIMTEC, Inc.

 

The recent initiatives by the United States Air Force to implement total contractor Aircrew Training Systems; (ATS) have invoked various levels of accountability with respect to development and performance.  The ATS contractors(s) are faced with new, completely interrelated design verification procedures, quality assurance requirements, and implementation/interface controls.  Test and Evaluation concepts established by DOD policy are directly applicable to this new environment.  However, the processes are complex, requiring rigorous basic disciplines from development through the full life cycle of the system.  Recognition of the T&E requirements as design objectives will significantly reduce the risks and improve utility, supportability, and the contractors profitability.  This paper provides an approach to the philosophical and functional management issues associated with the measurement, evaluation and qualification of the various elements of an Aircrew Training System during both the development and the operational program phases.  Included are considerations for system testability to certify the ISD, Media, Curriculum, and the trainee.  The paper also addresses the Test and Evaluation contributions to performance management, product improvements, and cost benefits throughout the life of the contract.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

issues in managing total training system development

J.S. Bresee and C.T. Moore

The Singer Company–Link Flight Simulation Division

 

Redefining the contractor’s product as a fully trained individual rather than a supplied training capability has posed management problems that are new to the simulation industry.  Different management approaches and techniques are required to deal with the larger goals of a total training system contract, both at program management levels and at higher levels.  Program managers must coordinate the efforts of an even more diverse group of technical specialists, often from several different companies or user communities.  Existing disciplines supporting training device development remain essential capabilities, but they now must be augmented as early in the acquisition process as possible with those disciplines necessary to identify a training need and translate it into an engineering specification.  Senior managers must find ways of smoothly integrating these new disciplines within existing organizational structures, preserving existing technical strengths while accommodating a shift in business emphasis from the delivery of a defined product to the supply of a long-term service.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

 

the next step …

emerging issues and implications for program management

in the acquisition of training systems in the air force

Andrew J. Courtice, Maj., USAF

Program manager, Deputy for Simulators

Wright-Patterson Air force Base

 

The evolution of major training acquisition organizations from a device/equipment focus to a total systems emphasis is more than a reflection of the growing concern for more accuracy, timeliness and economy on the part of both using organizations and program managers.  It is a far more basic statement of policy and philosophy that recognizes that training should be an integral and primary function of all military activity and cannot be separated into component parts (i.e., initial, mission, continuation) without the whole becoming significantly less than the sum of its parts.  While this systems integration requirement will affect the user and technical arenas in many profound ways, the real challenge to the success of acquiring accurately configured, timely, cost effective and objectively based total training systems lies in the ability of management to direct, control, measure and coordinate each element and resource to its maximum benefit to the system.

 

It has been stated on more than one occasion that the Army’s job is to “equip the man” while that of the Air Force is to “man the equipment”.  Using the change in focus from equipment to systems, it appears that these two quips might be modified to “equip and prepare the available human resources to maximize his or her ability to do the mission”.  This description contains many provocative concepts and implications but as a minimum suggests that management focus must evolve from simple training tasks and devices definition to a total responsibility for the integration of the man’s or woman’s entire education and training throughout their military exposure.  This tasking and/or responsibility takes on special criticality when considering the following:

 

Demographics suggest that manpower availability and quality may be significantly lower in the not too distant future.  Since existing and near future systems have been designed and implemented around a sufficient number of highly qualified (mostly male) personnel, the impact that lower numbers and lower qualification level may have on mission readiness is potentially profound.

 

The Air Force is currently utilizing an available manpower pool of over 1,138,000 personnel to accomplish its mission worldwide.  One of the requirements of acquiring a new weapon system must be insuring that available manpower is present to support the new system and that every person assigned is used to his or her maximum potential and benefit to the Air Force.  Using a task or device concept in training requirement definition negates consideration of this responsibility.  Assumption of responsibility for total system acquisition requires mangers to account for all MPT issues on a life cycle cost basis.

 


As high technology continues to provide new and more capable weapon systems to the Air Force, current methods of specifying and acquiring training are becoming more and more suspect.  With major issues such as contractor vs. “blue suit” training and specialist vs. generalist force structures, questions of the ability of the task and skill oriented ISD process; ability to support training system specification and statement-of-work requirements have arisen.

 

Program managers, facing the new requirements of training system acquisition, are now required to have a whole new set of skills, knowledges and perspectives available for decision making.  How many such managers are qualified and equipped to integrate MPT issues, high technology advances in both the weapon system and the training arenas, research and development activity and mission and operational requirements with the complex and demanding requirements of the acquisition process?

 

This paper is intended to address these issues with particular emphasis on the program manager and his relationship with industry.  This emphasis is especially appropriate because of industry desire to provide totally supported weapon systems and because of the fact that industry will continue to be the major source of training system acquisition support for the Air Force.  The paper will define the evolving issues in training systems acquisition, define the current tools and methodologies which are currently being implemented, and propose several initiatives and requirements which must be achieved if program managers of the future are going to be able to realize the total benefit a training system concept has to offer.

 

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

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The navy hardman process: Training the analyst

Robert S. Bloom, Ph.D.

GP Taurio, Inc.

 

This paper focuses on the training of Manpower, Personnel, and Training (MPT) analysts to perform the Navy HARDMAN Methodology.  It describes analysts’ performance requirements as a foundation for determining trainee educational outcomes and the knowledge and skill requirements for an experience-based training program.  It describes the Navy HARDMAN Methodology as a logical planning and analytical process prior to and in concert with weapon HARDMAN as both a people and a data interaction process.  It points out the necessity for training analysts to influence the weapon system acquisition documentation, decision, and interaction processes if HARDMAN is to be effective.

 

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

Order it from I/ITSEC’s Website.

 

 

the role of the training situation analysis in united states marine corps training systems acquisition

Charles A. Beagles and Dennis S. Duke

Naval Training Systems Center

 

The Marine Corps is experiencing major equipment changes in almost every occupational field.  These changes are impacting the training pipeline and especially the formal schools.  This paper describes how the Training Situation Analysis (TSA) is used to cope with these rapid changes and their impacts upon Marine Corps formal school training.  The TSA, as conducted for a Marine Corps formal school, functions as a management plan that identifies the training need, considers alternatives and specifies the solution for the need, and describes how the solution should be implemented.

 

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

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The challenge of mpt integration

Robert W. Stephenson, Ph.D.

Air Force Human Resources Laboratory

 

Major Thomas E. Ulrich

Headquarters, Air Training Command

 

Integration of manpower, personnel, and training (MPT) planning systems is needed at both the specific weapon system and aggregate levels in order to avoid disconnects and unexpected consequences for functional area managers.  Some recent reports on the need for MPT integration are reviewed, and a number of MPT integration needs are identified.  New systems that are already under development in order to meet these needs are described.  The new MPT planning systems can be organized into three categories: (1) the consolidation of MPT guidelines; (2) the use of computer-assisted techniques for MPT tradeoffs, multi-source input aggregation, and aggregate systems management; and (3) the use of incentives for timely and accurate MPT planning by contractors and aggregate systems manager.

 

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

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software security–how do we design it?

Lt. Ellen R. Velasquez

Dyess Air Force Base

 

With today’s growing complexity in weapon system technology, we are experiencing a corresponding increase in fidelity of aircrew training devices. Industry’s ability to accurately simulate all phases of a mission, using classified equipment and information onboard today’s aircraft sets the stage for potential espionage.  As a result, there is growing concern within the defense community over the possible compromise of the integrity and confidentiality of the data and programs used in the simulation.

 

To this date, the main area of focus for security has been external.  These include plans to restrict access and control electronic emissions.

 

Previous emphasis being directed toward external security, this paper addresses the somewhat neglected area of software security.  There are two phases of the software life cycle – developmental and operational.  In the developmental phase, software security can be implemented by secure operating systems.  I will present a design for a secure operating system.  Within the operational environment, maintenance/modification processes present a wealth of opportunity to compromise the system through software modification.  Strict control must be maintained over the programmer/analyst’s ability to access classified information and programs.  To deal with operational security, I will present methods which limit and control unauthorized access to code and data.

 

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

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design, development and management of reusable software components in ada

James O’Day

Sperry Systems Management, Simulation Systems

 

The use of Ada and reusable software components in flight training devices promises to significantly reduce the cost and development time of future trainers.  This paper deals with the selection, design, and development, and management of reusable software components utilizing Ada as the design and implementation language.  In order to realize the benefits of reusable software components, careful planning is needed to ensure that appropriate candidates are selected.  In this selection process the additional cost of producing an efficient real time software component is discussed and weighted against the useful lifetime of such a component.  Since design is the most critical part of the development cycle of a reusable component, generality versus efficiency tradeoffs are discussed in terms of how they will affect the future success of the component.  The successful management of reusable components and their acceptance by programmers is also discussed.

 

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

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training system building techniques & the potential of ada

E.L. Averill and T.M. Choy

Honeywell T&CSD

 

The acquisition of Training Systems is being stressed continually by the advent of requirement change.  The cost and schedule impacts from such changes are felt throughout the acquisition and fielding process.

 

The use of FORTRAN places constraints upon the development process which limits ability to reduce the effect of requirement change.  Preliminary experience with Ada in the training arena shows that an Ada environment does not share the FORTRAN limits.

 

The paper examine the essential differences between the Ada and FORTRAN software environments in relation to both requirements change and to the introduction of generic “standard” components with Trainer Products.  The concept of generic components is defined in terms to show how an Ada environment facilitates in ways a FORTRAN environment cannot.

 

Support software prerequisites (particularly for Training System products) are identified and are shown to be necessary to allow developers to exploit the potential within structures that are part of the Ada language.

 

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

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design of level iii interactive videodisc training–

exploiting the power of the technology to enhance learning

Andrew E. Andrews, Ronald A. Pistone, Jorge H. Roman, and Mary L. Stoddard

Training research Team, Military Systems Group

Los Alamos National Laboratory

 

Interactive videodisc is now commonly being used in military training, but the new technology is so powerful that new design strategies are needed.  Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Training Research Team is developing experimental computer-based (IBM-PC based) training with interactive videodisc (Level III) on military applications.  The goal is to exploit the technology to enhance learning, with the focus on learning requirements and not on the technology.  As part of this process, the Team has compiled a set of nine design strategies.  This set of strategies is readily portable to other training efforts using this technology.  The strategies are unique in that: (1) the technology is so new and thus few guidelines exist, and (2) they incorporate learning theory and human factors principles.  The strategies described are being used on Level III projects ranging from a tactical operations cognitive strategies tutor to a part-task helicopter trainer.

 

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

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transferring classroom instruction to cbt

Bryan D. Bradley

Hazeltine Corporation

 

Many organizations are considering adopting computer-based training and are now investigating the hardware/software market for the tools to create and implement courseware in their training environments.  One problem they face is that of altering their course presentations from the traditional classroom format to that of an independent structure centered around a computer-based environment.

 

At issue are design considerations such as learner control, branching, mastery criteria, remediation, and others. In fact, most of the design must be redone in order to maximize the instructional potential of the technology.  It would appear that such an undertaking would be too costly in time, resources, and money.  But that is not necessarily the case.

 

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

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computer-based training to operate state-of-the-art weapons systems

Amanda Williams Easter, Ph.D.

Logicon, Inc.

 

This paper describes a computer-based training (CBT) system and its initial application in the F/A-18 pilot training program.  The F/A-18 weapons system is digitally-based, incorporating mission computers, multi-function CRT displays, and input through menu-based cursor and keypad control.  Thus the F/A-18 pilot’s task is composed of information processing and management as well as psychomotor skills.  The interactive graphics, immediate feedback and remediation capabilities of the CBT system proved to be useful and practical in training these types of skills and has influenced the application of CBT to other aircrew training programs and maintenance training.  The CBT system used was by today’s standards relatively simple.  Modern, state-of-the-art CBT systems, which provide such facilities as high-resolution graphics, videodisc and video overlay will allow even wider applications and greater efficiencies.  Specific examples are provided.

 

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

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simulator design criteria–

new emphasis in concurrent developments

1LT Barry R. Smith, Deputy for Simulators

Aeronautical Systems Division, Air Force Systems Command

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

 

Rather than pages of specific design-to performance descriptions and tolerances, development specifications released at contract award for complex training systems often require the simulation of many aspects of a trainer to be “in accordance with design criteria.”  The use of this reference enables work to begin on aircrew training devices roughly at the same time as full-scale development of the weapon system being simulated.  However, this concurrent approach complicates the determination of the simulation performance required.  By properly using a design criteria list, the actual detailed requirements for simulation can be well communicated.  This paper explores the use of a design criteria list in a typical weapon system trainer development.  Examples of design criteria use and misuse are drawn from on-going simulator programs.  The need for weapon system prime contractor involvement, well chosen design criteria freeze dates, and documentation of design assumptions throughout the development cycle is emphasized.  Through the process illustrated, the accumulation, distillation, and application of design criteria data is portrayed as the cornerstone of representative simulation of actual weapon system performance.  In concurrent weapon system and simulator programs, design criteria may actually be more important than the development specification itself in determining simulation requirements.

 

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

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functional specification of training devices

within a total training system context

J.S. Bresee

The Singer Company–Link Flight Simulation Division

 

The training systems industry has long recognized the need to base the design of complex and expensive training devices on specific training requirements.  The numerous efforts that have been made to achieve this goal have encountered problems across a range of areas.  User communities and procuring agencies have in the past been forced to struggle with these problems alone, but with the advent of total training systems acquisition, the system supplier must face this problem directly.  Functional design techniques from engineering disciplines have proved insufficiently sensitive to required student behavior.  Media selection models from ISD, on the other hand, are not optimized to support the development of a new device.  The use of ISD media models has identified training requirements for which simulation is needed but without sufficient detail to support engineering decisions.  There is a clear need for a media design process which is oriented around training requirements and which yields information required for device engineering.  This paper outlines a process which appears to have promise as a response to these needs.

 

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

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specifying large cig data bases

John Robinson and Michael Cosman

Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation

 

Computer image generators have reached a level of maturity in terms of the image realism they can achieve.  The recent addition of advanced hardware texture to surfaces has provided unsurpassed realism, allowing the creation of much more effective and diversified visual cues.  As a result, CIG systems can now be applied to a broader class of training missions.

 

Because the scene realism is now adequate for many training missions, the CIG data base content problem is becoming increasingly important.  New training tasks such as mission rehearsal and nap-of-earth flight require data bases with an increasing geographic extent and density of three-dimensional objects.  To meet the new requirements, many data base management and compression schemes are being devised and new hardware capabilities will be created to support them.  The problem for the user then becomes one of determining which of these approaches meets his needs.

 

This paper will discuss and show through example the need for data base management and compression.  In addition, it will discuss the trade-offs that occur because of compression schemes.  Last and most important, this paper will suggest several methods of specifying data base requirements that take into account such parameters as geographic extent, specific content, density and correlation.  The goal of the specifications is to allow the user to more readily understand the data base processing performance of a computer image generator and to reduce the confusion caused by the various management and compression schemes.

 

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

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organization of a photographic data base*

David J. Sykes and Dr. Roland di Franco**

Honeywell Training and Control Systems Division

 

and

 

William J. Curran

Naval Training Systems Center

 

The increasing emphasis of the use of photographic images in visual simulation has introduced new challenges.  In photobased systems that allow full freedom of movement around three dimensional objects, the question of the image data base size and organization becomes a significant system design issue.  This paper addresses the topic of storage and retrieval of multiple images that represent three-dimensional generic objects such as trees, buildings, and targets.  In order to obtain a smoothly changing view of the object as the eyepoint moves relative to the object, many photographs taken at different aspect angles are used.  Determining the actual number of different aspects required and how these should be physically stored is a nontrivial task.  Increasing the number of different aspects facilitates the accomplishment of smooth transitions, but at the same time makes real-time retrieval more difficult.  This paper describes a method of organizing the image data for a 3D object onto a disk taking the device performance characteristics into account.

 

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

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* This work was performed under PM-Trade/NTSC Contract Number N61339-83-C-0066.

 

**  Now at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California

 

 

acceptance test procedures for very large data bases

Judith Hess and Stephen Lotspeich

Rediffusion Simulation, Inc.

 

A new class of acceptance test procedures is required to verify the content and performance of a new generation of very large, map-correlatable data bases.  Advances in CIG hardware design and improvements in software modeling tools and modeling strategies have allowed vast increases in both the size and density of visual data bases used in military flight and tactical training.  While procedures for verifying data base content and proper visual system/host interaction are well established for smaller, less complex commercial data bases, these procedures fall short when applied to the large military data bases currently being produced.  This paper reviews the development and evaluation of acceptance test procedures for the AV8B East and West Coast data bases created for the USMC.

 

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

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systems engineering for training systems–a team approach

Thomas W. Hoog, Technical Specialist

Visual and Avionics Simulation Branch

Deputy for Engineering

Aeronautical Systems Division

Wright-Patterson Air force Base

 

This paper will present an approach to the conduct of the systems engineering process that can be applied to the development of both total training systems and training devices.  The approach focuses on a team effort by the acquisition organization, the contractor and the ultimate using organization working together throughout the development cycle.  Some of the DOD’s streamlining initiatives are applied to this process as well as the recently published DOD-STD-2167 and updated military standards.

 

The textbook systems engineering process must be adapted for training system development to coincide with the normally compressed acquisition phases of most large training systems.  Several concepts found in DOD acquisition and systems engineering documentation are tailored for training systems programs and the development process, design reviews and testing discussed.  This paper will show how a strong analytical process at the beginning of the contract effort can result in more objective testing at the end of the development phase.  Recommendation for the conduct of major design reviews which emphasize the purpose of each review and utilize naturally evolving documentation will be make.  An integrated process to improve the efficiency of training system development will be outlined using a team approach.

 

This approach, in order to be successful, will require all parties to adopt new methods of doing business with more freedom and flexibility for the contractor and less involvement in the design details by the acquisition organization.  This also means some checks and balances must be defined and implemented.  Throughout the paper several basic principles will be emphasized along with a proposed implementation.

 

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

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return on investment (roi) for full mission simulation–

the developer’s perspective

James P. Exter

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

 

The cost effectiveness of full mission simulation, once a central topic to the user attempting to justify initial investment costs, has now become the concern of the developer as he attempts to justify simulation in terms of “return on investment.”  When choosing how to invest limited dollars to meet capital asset needs, priorities and rates of return guide companies and their selection of competing capital asset requests.  Many capital acquisition programs are easily quantified by using classical rate of return formulas.  For example, replacing one drill press with another is easily justified if the new press runs faster, costs less to maintain, and therefore increases productivity.  But if the new drill press does something the old press could not do, the ability to compare or quantify productivity levels is diminished.

 

The ability to quantify full mission simulation capital expenditures for aircraft engineering, training, and marketing is difficult because the value of the full mission simulator as an aircraft engineering, training, and marketing tool has not been precisely quantified.

 

The present paper proposed a flexible/expandable formula for quantifying the present and continuing value of the full mission simulation.  Simulation ROI for aircraft engineering and marketing is broadly broken down into two categories: (a) new aircraft development programs and (b) changes to existing aircraft.  Full Mission ROI for training is divided into the initial and transition training categories.

 

The ROI formula for full mission simulation provides a vehicle for quantifying the investment by identifying cost/savings associated with a range of engineering, training, and marketing uses for the simulator system.

 

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

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whatever happened to teamwork?

a concept of future customer acceptance testing

Thomas H. Holzer and Lt. Prisca L. Lynch

Directorate of Engineering

Deputy for Simulators

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

 

A major goal of systems procurements has been getting a quality product as quickly as possible.  In the simulator world, a serious drive is now on for concurrency.  Attempts have always been and will still be made to reduce the total cost of the procurement.  One costly phase of the development schedule, because of its associated time and manpower requirements, is the test phase.  Of particular importance is Customer Acceptance Testing.  By making some significant changes to the test philosophy and how the tests are actually conducted, significant gains could be made by the contractor, buyer and user.

 

This paper will review doctrines of system test planning which have been held sacred by both sides.  A background to the purpose and goals of system test will be presented.  Additionally, the structuring of a system’s various test phases will be reviewed.  New ideas will then be presented on how, with cooperation and trust by all parties concerned, everyone can accomplish what they always have and now a lot more.  Evidence of how implementation of some of these new ideas has worked will be reviewed.

 

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

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emphasis on quality: a procedural model for acquiring and managing technical support documentation

Thomas E. Gwise, Ed.D.

Naval Training Systems Center

 

Acquiring and maintaining high quality technical support documentation is vital to the Naval Training Systems Center’s mission.  To this end, a comprehensive plan for managing the Technical Support Documentation Program has been implemented by the Center.  The plan ensures that all technical support documentation products receive “cradle to grave” quality assurance.  These products include training documentation, technical publications, vendor data, engineering and maintenance drawing, and other support data items.  The plan’s heart is a procedural model designed to address six prime drivers: (1) STREAMLINING requirements, (2) user needs, (3) cost reduction, (4) scarce personnel resources, (5) a requirement for quality products, and (6) a need for control during the product life cycle.  The model was developed by integrating three constructs: (1) improved acquisition management techniques, (2) technological applications, and (3) stringent product monitoring.  When fully integrated, these elements are in constant interaction, ensuring that each construct’s variables are fused into a cohesive, comprehensive whole.  This paper discusses the constructs, the variables and their importance in achieving the quality required by the CENTER OF EXCELLENCE concept.

 

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

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training systems quality assurance–

the challenge to management

Ken G. Larrabee and Donald J. Miller

Naval Training Systems Center

 

This paper briefly discusses the need for training systems quality assurance.  The tendency to “front-end” load the support effort in training systems development towards procurement and not by long-term support is discussed.  In recognition of a need to meet established training needs over the long term, the Navy developed a Quality Assurance and Revalidation (QA&R) system to assure that training equipment does, in fact, meet training requirements and operates to established standards.  The current process of QA&R provides evaluation of the various segments of a command operated inspection program and its elements.  Each topic is examined for what it provides to management in both the long and short-term improvement of the training systems.  New efforts to support special command requirements are emphasized along with additional inspection elements.  The effects of management on the QA&R system are pointed out along with the challenge that must be met by management in a successful QA&R program.  The need for management action to ensure effectiveness is stressed to bring home the point that only through management action can the process of quality assurance succeed.

 

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

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commercial quality standards for training system subcontractors and vendors

T. Tierney

The Singer Company–Link Flight Simulation Division

 

Link quality assurance specialists have set out to determine a more precise definition of “best commercial practices” than is currently applied in procurement policies, which call for criteria less rigorous than those imposed under MIL-Q-9858 and MIL-I-45208.  The term “best commercial practices” is understood to apply to those items which are neither complex nor critical, and such items represent the large majority of procurements made under military and commercial contracts.  It has been Link’s experience that quality obtained under “best commercial practices” ranges widely, from full compliance with MIL-Q-9858 to virtually no compliance whatever.  Establishment of precise standards for “best commercial practice” leads to three desirable results: quality inspection costs are reduced, suppliers know precisely what is expected, and minimum standards are defined for training systems in general.  Accordingly, we have developed four specifications that define “best commercial practices” to our suppliers as part of a comprehensive procurement quality assurance program.

 

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

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contractor logistic support puts the logistician into the front line of design

Brian Williams

Burtek

 

This paper discusses the implications of the move towards Contractor Logistic Support (CLS) as a low-cost support option used by the U.S. Government in new procurement programs.  Also discussed are the implications of CLS to the Contractor’s organization and to the logistician in particular, highlighting the increased importance of logistics throughout the program.  User benefits of CLS are described including better equipment availability and lower support costs.

 

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

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Practical applications of total contract training (tct)– lessons learned from E-3 TCT

Captain Dennis M. Matthews, Chief

C3 Devices Branch

Tactical Air Command, Langley Air Force Base

 

TCT is an approach to acquire training that has as its product a guaranteed, initially qualified employee.  TCT emphasizes a specified level of training rather than a list of hardware required to train individuals.  Total maintenance is within the contractor’s scope of effort.  The advantages of TCT programs for the DoD are being acknowledged by an ever-increasing circle of interested parties.  Best commercial practices can dramatically reduce training costs.  Critical resources, e.g., manpower and hardware, can be transferred from training to operational commitments.  The purpose of this paper will be to discuss general TCT principles and the problems encountered in our E-3 specific applications of TCT, offer some solutions to problems that are inherent in TCT, and relate lessons learned that may prevent others from retracing our errors.

 

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

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combat mission simulation–the “attractive alternative”

Chief Warrant Officer William A. Yarlett

Aviation Training Devices

 

Edward William Drew

The Singer Company–Link Flight Simulation Division

 

The AH-64 Apache – the Army’s most advanced and lethal attack helicopter – is a highly complex and formidable weapons system designed to fly nap-of-the-earth at night and in adverse weather and to defeat a sophisticated array of enemy tanks and air defense weapons.  The complexity of the weapon system coupled with its operational environment and mission presents a formidable challenge to the training community.  The challenge has been met through the development of a suite of system training devices designed to off-load training from the actual aircraft.  The Apache program further challenges collectively the user community, the materiel developer, and industry to develop and deliver as part of this training system a means to attain and maintain tactical decision-making skills necessary to fight and survive in a high threat environment.  This paper describes the general capabilities of the AH-64 Apache helicopter and its training system from both institutional and unit perspectives.  The capstone of the training system, the Combat Mission Simulator, is introduced with detailed explanations of design approaches and tradeoffs made to attain the highly sought combat skills training capability – the attractive alternative.

 

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

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the reserve component training technology field activity, boise, idaho

LTC George W. Smith

Army National Guard

USARI-Scientific Coordination Office

 

and

 

Dr. Joseph D. Hagman

United States Army Research Institute

USARI-Scientific Coordination Office

 

The Reserve Component Training Technology Field Activity is a multi-agency sponsored research activity dedicated to improving Reserve Component training through research, development, and application of advanced training technology.  This paper describes the unique training constraints of the Army’s Reserve Components and outlines six projects begun in Fiscal Year 1986 to address training needs associated with these constraints.  The projects are designed to (a) formally identify Reserve Component training needs at the nation-wide level, (b) determine and demonstrate cost-effective methods for remotely delivering training over distributed locations, (c) examine skill retention among the Individual Ready Reserve, and (d) evaluate the effectiveness of a computer-based training device for rifle marksmanship in addition to identifying practicable training management strategies tailored for use in the Reserve Component environment.

 

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

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standards in weapons training

Robert H. Starr

Headquarters, United States Army Forces Command

Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations Training Support Division

Fort McPherson

 

Large ammunition stockpiles remaining from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam provided sufficient training ammunition resources in the early seventies.  Ammunition was issued that allowed all U.S. Army units, regardless of component, to request the same amount of ammunition for respective weapon systems.  Now that these stockpiles have dwindled, replacements are very expensive and Congress will not continue to fund training ammunition requirements without sufficient justification.  Weapon Systems Training Effectiveness analyses were done from 1976 to 1983 to determine the number of rounds required for individual and crew proficiencies.  Existing training devices and subcaliber munitions that could be substituted for full caliber rounds were identified and recommended for use in weapons training programs.  In late 1979, training ammunition guidelines were documented in Training Circular 25-3, for most fielded weapon systems.  Resources such as subcaliber munition, devices, and dry firing were described and trade-offs identified.  The paper will describe how this was done.

 

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

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enhanced knowledge of results–individual and team approaches

Robert T. Hays, Ph.D. and Arthur S. Blaiwes, Ph.D.

Research Psychologists, Human Factors Division

Naval Training Systems Center

 

The effectiveness of training programs depends fundamentally upon the availability of knowledge of results (KOR) concerning trainees’ performance and how the KOR is used in instruction.  This paper describes examples of individual and team training applications of enhanced KOR.  The individual training system, called the Automated Performance Assessment and Readiness Training System (APARTS), generates KOR on carrier landing performance that is used by instructors to integrate training in operational aircraft with practice in a flight simulator.  APARTS is currently being implemented at all Air Wings and Fleet Replacement Squadrons.  The team training example, the Surface Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) Training System, incorporates a variety of KOR data and presentation techniques to address problems unique to team training.  Procurement of a prototype version of this major system is underway at the Naval Training Systems Center, and “follow-on” systems are planned for the near future.  Requirements for individual and team training are compared.

 

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

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computerized system for diagnosing maintenance technicians’ faults isolation capabilities–implemented in training packages for the LAVI fighter aircraft

Dr. Jonathan Smilansky, Avi Kedem, and Shimon Weiss

IAI Training Center, Ben Gurion Airport, Israel

 

The accurate and efficient diagnosis of faults is a critical element in the training and certifying of maintenance technicians.  This diagnostic process starts with noting a symptom (e.g. a warning indicator or the result of a routine maintenance check) and ends by pinpointing specific faulty elements.  It requires more complex cognitive processes than those required for correcting system faults once they have been diagnosed.

 

This paper describes a computerized system where a technician is presented with a symptom indicating malfunction, asked to specify an initial list of “suspected” components, required to indicate a first step in fault isolation by pointing to the exact location of the element/sub-element on the equipment, asked to indicate the desired system test and presented with a data reading to be used for determining the next course of action.

 

This series of requests and data feedbacks forms an “item tree” to evaluate fault isolation capabilities within different skill areas.  The computer provides feedback on individual and group performance which can be used for formative and summative testing of technicians in training, for certification and recertification of competence and for purposes of trainer and program evaluation.  This system makes it possible to examine fault isolation capabilities of large groups of candidates.  It is therefore advantageous for testing purposes when compared to the use of multiple choice tests or even expensive maintenance simulators.

 

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

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can table-top training enhance p-3c acoustic analysis instruction?

Theresa M Rowan

Naval Training Systems Center

 

The ability to analyze acoustic signals passively and classify the contact is a skill requiring constant practice by both the novice and the experienced sensor or sonar operator in order to maintain a high proficiency level.  In the P-3C community, personnel receive Basic and/or Advanced Airborne Acoustic Analysis training in preparation for a sensor operator position and then return for Refresher training periodically between deployments.  This report investigates the possible use of table-top type trainers in P-3C Acoustic Analysis training as a replacement for the paper gram instruction approach employed in the Basic, Advanced and Refresher classes, or as a “between training” method used during deployment.  The three major sections of this paper include: 1) the results of a survey of Acoustic instructors and sensor operators; 2) a discussion of the ability of table-top type trainers to enhance future sensor operator instruction; and 3) a comparison of the functions and methodology of two table-top trainers developed by the Navy.

 

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

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aircrew training–the relative contribution of major training system resources to future readiness

Ronald G. Hughes, Ph.D.

Engineering and Training Simulation Department

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

 

The paper considers the broad areas of manned simulation technology, range system technology, and the emerging area of embedded training.  The focus is upon the application of these technologies in a systematic fashion to the advanced stages of tactical aircrew training.  Recommendations are made for a major re-thinking of DoD investment strategies with respect to those training system technologies having the greatest likelihood of supporting readiness under increasingly mobile and dispersed force structures.

 

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

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the generic instructor/operator station–

the next-generation approach to ios modularity

Catherine Meyn

Logicon, Inc.

 

This paper proposes a software-based approach to a generic Instructor/Operator Station (IOS), based on a modular, message-driven architecture, which provides the universality to support a variety of flight simulators.

 

A generic IOS is an environment composed of software modules, databases, training objectives and instructional support features (ISF) that can be combined in reliable and consistent ways to support multiple simulator applications.  These modules may be incorporated into libraries of capabilities, which may then be drawn upon, dependent upon the features necessary to each specific application.  Each module within a functional library may be classified in one of three ways:

 

1)       Generic – universal across simulators;

2)       Application dependent – appropriate only to the airplane or mission being simulated;

3)       System unique – only appropriate to a specific simulator.

 

In such an environment, an IOS may be built using software tools, similar to the method used by computer systems programmers in generating operating systems.  This approach may permit a subject matter expert unfamiliar with software and hardware design to build or modify an IOS with little or no software or hardware experience required.

 

This paper considers the implications of this approach, how the modules may be defined, developed and combined appropriately, and the impact on the system development process.  It also discusses support tools and the impact of new technologies such as knowledge-based systems, modular simulator concepts and Ada on developing the generic IOS environment.

 

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

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on-line help and references for courseware developers

Brian L. Dear, Senior Courseware Developer

Training Systems Center, Hazeltine Corporation

 

This paper reports on the increasing use of on-line help and reference programs within computer systems, specifically authoring systems for the development of computer-based training.  The advantages of developing a comprehensive help program are explained.  The “help” features of two well-known authoring systems are described.

 

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

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a parallel processor alternative to the modular simulator architecture

Edward Kulakowski and David J. Kramer

Refectone, Inc.

 

The modular simulator concept has been proposed as a means of reducing the cost of training devices.  With this approach a number of different self-contained, single function subsystems consisting of a processor, local memory, I/O, and related trainer hardware are combined.  A local area network is used to link the subsystems into a complete trainer.  There are a number of practical difficulties with implementing this approach.  As an alternative, a parallel processor architecture is proposed in which a single parallel computer is used with a single I/O system.  All processors share tasks and have equal access to shared memory and to the I/O bus.  An experiment was conducted employing this architecture in an existing helicopter OFT.  The results of the experiment indicate that the parallel processor approach is a more practical, cost effective solution than the modular simulator approach.  A major benefit is that spare processors can be available on-line to replace failed processors automatically with no interruption of training.

 

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

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multiple-microcomputer architectures–

an integrated approach is needed for simulation

Charles N. Pope, David M. Kotick, and Mark W. Layton

Naval Training Systems Center

 

The advent of 32-bit busses which support full 32-bit microprocessors has signaled a coming of age of microcomputer technology for simulation applications.  The VME-bus, a fully non-proprietary bus standard developed through a cooperative effort of major semiconductor manufacturers, has board-level product offerings from over 200 vendors.  As this number continues to grow, so does the competitive base of the various components (in low cost, general purpose form) needed to build high fidelity simulators.  Although the growing availability and variety of these off-the-shelf components do not minimize the need for sound system integration, they can facilitate this crucial process, and more importantly, afford an opportunity to rethink how it can be done better.  For example, in the past, shared memory has been widely used to communicate between multiple cpu’s in a training system.  Should this concept be adopted in microprocessor-based systems, or will emerging message passing and data broadcasting methods serve our needs more effectively?  Once the best communications mechanism has been selected, what intelligence will be needed to partition the simulation, determine the data that must be transferred, and synchronize the distributed software modules of the system such that the fidelity of the simulation math model is preserved? Research has been undertaken both within the government and by military contractors to answer these questions.  The Systems and Computer Technology Division of NTSC has contributed through the building of an advanced development model based on the VME-bus and commercially available components.

 

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

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universal threat implementation concept development

Jerry W. Denver

Boeing Military Airplane Company

 

This paper presents a software-intensive, real-time, reactive threat training simulation design, based upon an optimal blend of fidelity, simplicity, and flexibility.  The development approach is based upon the simplification of current simulation model fidelity requirements through perceived training objectives and existence of highly interactive, complex, semi-autonomous defensive systems onboard new generation strategic aircraft.

 

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

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measurements and effects of transport delays in

a state-of-the-art f-16C flight simulator

Capt. Scott J. Horowitz, Ph.D.

Chief engineering Evaluation Pilot

Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, Operations Training Division

Williams Air Force Base

 

In recent years the military community has developed advanced simulators for high performance fighter-type aircraft.  These devices not only simulate high performance aircraft but also complex tasks such as air to air combat, aerial refueling, air to ground combat, and formation flying.  With the increases in the sophistication of these simulators has come a corresponding increase in computational complexity.  This complexity has negated the effects of higher computational speeds available in today’s computers; thus the transport delays have remained essentially constant.  What has not remained constant, however, are the effects these transport delays have on the training nature and consist of many computers interfaced with each other, the determination and measurements of the transport delays is often difficult.  The effects these delays have on the simulation of a high performance fighter-type aircraft are also difficult to determine.  The Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, Operations Training Division (AFHRL/OT) is currently completing the development of a new F-16C simulator with full field-of-view visual display and no motion system. This paper describes the methods utilized to measure of the transport delays that exist in this system and some of their effects on the training effectiveness of the simulation.

 

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

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Helicopter simulation techniques for full mission flight simulation

K. Braman and S. Ramachandran

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

 

The power of simulation as a design and training tool has long been recognized and successfully exploited by the fixed-wing aircraft community.  This in turn has begun to influence the helicopter industry which until now used simulation to a much lesser extent.  This is evidenced by the emphasis on simulation by the U.S. Army in the procurement of the next generation light helicopters (LHX) and the investments currently made by the helicopter companies on simulation equipment and facilities.  The approach to fixed-wing aircraft simulation has become fairly uniform within the industry despite advances in aircraft technology and capabilities.  On the other hand, rotorcraft simulation has taken divergent paths.  There is a plethora of techniques and more are in the offing.  One reason is that the rotor wake, rotor dynamics, and the interaction between the rotor, airframe, engine and drive train are extremely complex and difficult to model, even to achieve a credible offline non-realtime simulation.  Consequently, designers of helicopter engineering/training simulations face a bewildering array of techniques for real-time, man-in-the-loop simulation.

 

This paper surveys the different rotor modeling techniques from a real-time simulation user’s perspective.  It describes the most commonly used techniques, their underlying assumptions and simplifications, computing requirements, and strengths and weaknesses.  It is hoped that the paper will provide a potential designer/user with an understanding of the options available to him and help him choose an approach that will best meet his needs.

 

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

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volatile environment software cost estimation

Edward L. Griffin

Martin Marietta Corporation, Orlando Aerospace

 

The classical cost estimation approaches supported by the literature (Bottoms-Up, Top-Down) or by the use of models (Boehm, Putnam) sometimes cannot accommodate the volatile training simulation environment.  The product is subject not only to the usual hazards of erroneous definition, requirements misinterpretation, and change, but also to the prime system’s equivalent hazard set.  Initial cost estimates should include the risk assessment and cost for a given level of change.  The statistical cost-risk software development estimation technique is a viable alternative to classical methods.  It uses a manageable set of criteria to achieve completeness of requirement, the accuracy of task sizing and the programmer staff productivity.  The results, with a 10-percent demonstrated accuracy including management, material, other direct costs, and labor, are obtainable with a personal computer.

 

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

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Proposal management through the contractor’s knothole

Robert Buss and Jon Casperson

Boeing Military Airplane Company

 

Contractor effort on a training systems proposal starts well in advance of the notice in the Commerce Business Daily (CBD).  This effort includes a training requirements analysis to determine the level of performance requirements necessary to satisfy training objectives.  Trade studies are performed among possible solutions to the performance requirements so they can be satisfied in the most cost effective manner.  The results of these trade studies are in part shared with the government to influence the Prime Item Development Specification (PIDS) during its preparation for the benefit of both the contractor and the government.

 

Due to competitive groundrules, open communication with the customer is not always possible.  Frequently, the contractor proposal manager lifts his eyes to the skies and wonders how he could influence the RFP.  Over and over the same questions are asked; Why do these requirements exceed the apparent funding?  What is the real funding?  Is the customer really looking for constructive changes or interpretations?  Does the originator really understand the resulting impact?

 

This paper is intended to promote discussion relating to the need to understand the contractor’s proposal tasks and problems.  It is hoped that this understanding will lead to improved communications which will result in better procurements.

 

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

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managing trainer configuration when development and production overlap

Craig R. Bradenbaugh

AAI Corporation

 

Development and production of high technology, low volume, complex trainers has in recent years presented significant challenges to government contractors when trainer acquisition schedules require that follow-on production unit activities begin before completion of the development unit test and evaluation phase.  The objective of the program management team during this critical period is to maintain development engineering design freedom while managing the impact and incorporation of design changes into the production process.  This paper presents the important issues and processes of configuration and production control and describes how concurrent production can be accomplished through a series of steps including defining the trainer design elements to control, developing production critical items, release schedules, determining design confidence factors, and establishing a Configuration Control Board with good communications between the design, manufacturing, procurement and support operations.  Monitoring and controlling the hardware and software elements must begin as soon as production activities start.  Complex production follow-on training systems that integrate test and perform to baseline specifications and meet government and contractor schedules can be delivered on the heels of the acceptance of a prototype development system.

 

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

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understanding cost estimating and cost-training effectiveness models–a place to start

George C. Barcus and Theresa T. Barcus

Naval Training Systems Center

 

At a time when Government budget cuts are in vogue and increased military readiness is the goal, knowledge of cost estimating and cost/training effectiveness models is essential for decision-makers and training analysts.  As with many aspects of our economy, costs associated with training continue to climb.  Understanding and correctly using cost estimating and cost/training effectiveness models can help in the area of controlling the costs associated with training.  This paper will present a number of the more common cost and training effectiveness models, describe the use of the models and develop a glossary of terms.  The material presented here is by no means exhaustive.  The intent is to introduce the reader to some of the techniques available and to provide a starting point for learning more about the subject.  By being aware of and correctly using these and other types of cost estimating and cost/training effectiveness models, decision-makers will be able to increase the return of the investments made in military training systems.  By using these techniques, it will become possible to achieve the goal of receiving better training for less cost.

 

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

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methodologies for comparing cost/effective measures of alternative training systems

Eric K. Green, Scott W. Dunlap, and Richard E. Beger

Training Analysis and Evaluation Department

Naval Training Systems Center

 

To select among alternative training systems, the cost and effectiveness of each must be measured and compared.  For this paper it is assumed that effectiveness can be measured cardinally and costs are life cycle costs.

 

When evaluating life cycle costs of alternatives the time value of money must be considered.  The life cycle costs must be presented in present value terms by discounting.  Inflation should be considered only to the extent that it affects the real interest rate (the effective discount rate) or if differential price growth exists in resource prices of the alternatives.

 

Three methods to quantify and combine the costs and effectiveness of alternatives are evaluated: (1) cost-effectiveness ratio; (2) normalized cost and effectiveness measures; (3) marginal cost effectiveness.  None of these approaches will select the “best” alternative because of the subjectivity of effectiveness measures.  However, the marginal approach will enable one to eliminate alternatives.

 

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

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reserve component training

Commander William T. Rice, USNR

Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense

Guard/Reserve Readiness and Training

 

and

 

Jesse Orlansky and John Metzko

Institute for Defense Analyses

 

The relative costs of Active forces and Reserve forces make Guard and Reserve units increasingly important in defense planning.  With the inception of the Total Force policy, the training objectives of Guard and Reserve units became the same as those of Active units with similar missions.  The other side of the economic coin that favors Reserve forces is less time and equipment for training, fewer training areas, and poorer training facilities.  These factors plus geographic dispersion of Guard and Reserve units make the training environment for Reserve forces much different from that for Active forces.  This paper is a progress report on Phase 1, Army Reserve components, of a study of technology and procedures to improve training programs of the Reserve components of the Services.  The study methodology for Phase 1 is expected to be used for subsequent phases that examine the Navy and the Air Force.

 

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

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in-plant formative evaluation of training device instructional subsystems

Dee H. Andrews

Army Research Institute

 

Virginia E. Pendergrass and Boake C. Thompson

Naval Training Systems Center

 

Current training device evaluations performed in-plant do not adequately address instructional subsystem issues.  Instead, these tests focus primarily on engineering topics.  Formative evaluation is a method which allows training device designers and users to determine instructional subsystem problems before the device is shipped.  It also provides opportunities to make improvements.  This paper defines training device formative evaluation, describes it purposes and techniques, and points out possible obstacles to its conduct.  The paper concludes with an example of formative evaluation which was performed on the M1 Tank Institutional Conduct of Fire Trainer.

 

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

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the role of evaluation in training systems acquisition

James R. Stonge

Instructional Systems Engineer

Displays/Trainer Products, Electronics Systems Division

Grumman

 

As the number and sophistication of training systems increases, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the systems.  The services have attempted to identify and define how that evaluation should be accomplished, primarily by looking at the concept described as “Transfer of Training.” This paper identifies the two types of evaluation, formative and summative, that have received universal acceptance in government, industry, and academia.  It describes the characteristics of each type of evaluation, and specifies when each should occur.  Further, it suggests the role of both the contractor and the government.  Those roles include the requirement for active government participation in formative evaluation, a role which has been traditionally ignored.  The presentation format of the paper uses a model for evaluation as a foundation for the discussion.  The description of the model includes the identification of each requisite step in the process.  Each element of the model is amplified in the contest of using evaluation for modern training systems.

 

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

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training data generation with commercially available integrated software

John C. Stauffer and Fred R. Sypher

AAI Corporation

 

The imposition of critically short turn-around times for Contractor Training Programs on complex equipment systems can overload training groups that are not fully automated.  Traditionally, these training groups accomplish significant efforts with short turn-around times by parcelling out assignments to several training developers.  This creates problems with standardization, control, and program philosophy.  Parcelling produces inconsistent and incompatible materials, increases the management and coordination efforts, and requires more reviews and more rewrites, all of which inevitably increase costs.  Commercially available integrated software provides relief by enabling training developers to generate MIL-SPEC training materials on personal computers utilizing the same data base for nomenclature, terminology, and references; the same spread sheet for computing class length; and the same window-driven word processing for producing training outlines and course materials in final format on-screen.  The necessity for this approach is manifold: shrinking DoD budgets, increased contract requirements, and the necessity to operate more efficiently.

 

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

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government data requirements in a changing training environment

Jim Ziegler and Bill Carney

Rediffusion Simulation Inc.

 

Department of Defense specifications for technical data, spares and support documentation have been the proverbial “thorn in the side” to simulator and training device suppliers for many years.  These government requirements are the most significant factor in the higher prices they pay for similar commercially available devices.  As military aircrew training devices changed from an all organic to a Contract Logistics Support (CLS) concept, there is a real potential for significant decreases in government training device life cycle costs.  With the work force stability provided under CLS, the need for the highly sophisticated and costly logistic support is dramatically reduced.  This paper will evaluate the various life cycle cost factors and assess the relative impact of reducing the current government standards (MIL-STD, MIL-SPEC) to best commercial practices in a CLS environment.

 

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

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