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TRAINING REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS FOR SPACE STATION FREEDOM

Lee Wooldridge

Barrios Technology, Incorporated

Building Space Station Freedom is a technological feat that will be unparalleled in history.  NASA has the awesome responsibility of coordinating several large groups of contractors to produce, within an ambitious schedule, many entirely new and modular systems that will be transported by the Space Shuttle and assembled in space to provide a complete and integrated space station.  Many of these systems, presently under development, are dependent on emerging technology and can only be fully tested once assembled in orbit.  Once assembled, these systems will comprise a fully operational and integrated space station that must support a variety of yet-to-be fully defined missions without becoming prematurely obsolete.  While systems research and development is converging toward a viable product, crew and ground support personnel training must be developed and in place at Johnson Space Center and available for onboard operations to support station construction, operation, and maintenance.  The usual technical difficulties associated with performing front-end analysis are exacerbated by the number of new and sophisticated systems, the variety of jobs requiring training for ground and space operation, and the absence of experience providing academic and systems training in the onboard environment.  In addition, system and mission information from the broad spectrum of multinational partners and Government program participants must be consolidated to provide a foundation for the development of centralized training to support the multinational User’s needs in all phases of the station life cycle.

This paper discussed the technical and organizational constraints imposed on the training systems analyst by the Space Station Freedom Program, the cooperative role of the multinational Government and industry team toward identifying user training needs, the innovative application of computer automation for the development of onboard and ground training systems requirements, and the present status of the NASA crew and ground support training analysis being performed at Johnson Space Center.

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

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 GUARD FIST II – AN INTERACTIVE SIMULATION TRAINER FOR FIELD FORWARD OBSERVERS

Alan D. White, DA

Mark W. Gould

Daedalean, Inc.

Training Systems Division

The GUARD FIST II is a transportable procedural training system that utilizes simulated battlefield scenarios to provide sustainment training for Field Artillery Forward Observers (FO) and to exercise Fire Direction Specialists.  The FO acts as the eyes and ears of the field artillery and mortars, with primary responsibility for locating targets and calling for and adjusting indirect fire support.  The GUARD FIST II dynamically superimposes computer-generated targets and munitions effects onto real background photographs stored on videodisc to accurately simulate tactical scenes with targets, munitions effects, and battle sounds.  This paper addresses the definition, training and simulation requirements, implementation, database production, and deployment of the GUARD FIST II training system.

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

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Benefits of simulated efis and mfd hardware for training applications

Michael R. Skerrett

Systems Engineer – Development

Hughes Simulation Systems, Inc.

There are several drawbacks to the use of flightworthy avionics in training devices, especially in Part Task Trainer where initial cost is a primary consideration.  This paper will present a comprehensive life cycle analysis of flightworthy versus simulated “glass cockpit” instrumentation in FULL FLIGHT simulation, MAINTENANCE training, COCKPIT PROCEDURES training and PART TASK training applications for devices performing equivalent functions.

Initial cost, maintainability, reliability and orientation of the user community will be addressed as part of the life cycle analysis.  The pro and cons of breaking the link between aircraft maintenance and trainer maintenance will be presented.  The context is of a single centralized development station for maintaining different instrument configurations in the aircrew and maintenance training systems of a varied fleet of operational aircraft.  Currently these systems are unique, and relate to aircraft type and avionic specific components.

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

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DEVELOPMENT OF A FRONT END ANALYSIS TOOL

Jeffery L. Maxey

Advanced Technology, Inc.

Robert H. Ahlers

Naval Training Systems Center

After almost 20 years, deficiencies still exist in ISD and the products prepared for training.  Analysts attribute many ISD shortcomings to compromises made in its implementation and limitations in the available tools.  To improve the quality of ISD products, the Naval Training System Center is developing a family of software tools to support the ISD front end analysis process.  The first of these is VISTA, the Visual Interactive System for Task Analysis.

This paper describes VISTA’s design philosophy which incorporated the application of basic human factors data in concert with refinement through iterative test and evaluation.  The design process is discussed to include results from system usability tests.  The paper also describes VISTA’s present state and plans for future development and applications.

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

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AUTOMATING THE INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS DESIGN AND DEELOPMENT PROCESS

Barton K. Cross II

Dana A. Wunderlich

Dennis J. Sullivan

McDonnell Douglas Computer Based Training Systems

This paper discusses application of expert system and hypertext technology to the development of two automated tools for instructional systems development (ISD).  These tools support instructional systems development in requirements definition, front-end analysis, and course maintenance.  The tool set described includes the Instructional Design Assistant (IDA) and the Courseware Configuration Management (CWCM) system.  The concepts underlying the design of the tools are outlined, and the software architecture is described.  The paper also describes the impact of these tools on the efficiency of the staff from the development of task analysis data through impact analysis of proposed changes in existing training materials.  Special attention is paid to the tools’ impact on the management and operation of large-scale instructional design efforts.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.
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A COST AND bENEFIT ANALYSIS OF PILOTING AND NAVIGATIONAL TEAM TRAINERS

Edward E. Buffington

Cheryl A. Bitner

AAI Corporation

Successful Naval operations depend on the skills of qualified CIC teams and bridge personnel for shipboard piloting, navigation, collision avoidance, and target detection.  Actual training at sea has potential limitations due to the low frequency of piloting and navigation exposure and the absence of extreme conditions.  Piloting and Navigational Team Trainers are utilized by the United States Navy to provide at-sea realism in the classroom.  The presently utilized trainers provide complete training for several team members, including radar operators, periscope operators, plotting team members, and fathometer operators.  The trainers simulate actual radar presentations and periscope visual presentations, both correlated and responsive to vessel positions and maneuvers.  The trainers provide for part-task training in radar operation, periscope operation, and target recognition.  As a team trainer, all members of the piloting and navigational team interact and perform their associated navigational tasks.

Training systems such as the Piloting and Navigational Team Trainer are generally conceived as being cost effective and beneficial.  Several questions arise when evaluating a training system such as this.  They are:

1)       How effective is classroom training compared with at-sea training?

2)       Is a particular type of training curriculum more beneficial?

3)       What training capacity is required to satisfy the training requirements?

4)       How cost effective are the training systems, and specifically, how do per student-hour training costs in the classroom compare with the cost of at-sea training?

5)       Are technology improvements forthcoming that will reduce the training cost and increase the training benefits?

6)       Can additional training tasks be incorporated into the present piloting and navigational team trainers?

The answers to these questions should be of interest to all personnel involved with Naval navigation and Piloting and Navigational Team Trainers.  This paper presents a summary of the existing technology and training concepts associated with Piloting and Navigational Team Trainers and provides the answers to the questions presented above.  The research presented sets the groundwork for similar analysis that could be performed on any trainer system.

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

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REAL TIME SIMULATION NETWORKING–NETWORK MODELING AND PROTOCOL ALTERNATIVES

M. Bassiouni, Department of Computer Science

M. Georgiopoulos, Department of Electrical Engineering

J. Thompson, Institute for Simulation and Training

Graduate Student Assistants: S. Chaterjee, M. Chiu and N. Christou

University of Central Florida

In this paper, we present the findings of a comparison study using predictive detailed simulation models for three different network protocol access methods: Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (ANSI/IEEE 802.3 STD), Token-Passing Bus Access (ANSI/IEE 802.4 STD) and Token-Ring Access (ANSI/IEEE 802.5 STD).  Discussions of network performance, the implications of the results of the comparison study, and the insight gained from this project for improving real-time simulation networking are presented.

This paper is available on the I/ITSEC Compendium CD-ROM.
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REAL-TIME APPLICATION OF ETHERNET™

Allan Catchpole

Computer Systems

Reflectone Inc.

Five separate flight simulation training devices for the SH-60F helicopter are combined together in a variety of different configurations to form multiple training environments.  Helicopter front and back ends are linked to form Weapons Systems Trainers, which are in turn linked together to form a two helicopter Mission System Trainer.  All of these trainers are totally independent devices until Ethernet links them together into a common tactical environment.  In the common problem world the helicopters share sonobuoys, targets, oceans, and every other aspect of the tactical environment.  To link the trainers together a new real-time Ethernet software protocol was developed.  This new protocol uses the off-the-shelf hardware and introduces “Virtual Reflective Memory”, a system which utilizes Ethernet to reflect the memory of one trainer into the memory of each of the other trainers.  The virtual reflective memory system uses an extremely fast method of placing data into a target address within the computer memory.  This method adds a destination address field into the conventional Ethernet header.  The Destination address field overwrites the address to which the incoming data is to be sent, resulting in the data getting reflected into the correct memory locations.

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

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NETWORKING IN A DISTRIBUTED REAL TIME SIMULATION SYstem

Amnon Katz, Ph.D.

Daniel M. Allen

Nagabhushan Rao

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

This paper describes the networking approach being implemented in the MDHC simulation facility.  The real time system consists of distributed multi processor VME chassis and other components driving four dome simulators and several auxiliary stations.  All can be run together interactively, separately, or in various groups.  The system is controlled by one or more System Control Stations (SCS) that themselves are distributed systems.  Two distinct networks are used: an Ethernet for loading, starting, control, and data collection, and a Proteon Pronet 80 high speed token ring LAN for real time communications.  One of the principles of the system architecture is to separate the control and command functions and make them invisible to the real time application.  The same principle of separation suggests the segregation on the command, control, and data collection traffic from real time communications.  The SCS maintains an “open window” into memory of the real time system over Ethernet and can read and write memory, transparently to the real time application.  The ethernet service that makes this possible is one of the highlights of this paper.  The other is the performance of the Pronet LAN as documented by analysis and experiment.

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

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a design to support over-the-shoulder instruction at the

on-board instructor/operation station

Thomas L. Seamster, Ph.D.

Carlow Associates Incorporated

The scope of effort to produce a design for the onboard instructor/operator station (IOS) at the MV-22A Operational Flight Trainer spanned three mockups and six configurations.  These efforts serve to illustrate the iterative process involved.  Throughout the design effort we found that our task analysis provided a consistency of purpose and a line of continuity to logically progress in support of the specification’s attempt to quantify the concept where; the IOS displays and controls allow the instructor to interact within an entire crew concept of over-the-shoulder instruction.  This task analysis, and the early attempt to demonstrate the relative positions of cockpit features vis-à-vis the IOS at our first mockup, served to focus the user community’s representatives, and the contractor’s efforts on an appropriate design.  The paper concludes with the results of the Preliminary Design Review where the IOS mockup was accepted as having satisfied the concept for IOS operations.

ADVANCED INSTRUCTOR’S WORKSTATION

for

MILITARY TACTICS TRAINERS

John C. Gaughan

Link Tactical Simulation Division

CAE-Link Corporation

As military tactical systems have become more complex, the costs of the operational hardware and the consequences of having inadequately trained personnel manning the equipment have both risen dramatically.  The increased complexity of the operational equipment is reflected in the training devices and simulators built to train the operators.  The additional burdens placed on the training device instructors and operators by this increased complexity can be mitigated through the use of modern display system hardware and software systems which can provide improved man-machine interface techniques and trainee performance monitoring and evaluation facilities at costs comparable to those of older, less effective systems.

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

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HUMAN FACTORS IMPROVEMENT IN SIMULATOR INSTRUCTOR INTERFACES USING SPEECH RECOGNITION

Randy Saunders

Training and Control Systems Division

Hughes Simulation Systems, Inc.

2Lt Clayton Perce

2111 Communications Squadron

Kelly AFB

Current simulator systems utilize keyboard and touch screen interfaces for instructor input.  This project pursued speech recognition as an interface alternative to enhance instructor mobility and reduce trainer interaction time.  A prototype system was built and a number of human factors evaluations were made.  Results demonstrate areas in which improvement can be obtained with no net system cost impact.

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

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A GENERIC MAN MACHINE INTERFACE

K. Fearn

Marconi Simulation

A Business Unit of Marconi Instruments Ltd.

The technology of Instructor-Operator stations has migrated from mechanical assemblies of meters, lamps, buttons and switches to computerized displays and controls based on graphics systems.  These systems still seem to be produced using “one-off” techniques.  This paper looks at the characteristics that could be expected of a generic man machine interface that would be suitable for a range of training tasks.  The difference between requirements for uses such as an Instructor’s workstation, an Operator’s workstation and a CDT student’s workstation are examined.

In particular, this paper considers characteristics such as:

1) Ease of use

Is this really a consideration?

2) User efficiency

How can a user get the best out of the system?

3) Context adaptability

Can the system fulfil the needs of many different users?

4) Re-configurability and applicability of the solution

How can a system be designed which is applicable to many different tasks?

5) Integration with data sources

How can a generic man machine interface be connected to a training system and what services need to be provided?

6) Cost-effectiveness

How can a cost-effective solution for a wide range of tasks be provided?

The paper develops architecture for a generic man machine interface which can satisfy the criteria discussed in this paper.  Some “standard” software and hardware is examined to see how it fits into this architecture and how much of the solution it can provide.

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

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T45TS PROGRAM VIDEODISC-BASED ANIMATION FOR TRAINING FLIGHT MANEUVERS

Paul M. Daugherty

Douglas Aircraft Company

McDonnell Douglas Corporation

This paper describes the design and development of videodisc-based materials for training U.S. Navy student pilots to perform complex air combat maneuvers in the new T-45A aircraft.  The problem confronting the videodisc development team at Douglas Aircraft Company was that all training materials had to be completed before any T-45A aircraft were delivered.  Videotape of actual aircraft could not be produced.  To overcome this problem, computer-aided design data, flight simulator X, Y, Z (pitch, way, roll), speed, and heading data and high-resolution three-dimensional computer animation were combined to create animated training scenarios with complete accuracy.  The inherent instructional benefits and cost advantages of this training system are also presented.

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

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PILOT SITuATION AWARENESS–THE CHALLENGE FOR THE TRAINING COMMUNITY

Mica R. Endsley

Northrop Corporation, Aircraft Division

The ability of the military pilot to maintain situation awareness (SA) has been recognized in the pilot community as crucial to mission success and survival.  Traditionally, pilot training has focused on instruction in the operation of on-board technologies, procedural information for normal flight and emergency conditions, and deployment tactics.  These programs alone are not enough, however.  Training programs that focus directly on the development of pilot SA are greatly needed.  A cognitive model and formal definition of SA are presented as a basis for several SA-based training approaches.  The Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT), an objective measure of pilot SA, is discussed as a means of evaluating the impact of training techniques on pilot SA.

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

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A COMPARISON OF INTEGRATED PRIVATE PILOT/INSTRUMENT AND ACCELERATED INSTRUMENT FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAMS

Henry L. Taylor

Robert H. Kaiser

Sybil Phillips

Ricky A. Weinberg

Omer Benn

Institute of Aviation

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The sequence of instruction approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) involves teaching beginning pilots to fly using visual reference to the ground (contact); instrument flight instruction follows the completion of contact instruction.  The Institute of Aviation has conducted an experimental integrated contact/instrument flight program which demonstrated that an integrated contact/instrument pilot flight training program with a substantial concentration on instrument procedures at the beginning of training is effective in producing instrument pilots.

An experimental program conducted over two years with 39 beginning students compared integrated contact/instrument group, an accelerated instrument group program, and control group.  The results indicated that the integrated contact/instrument program was effective, but was no more effective than the contact first and accelerated instrument training program.  Based on the results of our studies, it appears feasible to conduct either the integrated or the accelerated flight training program in a University flight training program.

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

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DETERMINING AIRCREW COORDINATION TRAINING EFFECTIVENESS

Janis A. Cannon-Bowers

Carolyn Prince

Eduardo Salas

Gregory H. Gonos

Naval Training Systems Center

Commander Jerry M. Owens, USN

Naval Air Systems Command

Ben B. Morgan, Jr.

University of Central Florida

Recognition of the need for aircrew coordination training has led to the development of a number of military and commercial aircrew coordination programs in recent years.  The effectiveness of such programs is unclear, however, due to a general lack of training effectiveness data.  The purpose of this paper is to present a set of guidelines and recommendations for evaluating aircrew coordination effectiveness in the military.  The evaluation plan presented here is drawn from an effort by the Naval Training Systems Center to develop aircrew coordination training for Navy and Marine pilots.  Drawing from past work in program evaluation, training effectiveness, and aircrew coordination, this evaluation plan has a number of distinguishing features, including: a) multiple levels of evaluation criteria, b) pre-training assessment, c) recognition of evaluation needs throughout the design cycle, and d) outcome data that can be used for multiple purposes.  Such a comprehensive evaluation approach is necessary to ensure that mission safety and effectiveness are increased, and training resources optimized.

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

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THE EFFECT OF STATIONARY AND HEAD-DRIVEN FIELD-OF-VIEW SIZES ON POP-UP WEAPONS DELIVERY

Capt. Kevin W. Dixon

Elizabeth L. Martin, Ph.D.

1^st Lt. Gretchen M. Krueger

Air Force Human Resources Laboratory, Operations Training Division

Williams AFB

It is commonly believed that flight simulators capable of supporting tactical combat tasks should possess full field-of-view visual displays with high levels of brightness and resolution.  The problem of designing such a visual system is that the three factors (field-of-view, brightness, resolution) are not independent.  For instance, as field-of-view is increased brightness and resolution decrease.  An attempt to overcome this dilemma uses head-driven visual displays with limited instantaneous field-of-view.  Head-driven systems overcome the full field-of-view problem by providing a full field-of-regard for the head-driven instantaneous field-of-view.  Important considerations for head-driven systems are the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the instantaneous field-of-view.  This study examines the effect of the instantaneous field-of-view size on pilots’ ability to perform pop-up weapons deliveries using both stationary and head-driven visual displays.  The field-of-view sizes used were 127-degree H by 36-degree V, 160-degree H by 88-degree V, and 180-degree H by 88-degree V.  A 300-degree H by 150-degree V size provided a full FOV control condition.  An A-10 dodecahedron simulator configured with a seven window color light valve display, computer generated imagery, and a Polhemus magnetic head tracker provided the cockpit and display apparatus.  Aircraft performance measures (altitude, airspeed, etc.) and head position data were the dependent measures. Ten F-5 instructor pilots from Williams AFB Arizona served as subjects for the study.  The results did not confirm initial hypotheses that performance would be better for head-driven conditions and larger fields-of-view.  This may be due to an increased use of instruments in the smaller field-of-view conditions to maintain performance levels.  This conclusion is difficult to verify, because no eye position data is available.  However, it is clear that the smallest condition (127-degree H by 36-degree V) is inadequate to support training.

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

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EVALUATION OF THE HELMET-MOUNTED LASER PROJECTOR FOR AIR TO GROUND WEAPONS DELIVERY AND TARGET ACQUISITION TASKS

Dennis C. Wightman

Naval Training Systems Center

Lawrence J. Hettinger

Monterey Technologies

Sherrie A. Jones

Daniel J. Sheppard

Naval Training Systems Center

Daniel P. Westra

Allen Corporation of America

Two experiments were conducted at the Navy’s Visual Technology Research Simulator (VTRS) to evaluate the influence of the Helmet Mounted Laser Projector (HMLP) on pilot performance.  The HMLP is a proof-of-concept visual display systems for use in flight simulators which employs optics mounted on the pilot’s helmet to project visual imagery onto a screen.  The HMLP provides a wide-angle, low-resolution background display and a high-resolution inset or Area of Interest (AOI).  The system is capable of using either head-tracking to reposition the entire display or combined head-and-eye tracking to reposition the AOI within the display as a function of eye movement.  This provides an unlimited field of regard with high resolution at a lower cost than conventional systems.  Both experiments reported here were conducted to assess how the HMLP affects pilot performance in the simulator on two different tasks.  The results of the first experiment indicated that there were no operationally relevant differences between HMLP and fixed projection, nor were there any differences between head versus head-and-eye tracking on the air-to-ground weapons delivery task.  The results on the second experiment indicated no significant differences between head tracking and head-and-eye tracking in the speed and accuracy of target identification.  There were also no significant effects of altering the size of the blend region or length of delay in the eye-tracking mechanism.

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

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MULTI-SHIP AIR COMBAT SIMULATION

Gary W. McDonald

Robert R. Broeder

Richard J. Cutak

McDonnell Aircraft Company

McDonnell Douglas Corporation

A qualitative discussion describes methodologies required to implement multi-aircraft, real-time simulations.  Scenarios developed ranged from a 2 v 6 lane defense mission to a 2+4 v 4 escort mission, of which two to six of the aircraft were manned.  Two host computers, two 40-foot domes, four interactive crew stations and two image generation systems comprise the major building blocks of the simulation.  Model fidelity is largely determined by the number of participants, the simulation’s focus, and the host machine’s capability.  Various performance model airframes were employed to represent the manned and unmanned aircraft.  All major R-15 avionics packages and realistic missile models were simulated.  Unmanned aircraft were controlled by sophisticated digital logic modules.  In addition, another simulation program, located in a different building, was networked such that a manned F/A-18 could participate in the same missions with the manned F-15Cs.  The program has received high user acceptance.

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

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LESSONS LEARNED ON THE FRINGE OF ADA

Paul E. McMahon, Staff Scientist

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

Ada is rapidly becoming accepted throughout the simulation industry as the government’s new standard programming language.  Although this language holds great promise, the transition is proving to be more difficult than originally anticipated.  In a paper entitled “On the Fringe of Ada,” to be presented at the 1989 NAECON Conference, some of the potential Ada implementation difficulties are identified and discussed.  These problems include Ada’s management of data, its potential impact on software designs, limitations on using Ada in a parallel processor environment, the impact of Ada’s elaboration rules, and the impact of Ada on managing computational time and memory resources.  The complexities of the Ada language demand a selective and consistent Ada management strategy to ensure that high-quality software is achieved without risk to major program milestones.  This paper further defines the problems identified on “On the Fringe of Ada” and focuses on the need for a close working relationship with the target compiler vendor to achieve timely problem resolution.  Lessons learned and solutions successfully implemented on Link’s first major Ada simulation program are included.

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

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ANALYSIS OF PATHS OF TRANSFER TO ADA

TECHNOLOGY IN TRAINING SYSTEMS

Don Law and Gary Croucher

Encore Computer Corporation

The training and simulation systems off the 1990’s will be more complex as total trainers and multiple participant systems mature.  The Ada language offers the software engineering fundamentals needed to handle the greater complexity and the life cycle advantages to reduce software costs.  To use Ada, training system vendors must decide on a method to transfer to Ada.

There are two basic approaches for transfer to Ada technology.  At one end of the spectrum is the “generic” approach, which uses the generic, standardized Ada structures for the implementation.  This path promises the benefits of modern software engineering, easier maintenance, and greater portability.  This path also requires the cost of quality Ada training, the risk of using a new technology, and possible performance degradation.

At the other end of the spectrum is the “proprietary” approach, which depends on other non-Ada, more traditional support systems for the real-time implementation.  This approach promises a more appealing transition since risk of new technology is lowered, but there are tradeoffs such as the predicted higher life cycle costs and the loss of the software engineering advantage offered by Ada.

Neither approach is superior in all cases, but each has its advantages and disadvantages, which are classified and weighed in this paper.  Analysis is based on the application speed, efficiency, portability, determinism, software training, and maintainability.  A survey of the philosophy of some of the real-time Ada systems currently available on the market is presented.  Systems are evaluated based on the cost/benefit areas established in the paper.  Developers of Ada real-time training and simulation systems can use these guidelines to plan their approach early in the project to ensure that the requirements will be met in a cost-effective manner.

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

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ADA AND OBJECT ORIENTED DESIGN FOR SIMULATION

IN THEORY AND IN PRACTICE

P. Baker

Marconi Simulation

A Business Unit of Marconi Instruments Ltd.

For any software development group attempting to establish its future strategy for major software projects, there has never been a greater range of languages and techniques from which to choose.  For those with major defense industry commitments there is overwhelming pressure to conform to standards, and in particular to standardize on the use of Ada.

In this paper the particular experience of one group of engineers who followed this path for the development of an avionics sub-system Simulator and Test Rig are discussed.  The objectives and key decision points are highlighted and, although the project has not yet reached its completion, there are significant conclusions that have been identified during the development process.

Consideration is given to:

                Primary Objectives

                                Clear representation of the Requirement and its reflection in the Design.

                                High level of software component re-use.

                                Efficient development process.

                                Maintainability of the product.

                Methodology

                                The Codes of Practice used in each phase of the software LIFECYCLE.

                Development Environment

                                Ada products used.

                                Software tools.

                                Workstations and support equipment.

                The Development Process

                                Reactions from the software team.

                                Training needs.

                The Results

                                Costs and Benefits.

                                Achievement of objectives.

In conclusion, this paper summarizes the degree of success encountered with this approach to Ada and reviews plans for “next time”.

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

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ADDING AN EXPERT TO THE TEAM–THE EXPERT FLIGHT PLAN CRITIC

Andrew S. Gibbons

Randy Waki

Peter G. Fairweather

Wicat Systems, Inc.

This paper reports the development of a practical tool that provides expert feedback to students following an extended simulation exercise in cross-country flight planning.  In contrast to the development for laboratory settings, the development of an expert instructional product for everyday use posed some interesting challenges, including dealing with a larger content scope, less ideal and controllable content structure, greater emphasis on the completeness and continuity of the student experience, and more stringent limits on time and money.  Moreover, the transition from laboratory to real world caused the developers to think more critically of the principles of instruction embodied in the product and to place less emphasis on computer and technique questions.

The product, which will be used in the context of routine ab initio pilot training, is described in terms of how these problems were solved and what lessons were learned that can be applied to the development of future instructional systems involving expertise.

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

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THE SURROGATE STUDENT EXPERT SYSTEM FOR TACTICAL TEAM TRAINERS

Adil K. Soofi

Sanders, A Lockheed Company

Information Systems Division

The quality of the large tactical team trainers, ranging from embedded trainers to classroom trainers, will be enhanced by the inclusion of expert system tools that ease the burden on the instructors.  Such tools will increase both the quality and efficiency of training exercises by freeing up the instructor’s time previously spent role playing for the missing students(s).  We present an architecture for an expert system-based tool, the Surrogate Student, which replaces missing teams or team members.  A prototype version of the Surrogate Student has been developed to model a generic passive Towed Array Sonar (TAS) operator in a Naval Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training scenario.  The system analyzes raw sensor data and emulates the action and thinking processes of a human sonar operator.  The prototype has been interfaced to a complex distributed training/simulation environment by simply adding another node to the existing Ethernet network.

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

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ADVANCED TACTICAL SIMULATION–USING AN EXPERT SYSTEM TO SIMULATE AN AIR-TO-AIR COMBAT ENVIRONMENT

Mark Partridge

Loral Defense Systems

In response to demand for increasingly complex tactical environment simulation, Loral is developing a system to support an interactive, multi-threat environment providing n-versus-n air combat training.  This system is designed to be integrated with existing simulators/trainers providing a tactical environment involving both intelligent threat and assist platforms.

An embedded expert system based on a commercial expert system development shell independently directs the friendly and hostile forces in the tactical environment providing students with realistic combat and mission scenarios.  The expert system utilizes conventional rules and heuristics, as well as frame based representation (classes and objects) which support inheritance and pattern matching.  Reasoning is accomplished by an inference engine using both forward and backward chaining.  Default reasoning strategies permit real-time decision making when data is uncertain or incomplete.  A menu-driven graphical interface enables the tactical knowledge base to be quickly updated as threats and tactics change.

Dynamic, real-time response is achieved by using a distributed architecture of networked processors.  Included in the equipment suite is a graphics workstation serving dual functions.  A graphical editor using DMA terrain data provides capability for rapid generation of the tactical scenarios within the gaming area.  The workstation also presents instructors with a real-time graphical representation of a currently executing tactical training exercise.

Current work involves expanding the domain of the tactical knowledge base to support multiple intelligent contacts (hostile and friendly) and the integration of a natural language interface.  The natural language is based on a pilot-oriented tactical vocabulary and employs a voice recognition/synthesis system for simulation of two-way communication during a simulated air combat mission.

NEW TECHNOLOGY REDUCES SIZE AND COST OF CoMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Kevin Cahill, Design Engineer

Reflectone Incorporated

A communications system’s function in a training environment is twofold.  It must provide the necessary audio links among the students and instructors, and it must model the characteristics of real world devices.  This has typically resulted in considerable amounts of hardware dedicated to specific processing tasks and an unwieldy dedicated line distribution system.  A few companies have developed digital audio systems to take advantage of a time division multiplexed distribution system and to perform the primary mixing function.  A natural extension of this is complete digital cost effective means to implement signal processing algorithms and achieve the audio processing necessary to model a variety of communication devices.

This paper presents a communication system architecture that uses this new technology to cost effectively meet the processing and performance requirements encountered in the training and simulation environment.  Prototype results have indicated a hardware reduction ratio on the order of 10 to 1 circuit boards for a typical (four person) operational flight trainer.

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

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TRADEOFFS IN CREATING A LOW-COST SIMULATOR

Henry H. Rich

Consultant

Star Technologies, Inc.

Creating a low-cost visual system for training starts with deciding what features it will provide.  Real-time training needs high scene content, photo-derived texture for realism, antialiasing, and careful attention to level of detail to avoid distracting the trainee; map-base CCCI needs fast access to large map databases; software and database development need integration into a workstation with full support for networking and windowing, including the ability to display training scenes under control of the windowing system.  A visual system has three main components: a front end to manage the database, a geometric processor to compute the views of each element of the scene, and a shading processor to display the views.  The design of each of these components provides a challenge to the system architect, with many old and new algorithms to be evaluated in the light of current technology.  The most difficult problems are in shading, where the computational requirements of texturing call for parallel processing: we opted for processing full polygons in parallel, using MIP maps for texturing and a hybrid approach to hidden-surface removal.  The front-end and geometry subsystems use easily-programmable processors to take advantage of coherency in the models and to provide flexibility for special effects.

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

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A SYSTEM APPROACH FOR MARRYING FEATURES TO TERRAIN

Michael A. Cosman

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation

Current image generation systems employ visual models in which the marriage of features to terrain is performed during the model-building step.  Areal and lineal features are broken up to accommodate the terrain subdivision and level-of-detail strategy, and each occurrence of every scene detail is customized to reflect the orientation of the underlying terrain facet.  These processes are complex, time consuming, and expand the data base storage and paging requirements significantly.  These in turn impose limits on total data base size, content and density, and set limits on the maximum speed the viewer can travel through the data base.

This paper discusses an alternate approach which would keep the feature model and the terrain model separate, merging them in real time in the image generator to support the instantaneous scene.  The features would be modeled as if they were all on a flat, infinite plane, and the terrain would be modeled without regard to the features which would eventually be placed on it.  This strategy would allow each data base to be modeled in its most efficient form, allowing high data compression, fast paging, and the freedom to explore new level-of-detail strategies.  The creation of these data bases from DMA source material would be very fast, and final data base storage requirements could be reduced by factors of 20 or more.  This approach would result in much higher total data base content, feature density and allowable flight speeds.

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

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THE MODULAR SIMULATOR ARCHITECTURE

A TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION

Terry D. Snyder

Grumman Simulation/Trainer Products

The military flight trainer industry is inefficient.  Flight trainers are costly and take several years to develop.  The reason for this is clear enough – modern trainers are extremely complex, they are custom made and are usually produced in limited quantities.  To address these difficulties, the industry has attempted to scale up a very conservative simulation technology in a brute force fashion.  This has led to the use of high-powered computers in tightly coupled, one of a kind architectures.  This pattern has caused the cost of today’s sophisticated flight trainers to increase exponentially.

Some years ago it was proposed that a modular approach, a loosely coupled network of microprocessors, might offer a better solution to the problem.  The simulation industry has been slow to get behind this concept.  Early studies show this technology to be high risk and immature.  In this highly competitive industry there is little incentive to pursue risky technology as long as the conventional technology will suffice – especially when there is no clear payoff.

Grumman Simulation/Trainer Products has continued to follow the modular technology and two years ago began to build a technology demonstrator.  The demonstrator, which is now operational, is based on realistic trainer requirements and existing off-the-shelf components.  It has been thoroughly tested for data throughput and transport delay.  Grumman has found that the modular concept is not only technically feasible but has the potential to deliver a payoff in the form of better trainers at lower cost.

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

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SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURES FOR ADA-BASED FLIGHT SIMULATORS

Michael E. Caffey

FlightSafety International

Simulator Systems Division

This paper presents information gained during the rapid proto-typing effort for the Roto Wing Blade Element Simulator Program being conducted by the Simulator Systems Division of FlightSafety International.  In this project, a full-flight simulator will be developed for a Bell 22/412 helicopter.  Software for the device will be developed in Ada and hosted on a dual-processor Harris Night Hawk Computer System.  The software is computationally intensive and includes a 200 Hz finite-element rotor-blade simulation.  The goal of the project is to investigate the use of Ada on a production simulator with stringent real-time processing requirements.

This paper will address many of the architectural issues considered in the rapid prototyping phase of the development effort.  The discussions will focus on the application of Object Oriented Design (OOD) Techniques in the design of software for critical real-time systems.  The discussions will highlight some of the advantages afforded by Object Oriented Architectures as well as some of the key problems encountered when using Object Oriented Design in large real-time applications.  In addition, the discussions will address many of the operating system capabilities that will be required in order to make optimum use of Ada and Object Oriented programming in future simulator systems.

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

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REALTIME TILTROTOR MODELING IN ADA

Charles E. McCain, Jr.

Hughes Simulation System, Inc.

The flight dynamics mathematical model of the MV-22A tiltrotor aircraft is highly complex.  It will be used to simulate the light dynamics of a new type of aircraft that has not yet completed full scale development.  The NV-22A simulation software will be written in Ada and executed in a distributed computer environment.  The challenges facing the design and coding team include implementing a MV-22A flight dynamics model in Ada with a high degree of fidelity to the existing benchmark model – the Bell Generic Tiltrotor Model, make the Ada software efficient enough to run in real time, and building in the flexibility to easily modify the software as flight tests reveal the characteristics of the actual aircraft.  Ada software is being developed based on an Object Oriented Design approach.  The goal is to isolate objects in highly cohesive packages that contain a simulation of an object associated with the aircraft.  This will allow the characteristics of an object to be changed with minimal impact on the other packages.  It will also result in modules that can be easily distributed among the processors in the computer.  A description of the MV-22A flight dynamics model and its Ada implementation is presented.  Observations made during the development of the software, to this date, are also discussed.

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

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EMBEDDED TRAINING–PROPER REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS ENSURES QUALITY

Jerry H. Hendrix

Boeing Military Airplanes

Simulation and Training Systems

The next generation of tactical equipment will include embedded trainers.  The concept of embedded training is for a part of the tactical hardware, whether aircraft avionics, shipboard electronics, or ground-based electronics, to be used to provide training to an operator.  The operator will be trained in a variety of tasks to enhance his proficiency in target recognition, equipment procedures, kill tactics and others.  The requirements for the embedded trainer are specified in a contract systems specification.  Embedding a trainer within tactical hardware poses new considerations in developing the tactical hardware.  The embedded trainer requirements may dictate an interactive photo-based imagery to the digital map generator vendor and impose unique weight considerations for the mechanical design teams just to allow proper procedural or operations training.  Since the embedded trainer is provided on tactical hardware, the tactical hardware vendors receive the requirements.  Who should develop the embedded trainer, the tactical hardware developer or a training simulator manufacturer?  If the tactical hardware developer builds the embedded trainer, he must understand the training requirements provided by the government training organization.  If the simulator manufacturer develops the embedded trainer, he is faced with new concerns of limited memory and processor speed, tactical equipment weight restrictions, and ruggidized requirements.  This paper will offer candidate criteria (Strap on vs. Embedded, host hardware to Mission Planning hardware commonality) to determine proper embedded training requirements, will address how technology advances like the Ada programming language will enhance the embedded training development and will present, from a lessons-learned viewpoint, the interfacing requirements between the tactical hardware and software and the embedded trainer software.

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

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EMBEDDED TRAINING SYSTEM COMPONENT FUNCTIONALITY

Ronald K. Munzer

Ball Systems Engineering Division

Timothy C. Lawrence

Ball Systems Engineering Division

Current and future air superiority aircraft crews must continually practice their skills in order to maintain a high degree of operational readiness.  Mobile training systems which are embedded in the aircraft avionics suite proved a readily available method to improve training proficiency in a realistic mission environment.  Embedded Training System (ETS) capabilities provide a viable adjunct to the current training approach and expand the means to maintain peak aircrew proficiency throughout the crew’s operational employment.

This paper describes the components of an ETS which will maintain the aircrew proficiency in beyond-visual-range (BVR) engagement tactics within the constraints imposed by the operational environment.  The research presented herein derives from numerous studies and independent research projects related to Air Force and Navy programs.  A key in the derivation of ETS requirements stems from the survey and analysis of operator needs.  These operator needs help to specify the design requirements of an operational ETS.

This paper identifies operational needs which must be used to focus ETS system design efforts.  The paper then describes a preliminary set of functional performance characteristics which must be contained within the ETS to satisfy the user needs.

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

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OBEWS–SIMULATION AT MACH 1 ON THE DECK DEVELOPING EMBEDDED TRAINING

Ed Rektorik

AAI Corporation

Embedded training is the mechanism by which training capabilities are combined with actual combat systems capabilities to provide training during routine use of the combat systems.  With embedded training, effective training can be realized with a modest investment if the unique requirements for the development of embedded training are properly considered.  Many elements of embedded trainers are similar to those usually considered for ground trainers while some elements may be vastly different.  In an embedded trainer, the training scenario, operational requirement of the systems with their embedded simulators, the system design and integration, and the situational awareness of the student may be quite different from those of a ground trainer.  Though many ground trainers have superb fidelity and realism, they cannot replace the experience gained from actual flight training.  While gaining the required flight experience, operators using embedded training acquire the extra edge to maintain proficiency as they become acclimated to the multi-stress combat environment.  This paper explores some of the unique requirements that have been uncovered on the On-Board Electronic Warfare Simulator (OBEWS), one of the first embedded trainers, now being test flown on an F-16.  The subjects that are covered include aspects of the training requirements such as fidelity of simulation and ground requirements; system design, (i.e., can you add onto existing systems or do you need to design it in); the growth of the concurrency problem now including the system and the aircraft; a look at integration and adaptability for designing into a pod or for internal carriage; and the environmental constraints, (e.g. how to produce the equipment to withstand the environment on the wing of a fighter).

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

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DESIGN ON AN EYE SLAVED AREA OF INTEREST SYSTEM FOR THE SIMULATOR COMPLEXITY TESTBED

Dr. Thomas Longridge

US Army Research Institute

Aviation R &D Activity

Andrew Fernie & Terry Williams

CAE Electronics, Ltd.

Mel Thomas

US Air Force Human Resources Lab

Operations Division

Williams AFB

Dr. Paul Wetzel

University of Dayton Research Institute

The Simulator Complexity Testbed (SCTB) is a highly modular flight simulator for experimental research focused on US Army Aviation advanced rotary wing combat.  A major component in the development of the helmet mounted fiber optic display media for this device is an eye slaved area-of-interest (AOI).  In order to provide for an accurate, reliable, and robust helmet mounted eye tracker to support proper system operation, the engineering development of competing eye tracking designs was initiated under a cooperative US Army/US Air Force/Canadian cost shared development program.  This paper describes the overall design of the SCTB eye slaved, servo driven optical system and discusses the issues involved in its development.

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

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LASER SCANNING DEVICE FOR PROJECTING SIMULATED AIRCRAFT TARGETS

Terry G. Thomas

Senior Engineer

Raymond E. Brown

Staff Manager – MCD Fellow

Flight Simulation Technology

McDonnell Aircraft Company

McDonnell Douglas Corporation

In 1988, a breakthrough occurred in the configuration of laser scanning optical components in an existing target projection system.  This even has led to the ability of McDonnell Aircraft Company Flight Simulation Technology Department to provide, in a cost effective manner, the aircraft imagery necessary for air combat simulation.  The system, referred to as the Laser Target Projector (LTP), can now generate and project aircraft images throughout the air combat visual envelope.

The projector utilizes laser scanning technology to produce a calligraphic image which is projected against the background out-the-window display.  Until now, there had been an inherent lack of image resolution because of the size relationship between the laser beam and an effective aperture established by the deflecting galvanometers.

This paper contains a general discussion of the LTP system as an image generator and projector as well as the new optical design that is responsible for its greatly improved image qualities.

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

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DISPLAYS FOR NVG FLIGHT TRAINING

Mark Green and Lane Grayston

Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp.

The widespread use of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) by military pilots has increased interest in utilizing flight simulators for NVG training.  The usual benefits of flight simulators apply to NVG training.  These include: increased safety, reduced costs, controlled environment, etc.  The NVG simulator should let pilots fly using their own NVGs during nighttime flight and allow daylight flight too.  This places unique constraints on the simulator display.  Light valve and CRT projectors have been developed in an attempt to meet these requirements, but certain tradeoffs must be made.  All attempts have used multiple projectors to create images from 180-degree x 60-degree to full spherical images.  CRT projectors have higher dynamic range (1000,000:1 vs 100:1 for light valves) and can demonstrate NVG effects such as smearing, blooming, and AGC shifts, but they have smaller FOVs. The type of aircraft being simulated and the kinds of training tasks the simulator will be used for can ease some requirements.  Field-of-view, resolution, brightness, the aircraft being simulated, and training mission tradeoffs must be taken into account when designing the real display.

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

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DEVELOPMENT OF A RESUABLE LIBRARY OF ADA SIMULATION MODULES BASED ON THE USER’S NEED

Lynn D. Stuckey, Jr. and Alan J. Hicks

Boeing Military Airplanes

Simulation and Training Systems

The existence of so-called reusable modules does not necessarily indicate a correct or even desirable design.  However, the design of a reusable Ada module implies an organized attempt to design a reusable simulation.  It is this organized approach that must be addressed before a reusable library can be developed.  The approach must deal with certain questions:

1)       What are the goals that guide the development and use of the reusable library?

2)       What is the structure of the reusable software?

3)       What is the structure of the reusable simulation?

4)       What are the priorities for the development of software for the library?

An attempt at developing a reusable library without answering these questions is futile.  Trade-offs must be performed between such goals as readability, maintainability, genericism, speed, and efficiency.  The structure of the reusable software will facilitate the efficient implementation of the software into a new project.  A plan for the development of software must be prioritized to allow development based on importance and usefulness.  This paper addressed the requirements and the design approach of such a user based reusable simulation software library.

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

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REQUIREMENTS OF A TRAINING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AIRCREW TRAINING

Dr. Michael Reakes

Hughes Training Systems

This paper reviews the functional requirements of a Training Management System (TMS) for a typical Aircrew Training System (ATS).  Requirements include: to maintain all appropriate records for students, instructors, training equipment, and curricula; to manage the progress of individual students as they undertake training, and progressively confirm that students acquire the required skills and knowledge; to identify any deficiencies of individual students, and recommend appropriate corrective action (remediation), to perform optimal scheduling of students, instructors and training equipment, resolve scheduling conflicts, and cope with the inevitable short-term reassignments; to evaluate the overall ATS by analyzing student data, establishing meaningful trends, and to generate reports, so that the overall ATS can be improved.  The TMS must be utilized by a variety of user classes, while ensuring appropriate data security.  A proposed TMS system architecture is described which includes a UNIX computer system, terminals, optical mark readers, and modems for communicating across the bases, and between sites.  Application code is written in a fourth generation database language supplemented by C code where required.

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

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RECONFIGURABILITY AS A SYSTEM DESIgn FEATURE

Sam R. Hollingsworth, Susan B. Hollingsworth, and Daniel W. Miles

Hughes Simulation System, Inc.

Advanced Systems Facility

Weapon systems and their associated training devices must be reconfigured periodically to meet evolving threats and take advantage of new technologies.  Changes can be expensive, and can lead to difficulties in maintaining training system and weapon system concurrency.  Such problems can be reduced if the need for reconfigurability is planned for early in system development.  This paper presents a general approach to providing user interface reconfigurability as a system design feature, describes a specific architecture for the reconfigurable interactive systems (ARIS) that supports reconfigurability requirements, and discusses applications and benefits of the approach.  Under ARIS the appearance and behavior of a user interface are defined in a database that can be created and modified without changing or recompiling underlying software.  ARIS has been used in the development of combat vehicle command and control simulations, an intelligence and electronic warfare console, and an embedded training delivery system.

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

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TEAM SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT–REUSEABLE ADA SIMULATION INTERFACES

Gary M. Kamsickas

Boeing Military Airplanes

Simulation and Training Systems

The team development of a flight simulation device requires interfaces which contain enough detailed information and stability to allow each team member to independently develop and test their portion of the simulation device.  The interfaces must be easy to understand and interpret in order to provide a high level of system maintainability and minimize interaction among team members.  This paper discusses a methodology, developed as part of the Modular Simulator Design Program, a Tri-Service research and development project administered by the United States Air Force, which illustrates the steps involved in creating generic, reusable interfaces that can be used in a team development effort.  This methodology uses features of the Ada programming language, such as strong typing and specific data structures, to solve problems encountered in reusable interface development.  By using such a methodology in the development of standardized, reusable interfaces, a more cost-effective system can be provided for the user.

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

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ASIC BASED TECHNOLOGY DESING APPROACH TO COMPUTATIONALLY INTENSIVE TRAINERS

Glenn Gruenberg

CAE Industries

Link Tactical Simulation Division

Many operator training simulators require extensive use of external processing hardware to supplement the simulator computer complex in achieving real-time operation.  The sheer quantity of integrated circuit (IC) chips required (along with their necessary supporting hardware, power and cooling requirements) greatly contribute to the high development, acquisition, and maintenance costs of the training devices.  Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology is advancing rapidly and offers impressive potential benefits in reducing trainer system complexity.

This paper describes the results of an IR&D program which evaluated the potential of ASIC technology for reducing wiring, packaging, power, cooling, reliability, maintainability, logistics and cost problems associated with large electronic systems in simulators.  An ASIC ship was designed to implement a filter function commonly used in simulator digital signal processing operations.  To provide a firm basis for evaluation the ASIC benefits, a number of the ASIC chips were then used to reimplement a complex filter function used on previous simulators.  The ASIC based subsystem was thoroughly tested and evaluated utilizing the original subsystem’s testbed facility.

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

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AUTOMATED CUE-SYNCHRONIZATION TEST–A REPORT FROM THE TEST FLOOR

Robert J. Sawler and Gary R. George

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

The validations of dynamic response and cue synchronization performance are very difficult and time-consuming tests which require special test equipment and trained personnel.  These tests require the entire simulator complex in full operation and constitute a very important measure and validation of the entire simulator.  They are further complicated by the fact that they must be performed at training sites all over the world by many different user and contractor engineers.  It is therefore desirable and necessary to design tests and procedures that are simple and automated, which is the purpose of the Automated Cue-Synchronization Test.  This paper describes the use of software inputs through the aircraft control trim circuits and the elimination of the pilot from the testing by using freeze parameters and special initializations.  Advantages of the test as applied in the field and potential advantages of its use in the total simulator development process are also discussed.

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

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RAPID SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT–A GENERIC TACTICAL SIMULATOR/TRAINER

Randal E. Holl

SYSCON Corporation

John R. Cooke

Naval Underwater Systems Center

New London Laboratory

A Rapid Prototyping approach to software development has been refined over the past five years.  Rapid Prototyping allows the designer to explore a wide range of design concepts, tailor system features to end-user needs, and install a supportable working product within a short time at low cost.  A case in point is the Tactical ASW Interim Trainer (TASWIT).

TASWIT provides a significant upgrade to the 14A6 Team Trainer at the Fleet ASW Training Center, Norfolk, VA.  The system provides a flexible, distributed architecture for real-time wargaming based on low cost simulation stations.  TASWIT went from concept to initial operating capability in one year for under $3.2 Million.  TASWIT has received high marks from the user community for its training capabilities and user friendliness.

Using TASWIT as an example, we review the Rapid Prototyping methodology and the project characteristics critical for its successful application.

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

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DATA BASE CONVERSION/CORRELATION ISSUES

Maureen Hrabar, John Joosten, and Patricia A. Widder

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

A full mission simulator, just as the device it simulates, consists of many different subsystems, each of which requires a uniquely formatted data base.  Creating each of these data bases individually can be expensive and time consuming.  Another problem to be solved is the correlation or interoperability of data bases.  Although the formats for each subsystem (e.g. visual, sensor, moving map, etc.) are different, the data in each must correlate to some degree with all other simulation subsystems.  Just as each simulator must correlate the various subsystems, a simulation facility must provide the capability to simulators.  This paper will discuss the methodology used at McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company to handle data base conversion between our many simulation systems.  We will also examine many questions and issues that need to be discussed prior to developing correlatable (interoperable) data bases.

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

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REAL-TIME PHIGS–APPLYING GRAPHICS STANDARDS TO SIMULATION

Brian S. Heaney

Star Technologies, Incorporated

Graphicon Products Division

The increasing cost of simulation software development and visual database generation is threatening to offset the dramatic cost reductions of image generation hardware.  Sharing software and databases between simulator programs, through the use of a standardized graphics language, clearly reduces program cost and development time.  This paper describes applying the PHIGS standardized graphics language to simulator database and software development.  PHIGS (Programmer’s Hierarchical Interactive Graphics System) is a well-architected graphics language which provides a consistent framework for database creation, editing, and archival.  Key features include database hierarchy, model instantiation, a rich set of primitives and attributes, powerful database editing, and standardized archival methods.  PHIGS does not, however, support some important real-time simulator features such as level of detail, overload management, texturing, and mission functions.  The Real-Time PHIGS (RTP) implementation described in this paper supports real-time simulator applications through several extensions to the PHIGS standard.

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

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DATABASE CONSIDERATIONS FOR RADAR SIMULATION

Karl A. Spuhl

Senior Principal Technical Specialist

Raymond E. Brown

Staff Manager –MDC Fellow Flight Simulation Technology

McDonnell Aircraft Company

McDonnell Douglas Corporation

Requirements for visual scene simulation are the primary driver of database content and fidelity, while radar simulation requirements generally take a secondary role.  Using visual simulation criteria directly in radar databases produces marginal imagery.  Radar has it own unique characteristics and must be considered separately from the visual problem.  This paper focuses on minimum radar database requirements necessary for radar simulation.

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

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OBJECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS

Howard Lessey

Jerome Hengemihle

CAE-Link Corporation

Link Tactical Simulation Division

This paper describes a process used for the specification of training device software.  The primary goal of the process is to insure that the software requirements as understood by the software engineer meet the user’s needs.  This goal is achieved through the development of a structured specification using the graphical notation of data flow diagrams.  The technique is object-oriented in that it focused engineering effort toward identifying requirements based on real world objects.  The object-oriented specification is an ideal starting point for the development of an object-oriented software design.

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

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REUSABLE ADA SOFTWARE

Marianne Forsyth

Tracy York

Cubic Corporation

Defense Systems Division

Over the years, more functionality and requirements have been implemented in the software of training devices.  This has resulted in an increase in the percentage of software required.  Since software development is labor intensive, this increase in software increases the cost of training devices.

The concept of lowering software development costs through reusable software has long been a goal of software producers.  Three prominate reasons account for the increased achievement of software reusability.  First, there now exists a set of generally recognized software engineering practices used in the development of new training systems.  These practices which cover all phases of software development including requirements analysis, design, coding, testing, integration and provide documentation standards are established by DOD-STD-2167A.  Software now is being developed with the same set of standards.  Second, the creation of Ada has provided a language which supports good software engineering principles and provides widely accepted body of knowledge of Ada principles and reusable concepts.  These factors have created an environment conducive to the development of good reusable software.  However, software must be developed with reusability as a requirement.

This paper will discuss the cost benefits of reusable software, the criteria for selection of candidates, design criteria for reusable software, and the characteristics of a reusable software component.  While the principles for the creation of reusable software explained in this paper are based on the implementation in a current training device, the concepts can be generalized to many software development programs.

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EXPERIENCES USING ADA AND DOD-STD-2167A

James O’Day

Hughes Simulation Systems, Inc.

This paper will discuss various experiences gained during the first year of the MV-22A OFT/AST program.  The MV-22A OFT/AST program is one of the first programs to require the use of both Ada and DOD-STD-2167A for software development.  The focus of this paper will be on lessons learned and observations during the first year of this program.  The areas to be covered include DOD-STD-2167A, training, APSE issues, the concept of a software structural model, and prototyping applications in simulation.

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

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A DATA FLOW ARCHITECTURE FOR MULTI-MODE RADAR SIMULATION

Peter Hunt, Senior Staff Scientist

Curt Carlson, Senior Staff Engineer

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

Advanced Products Operation

Radar systems have become complex, exhibiting a great diversity of behavior.  To accurately simulate such radars and provide the correct training cues at all points in the performance spectrum, a radar simulator is needed that can exercise many different algorithms, each optimized over a particular range of performance.  This paper describes a programmable, multiprocessor approach to radar simulation.  The processing hardware consists of an array of transputers.  Onto this network a framework has been built that can support many different algorithmic solutions, each decomposed to satisfy a message-passing, data-flow architecture.  This approach results in a cost-effective training system that also provides fault tolerance, excellent diagnostics, and low life-cycle costs.

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

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SONAR SIMULATION FOR SUBMARINE CONTINUATION TRAINING

Lieutenant Commander John H. Hall, Royal Navy

Office of the Flag Officer Submarines

Fort Blockhouse

It has long been recognized that a man’s performance deteriorates with the time away from his operational task, and that the level of knowledge at any particular point can be related to time spent in the current activity.  The Submarine Flotilla of the Royal Navy has for some years established Continuation Training schemes in order to maintain and improve the knowledge base of operators.  This has prove to be particularly effective when men are landed during refits or routine harbour periods, and when drafted to support tasks in shore-side Naval Bases. 

The provision of regular training schemes utilizing aural tape and hard copy of contact signatures obtained from previous patrols still only partly satisfies the problem as the training does not fully reflect the on-board situation.  The ultimate solution would be to give each operator a complete sonar simulator suite into which pre-recorded signatures could be played.  Besides the unacceptable cost, the size of the equipment precludes its installation in the shore training centres.

The Royal Navy has achieved real-time training for its sonar operators by creating a complex signature Toolbox programme loaded into a modified desktop AT PC  Contact signatures are created without the need for real recordings and new effects can be instantly demonstrated.  The system, being of generic design, is not equipment specific.  The sonar ratings therefore receive continuation training in the analysis and classification on a high fidelity, real-time, low cost, part-task trainer.

The presentation will describe and demonstrate the technical innovations of the real-time training schemes.

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

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OPERATIONAL AND TRAINING ANALYSIS; THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRAINING DEVICES CONCURRENTLY WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AIRCRAFT SYSTEM

Dr. Bruce A. Smith and Robert J. Stolle

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

Historically, aircrew training devices were developed after the aircraft were well into production and after the requirements for the training devices were well established.  These requirements often reflected aircraft capabilities and failed to take training considerations into account.  Currently, aircrew training systems demand the design and manufacture of training devices while the aircraft they replicate are still in development.  As a result, training requirements that drive the development of aircrew training devices as well as contribute to aircraft and training systems designs must be determined before the first production aircraft becomes operational.  The traditional Instructional Systems Development (ISD) approach, which assigns training objectives to existing training media or to the capabilities of existing training devices, does not readily apply to the concurrent development of training devices with aircraft systems.  This paper describes an approach used for the development of air crew training deices concurrently with the development of an aircraft system.  This forward-looking approach defines training requirements, which in turn drive the design of the aircrew training devices.  These training requirements establish the training capabilities of the devices as well as the operational threat environments those devices fly into.  Included are the process for the integration of training requirements into engineering design specifications, the resolution of technical and cost factors, the establishing interfaces between the training analysts, engineers and the users, and the traceability and currency of the training device.

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

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IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FOR A LARGE HARDWARE CONFIGURATION

Donald Carpenedo and Jared E. Shapiro

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

Diagnostics have historically been a low-priority feature of large systems containing numerous hardware components.  Consequently, the diagnostics designed for these systems were not integrated in any manner: to execute diagnostics, operators were required at multiple locations; several different formats were used to report errors; failures at a singe hardware component often resulted in error messages being reported for tests of properly functioning equipment.  Most importantly, it took an excessive amount of time to correctly isolate failures.  This paper describes the features and an Ada implementation of an integrated diagnostic system that alleviates these deficiencies for a large hardware configuration.  It is an integrated system that allows an operator to select, from a menu display, any or all tests at one central terminal.  As a result, the system is easy to utilize and efficient.  A priority scheme supports automated sequencing of groups of tests in a hierarchical fashion.  Consequently, misleading error messages are eliminated because hardware components are not diagnosed until all equipment on which they rely has been tested.  Tests can execute concurrently, greatly reducing the time required to isolate failures.  Status of all tests is maintained, and a common scheme is provided to report failures.  Finally, the system is designed for portability and maintainability.  It can be easily moved to another hardware configuration and tests can be added/deleted from the system by updating a database and some data packages.

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

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TRANSFERRING SIMULATION DATA BETWEEN DISSIMILAR COMPUTERS IN AN ADA ENVIRONMENT

George A. Allen, Staff Scientist

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

In order to meet requirements for an Ada-based training system, a Silicon Graphics-based instructor’s station was connected to a host Concurrent Computer Corporation main simulation computer complex via a smart shared-memory interface. The Silicon Graphics system performed all necessary processing required for the instructor’s station and generated displays on the graphics CRT and flat panel displays.  This paper describes techniques used to transfer data between the two dissimilar computers in an Ada environment.  These techniques were incorporated into an Ada code generation program that generated the Ada code necessary to transfer simulation data between the two systems.

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

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DEVELOPMENT OF INSTRUCTIoNAL DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM TRAINING SYSTEMS

Robert W. Swezey, Ph.D.

Science Applications, International Corporation

Eduardo Salas, Ph.D.

Human Factors Division

Naval Training Systems Center

Both the research literature and practical experience indicate that persons involved in the design and development of individual and team training programs have inadequate access to human factors and instructional design principles during the development process.  This paper discusses a project that has resulted in the identification and classification of over 500 guidelines which address issues relevant to training program and training device development.

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

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89-OBT: EXPANDING THE NAVY’S ASW/ASUW TRAINING CAPABILITIES USING STATE-OF-THE-ART STIMULATION TECHNIQUES

Mary Kanarian Zahm, Ph.D.

Raytheon Company, Submarine Signal Division

James H. Hammond

Naval Ocean R&D Activity, Stennis Space Center

Within the past decade, some of the congestion in the Navy’s sonar operator training pipeline has been relieved through the used of on-board front-end-stimulated strainer such as the, DS-1210, AN/BQR-T4, and AN/SQS-T5.  These evolutionary trainers have been enthusiastically accepted by the fleet because they support controlled, realistic individual and team training both dockside and at sea.  Recently, advances in microprocessor development and display design technologies have enabled the further evolution of the AN/SQS-T5 design to a sophisticated, new generation, embedded training system designated as the AN/SQQ-89(V)-T( ) On-Board Trainer (89-OBT).  This training system is currently being installed onboard all major surface ASW ships including AEGIS Cruisers and Destroyers, Perry class Frigates, and Spruance class Destroyers.  This paper describes the major capabilities and features of the 89-OBT design as well as the types of individual and team training supported by it.

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

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COURSEWARE CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

Debra Ann McFee

Allen Division, CAE-Link

Robert Luckett

Link Training Services Division, CAE-Link

In the past there has been no standard configuration management methodology for the management of education courseware.  This paper discusses the approach taken by the C-130 Aircrew Training System project team to develop the methodology required to maintain total Training System currency and system technical integrity in a constantly changing environment due to aircraft modification, tactical mission changes, technical changes, etc.  Following baseline establishment, Courseware Configuration Management, in concert with the Courseware Support Team, evaluates change requests.  The evaluation identifies the potential modification requirements on the total training program, schedule impact, system performance and cost/benefit of the change.  Additionally, the unique aspects of conducting the Functional and Physical Configuration Audits of course ware lessons are presented.  This approach to Courseware Configuration Management offers considerable potential benefits on the life cycle costs associated with maintaining courseware concurrency because of the ease of lesson identification, tracking, and updating for any reason.

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

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DEVELOPING ADEQUATE COMPUTER-BASED TRAINING SPECIFICATIONS

Dwayne H. Rogers, Ph.D. and Ellen M. Le Vita, M.A.

Allen Corporation of America

One of the most troublesome problems in developing Computer-based Training (CBT) is inadequate specification of the desired end product.  This is a problem that plagues all phases of a CBT project but is most critical in the initial phases.  It is in the project definition phases encompassing the Statement of Work, the Request for Proposal, the Proposal, and the contract that clarity and detail are needed.  CBT requires many more development decisions than other media and can be done at many different levels of complexity.  Because CBT courseware is so much more complex, it must be more extensively specified beyond what is sufficient for other media.  This article discusses several common problems that result from inadequate specification of CBT efforts and twenty-two important considerations that routinely should be included in project definition documents.

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

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PROBLEMS INCURRED IN INTERACTIVE COURSEWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Kevin J. Brown, Ph.D., Marye Ann Kovatch, M.A., Nina Selz, Ph.D.

Analysis & Technology, Inc.

Interactive courseware (ICW) development poses many challenges to Department of Defense (DOD) and civilian contractors.  This paper addresses ICW in respect of managerial issues associated with ICW development and not its viability as a training aid or medium.

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

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COLLABORATION–THE KEY TO LAYING DOWN A FRAMEWORK TO ASSIST INDUSTRY IN MEETING USER NEEDS RAPIER (SAM) FSC MAINTENANCE TRAINING

Lt. Col. R.O. Macdonald CEng MIMechE MOD (A)

Maj. (Retd) D.R. Quilter BA MEd – Training Consultant

Mr. G.C. Osborn – British Aerospace plc

Fast moving technology now being incorporated in military equipments has prompted a radical rethink of the way in which we train our maintainers.

No longer can prime equipments in isolation adequately meet the requirements and they are now being supplemented or replaced by part task trainers and simulators.

Financial constraints increasingly demand that the training equipment purchased represents “good value for money”.  The requirement must be properly identified, the technical feasibility properly assessed and the cost of the options considered.  To achieve this there must be close co-operation between the user and industry throughout all stages of the procurement.

This paper details the steps that were taken to provide a maintenance full fidelity simulator for Rapier (SAM) FSC and highlights the co-operation that exists between the user and industry.

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

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TEAMWORK AND DATA ITEM DESCRIPTIONS–A MAP TO SOFTWARE AND TRAINING DESIGN INTEGRATION

Cathrine E. Snyder, Ned E. Clapp, Fr., David E. Smith, Michele Terranova

Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.

Julie Davis, Joyce L. Finney, Pamela G. Guthrie, Gail B. Payne, Sheila Webster

The University of Tennessee

A team of training technologists has developed an acquisition structure to help the Navy Airborne Weapons Training Program in managing the development of desk-top training systems by the private sector.  The goal of the structure is to meet the special requirements of the users: NAVAIR managers, Navy trainers, and the fleet.  Developing interactive training systems requires the application of three engineering disciplines: software engineering, instructional design, and human factors engineering.  Each discipline has an associated set of military standards and Data Item Descriptions (DIDs), but these usually have not been applied together in the acquisition of training systems.  The cost involved in using three sets of standards and DIDs becomes prohibitive, especially for procuring desk-top computer-based systems.  The alignment of the three development processes is not specified by existing guidelines.  This paper offers a way to specify the objectives of training and to ensure that they are met during the software development process; it also suggests how to integrate human factors engineering up-front at an affordable level that includes the recognition of cognitive and affective factors in the training process.  Ultimately, it specifies software documentation and development that should lead to generic programs that can be maintained and supported by the procuring organization.  The acquisition structure is summarized in a matrix that aligns the review of documentation supporting each engineering process in an integrated development cycle.  The matrix is a map of the planning, analysis, design, and development phases that coordinates the data deliverables for training, human factors, and software development.  Only through the successful integration of the three disciplines – software engineering, instructional design, and human factors engineering – can future training goals be reached.

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

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MANAGING COST/PERFORMANCE TRADEOFFS FOR SUCCESSFUL VISUAL TRAINING

Bradley H. Wyckoff

Star Technologies, Inc.

Critical to many successful training systems is the selection of a visual subsystem which both meets the requirements for representing real-world phenomena accurately and achieves the cost objectives.  The level of performance and features required is heavily dependent on the application.  Out-the-window flight simulation, military vehicle driver training, sensor simulation and heads-up displays all require different levels of performance and functionality.  Potential users must carefully consider both the requirements for training today and the forecasted needs of tomorrow.  Expandability and upgradability of current systems, thus, become important considerations.

Performance requirements top the list of things to consider when selecting a visual subsystem.  In most cases real-time updates are a must.  Relatively complex scenes usually require updating at 60 Hz for applications such as part-task training and target generation.  Other applications depending on the realism and visual cues are required.

Aside from basic performance requirements there are many features to look for, depending on the application.  Users must consider whether anti-aliasing, level-of-detail culling/blending and haze/fog are important.  Mission features such as collision detection, height above terrain, and laser rangefinding may be required depending upon the simulated scenario and level of realism needed.

Successful training systems must not only incorporate the required performance and features but also meet cost constraints.  Successful management of cost/performance tradeoffs is the key to effective visual training subsystems that meet the user’s needs.

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

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TRADEOFFS IN THE CONFIGURATIoN OF COMPUTER IMAGE GENERATION SYSTEMS

Rick D. Bess

BNN Systems and Technologies Corporation

This paper analyzes the tradeoffs involved in Computer Image Generation (CIG) system configuration and their implications for the developers of training systems.  Most CIG visual system products have important interrelationships between system parameters and performance.  An understanding of these interrelationships and their application to training systems will provide the basis for tradeoff decisions.  These tradeoffs will permit proper alignment of CIG system parameters to training application requirements, resulting in cost reductions and improvements in training effectiveness.

This paper includes a comprehensive discussion of the important CIG parameter and performance interrelationships.  For example, it discusses how viewing range, field of view angles, polygon throughput, and database density relate to provide different levels of image effectiveness.  This paper also discusses how optical magnification, screen resolution, and antialiasing combine to influence the users'’ ability to detect, identify and recognize object in a scene.

In the past, high fidelity CIG’s have been used for aircraft out the window (OTW) views for training military and commercial pilots.  The simulator “crew” had a common view and common task.  Today, systems simulate tanks and helicopters training multiple “crew” members, each having different views of the scene and different tasks.  The visual simulation must support multiple OTW views, periscopes, magnified optical sights, thermal and TV sensors within the same vehicle.  In this paper, visual system requirements of different training applications such as ground vehicle driving, and precision gunnery are reviewed.

The paper will conclude with examples of how to use this analysis of interrelationships and trade-offs to reduce CIG costs, and to prevent underachievement of training objectives or excessive specification for visual performance.

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

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BRIDGING THE INFORMATION GAP

A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IN AIRCREW TRAINING SYSTEMS

Mr. J.J. Shaw

Director, Test & Evaluation

SIMTEC, Inc.

Mr. William Lloyd

Acquisition Manager

Directorate of Training Systems Development

Training Systems SPO

ASD/YWB

Wright-Patterson AFB

The design, test, and operation of aircrew training systems and aircrew training devices rely heavily upon source information describing the weapon system.  In the last 10 years the size of weapon system source information has exploded into millions of pieces of information; however management approaches for acquiring and implementing the source information are virtually unchanged in 30 years.  These traditional approaches contain little or no quality standards, are severely inadequate in today’s environment, and cannot meet future training needs. Major program problems stemming from these inadequacies include: extended development time, lack of training program concurrency with the weapon system, substandard technical quality, higher program costs, and reduced supportability.

This paper presents an innovative approach to dealing with the source information issue.  The Simulator Data Integrity Program, after documenting existing inadequacies in a 1988 research report, is proceeding with the development of a source information process standard.  This process standard abandons the traditional approach of treating source information as an elusive by-product and instead treats it as an integrated life-cycle process.  When fully implemented, this new approach will change the way the Air Force, the weapons system contractors, and the training system contractors do business.  It will remove risk from training system programs by putting the weapon system source information which drives training system design and testing on a much more stable and predictable basis.  This, in turn, will yield benefits in schedule, cost and technical performance.

This first paper to industry presents the background of the ongoing Simulator Data Integrity Program, the present status of the program, future program objectives and the challenges to both industry and Government, to bridge the information gap.

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

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HOW THE AIR FORCE-LORAL TEAM MANAGED TO ACHIEVE CONCURRENCY OF THE F-15E WEAPON SYSTEM TRAINER (WST) PROGRAM

Lt. Col. Charles F. Smith, Jr.

Aeronautical Systems Division

Wright-Patterson AFB

L. Eugene Frazier

Loral Defense Systems-Akron

In October 1988, a dedicated team of professionals from the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD), Tactical Air Command (TAC) and Loral Defense Systems-Akron succeeded in delivering to TAC an F-15E Weapon System Trainer (WST) at the same time that McDonnell Aircraft Company delivered the first operational aircraft.  In order to achieve this, many complex real-world problems – technical, management, procurement, financial, logistic – had to be overcome.  Sharing the details here with the defense simulator/training community is significant not only because it marked the first time that a major aircraft training device was delivered to TAC concurrent with the delivery of the aircraft; and not only because this achievement allowed training to begin despite a sharply reduced number of aircraft available for training; but also because the lessons learned from this experience may be translated to similar programs, and help make concurrency the rule rather than the exception.

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

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YOUR PROCUREMENT DOCUMENT WORDS CAN LEGALLY HURT YOU

Frank J. Sammer

Naval Training Systems Center

In this era of “sue first, ask questions later”, the words used in procurement documents can be used against the government in support of contractor’s claims.  When engineers state the specifics of what they want they usually do not worry about the “what if someone interprets these words differently” problem.  Contract cost and schedule impacts may arise when the contractor’s interpretation of the imprecise language is not the interpretation the government intended.  The Naval Training System Center is developing ProtectUS, a computer program that can review a document and identify words and phrases in the document that may be subject to multiple interpretations.  The words and phrases compose the database ProtectUS uses.  This paper discusses the methodology for the development and maintenance of that database.  It also presents examples of the “sensitive” words and phrases in the database and explains how they can be subject to multiple interpretation.

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

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EASING THE TASK OF AUTHORING ENGINEERING DOCUMENTS

John Oriel

Naval Training Systems Center

Over the past twenty years, the job of preparing the engineering documents for government acquisitions has become increasingly difficult.  Where a document of fifty pages might have sufficed in1969, two hundred or more are needed in 1989.  This has happened largely because of extremely rapid technological advancement, and the accompanying proliferation of specifications, standards, rules and regulations.  It has long since reached the point where it is unrealistic to expect that government engineering personnel will have sufficient knowledge at their fingertips to develop high quality documents in the amount of time that is usually available.  Furthermore, it is even more unrealistic to expect new engineers to build and retain such a vast store of knowledge in the three or so years that it takes to advance from entry to journeyman level.  Realizing this, The Engineering Department of the Naval Training Systems Center has set out to apply the personal computer to the authoring problem in ways that go beyond its normal use as a word processor and electronic spreadsheet.  The overall aim of the effort is to use the personal computers not merely as labor saving devices, but rather as instruments to enhance the power of our already-sharp engineering minds.  In pursuing the department’s goal, the author has developed two types of software tools: the first aimed at the synthesis (authoring) task, and the second aimed at the analysis (reviewing) task.  This paper deals with the design philosophy and development methods for the synthesis tools.

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

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AN EVALUATION OF SOURCE SELECTION COST PROPOSALS–THE AIR FORCE TRAINING SYSTEMS SPO PERSPECTIVE

Thomas Arnett and Captain Carl E. Fox

Training Systems System Program Office

Aeronautical Systems Division

Wright-Patterson AFB

The emphasis at Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD) is to execute a source without discussions or written communication, i.e., deficiency requests, clarification request, or best and final offers.  This initiative to conduct a “streamlined” source selection demands the receipt of quality cost proposals.  However, the requisite quality has not always been present for recent training system source selection.

Each Training Systems Request for Proposal (RFP) results in the receipt of a wide variety of cost proposals.  Some provide much more documentation/information that can possibly be evaluated under the streamlined process while others are deficient or noncompliant as to content or procedures.  A common problem is the application of the full (production) funding concept.

The move away from discussions and deficiency reports makes it essential for the offeror to submit a properly structured cost proposal on the first submission.  This paper will describe the key elements of a minimally acceptable cost proposal and the make-up and operation of the source selection cost panel.  An analysis of past source selection cost proposal deficiencies will be provided along with examples and corrective actions.  These past deficiencies come from the historical records of training system deficiency and clarification requests sent out by ASD along with the personal experiences of many cost panel chairmen.  The intent of this paper is not to decrease or increase the official government requirements but to give insight on how these requirements can be met in an efficient and sensible way.  Our desire is to communicate this information in order that offerors will not repeat past mistakes.

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

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CARRIER AIRWING TRAINING–AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH

Edward P. Harvey and John P. McGinn, Jr.

BMH Associates, Inc.

J.C. Williams

Sanders Associates, Inc.

A central theme in modern naval warfare is the ability to conduct joint operations which combine the tactical aviation elements of two or more carrier task forces.  Unfortunately, due to operational constraints and the complex nature of such operations, carrier airwings are seldom afforded the opportunity to conduct training activities which emphasize joint operations.  This paper will highlight how the use of distributed simulator networking technology can be directly applied to the conduct of carrier airwing training.  It will also show how simulation networks for carrier airwing training can provide the capability to conduct joint operations training involving two or more carrier airwings in a simulated real-world tactical environment.  The implementation of such a network will serve to multiply the effectiveness of shore-based pre-deployment airwing training and will provide a heretofore unavailable capability to conduct simulated joint airwing tactical operations in a battle group environment.

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

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INSTRUCTOR-MACHINE TEAMWORK IN THE USE OF INTELLIGENT INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEMS

Denis Newman

BBN Systems and Technologies Corp.

Cost effective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in training systems depends on teamwork between the instructor and the intelligent device.  While AI-based systems are exceptional at providing detailed feedback within narrowly defined tasks, human instructors are exceptional at dealing with trainees’ misunderstandings on the task and its scope and at motivating trainees.  Research and development of an intelligent instructional system, the Intelligent Conduct of Fire Trainer (INCOFT) demonstrates that an AI system can provide a powerful tool to assist instructors in producing proficient graduates.

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

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AUTOMATED TOOLS, ADA AND CUSTOMER REVIEWS

A CANDIDATE APPROACH

Jerry H. Hendrix

Boeing Military Airplanes

Simulation and Training Systems

In today’s fast-track technology explosion, the productions of software for real-time systems is enhanced by the availability of technological advances such as automated tools and the Ada programming language.  The use of these advances offers increased productivity and shorter schedules when used properly.  The use of automated tools is helpful but may lead to a systems design that is decoupled from the software product.  Some tools force users to use a methodology which leads to structures which may not directly translate to a higher order language software structure (for example, open ended if statements).  Not using tools in tight-scheduled programs may lead to a paper-intensive development increasing schedules and cost.  There are many tools available today that offer design and documentation assistance in every development phrase (Automated Requirements Analysis Tools, Graphical Object Oriented Design Tools, Boeing’s own Automated Software Engineering).  A proper Ada development methodology can offer assistance in every developmental phase.  The dilemma facing software developers today is how to integrate the proper toolset and Ada approach to allow the best product and give the customer a full understanding of the development.  The customer must assure correctness, completeness and consistency although he may not fully understand the target software and complexity of the Ada language.  It is up to the contractor to expose the customer to the development in such a way as to allow him to properly critique the development activities.  This paper will offer a candidate approach to coupling automated tools with Ada developments and customer reviews.  It will present criteria for developmental tools selection, such as commonality of tools host to software development host, user interface considerations and methodology consideration.  The paper will also present how these tools are integrated in a common environment, how an Ada development is enhanced by automated tools and how the customer can benefit from the proper mix.

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EMBEDDED TRAINING DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

Stephen A. Leishman

Training Analyst

Boeing Military Airplanes

Embedded Training (ET) has the potential to increase the expertise of system operators in accomplishing their primary mission.  ET is currently viewed as a complement to the total training media.  Training requirement design considerations, from a user’s viewpoint, include the need for operator control, performance monitoring and recording, dialog with the operator and ET scenario generation.  Hardware and software design requirements include safety; weight, power, cooling and space considerations; the use of existing system capacities, and growth.  These design considerations must be addressed as early as possible to produce a training effective and cost effective system capability.

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

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A TEAMED APPROACH ADDRESSING EFFECTIVE OFT UTILIZATION

Lt. Col. C.C. Martindale

Luke Air Force Base

Dr. W.W. Hosler

CAE-Link Corporation

Link Flight Simulation Division

A teamed effort from 1985 to the present involving the user, procuring agency, and the contractor has resulted in a 90% improvement in OFT utilization.  Besides significantly improved utilization, issues have been addressed which have resulted in documented user acceptance of the training device.  The application presented in this paper is for “school-house” training of USAF pilots at Luke AFB.  The structured methodology utilized by the user to achieve improved OFT effectiveness included problem definition, a literature review, and a needs/requirement survey of more than 500 pilots.  The results of the user analysis led to changes in the training devices design, training philosophy, and training syllabus.  Also, the issues of concurrency and user validation were explored.  The problem definition was initiated in 1985 by a General Office Review.  The user’s literature review, requirements analysis, and survey validated the initial problem definition.  Off-the-shelf technology was selected for a limited-field-of-view visual system and totally redesigned instructor station.  Also, task-specific training replaced the mission training approach.  A three-tier training device syllabus was used to assure that fundamental tasks were learned prior to being practiced in the aircraft.  The outcome of these efforts has been enhanced OFT utilization through user-initiated and defined requirements.  The teamed effort was instrumental in addressing these issues in a timely manner.

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DEVELOPING TRAINER SPECIFICATIONS FROM TRAINEE NEEDS FOR THE CANADIAN PATROL FRIGATE COMBAT SYSTEMS

Tom Hay, Ph.D., Behavioural Team, A Corporation,

Gord Forbes, Thomson CSF Systems Incorporated

Robert Bloom Ph.D., JWK International Corporation

Cost-effective military training devices are based on trainee needs not technological capabilities.  This project developed specifications for training devices for Combat Systems operators, maintainers, and teams for the Canadian Patrol Frigate (CPF).  An integrated training systems model included (a) determining resource requirements and (b) developing training content, methodology, and technical documentation based on task and performance data.  Such models can guide the use of trainee requirements as the basis for trainer design and functionality.  This paper provides an example of how to make the models work.  Trainee tasks determined functional specifications for the hardware and software, in terms of (a) training media, (b) fidelity and simulation requirements, and (c) essential and desirable trainer characteristics.  A resource requirements analysis indicated (a) the number of trainee positions needed in peak and steady-state conditions, and (b) the annual training input, instructor billets, and lab-loading requirements for the training devices in the Canadian Forces Fleet School setting.

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ZEN AND THE ART OF ATS MANAGEMENT

Major David C. Johnson ASD/YWSA

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

William A. Reed

CAE-Link Corporation

C-130 ATS Program

Since 1984 the Military Airlift Command (MAC) has moved to improve aircrew training through the use of Aircrew Training Systems (ATS).  ATS’s represent a radical departure from MAC’s traditional training approach because of the autonomy given the ATS contractor in creating and operating these training programs – an autonomy given the contractor in exchange for a qualitative guarantee of ATS graduates.  Reliance on this guarantee, however has limited utility in defining the relationship between the using command and the contractor during ATS development.  ATS success requires an acknowledgement by the using command, the acquisition command, and the contractor that ATS development, and operation, is an integrated, long-term venture.  That acknowledgement must occur from the outset of the ATS program.  A cooperative managerial approach dedicated to fostering a sense of mutual ownership among all participants is paramount.  The ATS concept necessitates modification of traditional management functions, modifications derived from “lessons learned” and a modicum of intuitive insight.

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MISSION REHEARSAL–MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER SIMULATION

Randy Wiggers, CW4, AH-64 Instructor Pilot

Fort Rucker

Leonard K. Hiteshew and Ron Matusof

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

A battle commander, in planning and accomplishing a mission for today’s battlefield, must consider an infinite number of variables and uncertainties, including a complex combination of individuals, equipment, terrain, and environment.  With these myriad decisions by individuals and crews, the need for training in decision making and tactical operation has become critical.  However, without prior preparation and an in-depth and timely rehearsal, dealing with this combination of complex variables can lead to disaster.  Mission rehearsal is required by all crews to be fully qualified for today’s complex battlefield.  Rehearsing missions utilizing fielded mission equipment fulfills only a part of the requirement.  A full system that could evaluate situational awareness, decision making, team coordination, and employment of units in combat is needed to bridge this gap.  With simulation, the environment would represent crucial aspects of the real world by properly preparing the crew and weapon system to complete specific missions.  This paper discusses the definition of mission rehearsal, mission training, and mission simulation.  It further addresses mission rehearsal from a training standpoint, makes a comparison and subjective analogy between the mission and mission rehearsal, and proposes a set of requirements necessary to provide simulation systems capable of supporting mission rehearsal.

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

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ACHIEVING MISSION REHEARSAL OBJECTIVES EMPLOYING

MISSION-ORIENTED SIMULATOR DEVELOPMENT

Robert Monette, AH-64 Instructor Pilot

Fort Rucker

Samuel Knight and Gary George

Link Flight Simulation Division of CAE-Link Corporation

The key to facilitating an “adequate” Mission Rehearsal capability lies in the training system itself.  The challenge to the military and the simulation industry is to judiciously and cost-effectively apply today’s technology to create the simulated aircraft and mission environment fidelity required to meet Mission Rehearsal performance objectives.  Traditional development concepts, however, may be inadequate.  We are no longer concentrating on training specific tasks, but rather are now involved with complex performance objectives such as tactical awareness, interpretation, anticipation, and prioritization, crew and combined team coordination; and tactical decisionmaking.  The criteria for such objectives are not readily definable and in actuality can vary from crew to crew and situation to situation.  Consequently, a system to meet such objectives cannot be easily specified.  This paper addresses the challenge imposed by Mission Rehearsal performance objectives and fidelity requirements and discusses an effective solution to supplement traditional specification; Mission-Oriented Simulator Development.  This concept, demonstrated on the AH-64 Combat Mission Simulator, provides techniques incorporating military and developer teamwork to assess and refine the evolving system throughout the development cycle, based on the user’s evolving “mission” requirements.

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

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AIRCREW TRAINING DEVICES, TESTED FOR TRAINING

Peter Kilger, Wendell Morgan, and David Thomas

CAE-Link Corporation, Link Flight Simulation Division

Lt. Col. John Clapp, USAF RET.

Kirtland AFB

Now that the industry has acknowledged that training requirements must drive training device design, it makes sense that the training device should also be tested against these same requirements.  From extensive front-end analysis through device design, training requirements are a major consideration, yet traditionally contractor test is limited to hardware and software specifications.  In many cases this has led to a device that, although technically compliant with contract specifications, was unable to accomplish the training for which it had been purchased.  On a current Link ATD (Aircrew Training Device), final contractor verification test objectives and customer acceptance test objectives are being oriented toward a fully integrated system and the training that the device is designed to accomplish, in addition to the contract’s technical specifications.  Link’s approach on this ATD is to include  “Mission Test” as a phase of the contractor testing.  This mission test is being designed and accomplished by company personnel with operations, training, and engineering backgrounds, in close coordination with the Air Force users.  This cooperative approach is critical, particularly with a concurrent development program where aircraft design and its mission are changing.  Mission Test will ensure that the training system can accomplish the user’s training objectives by flying “real world” sorties in the ATD that incorporate all the tasks the user intends to train in the device.  The combined Link-Air Force team will test the interaction of the entire system, including crew and instructors, for all tasks under a variety of conditions.

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

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ISD STANDARDS–THE LEGITIMIZATION OF A PROFESSION

Linda G. Jensen

Electronics Systems Division of the Grumman Corporation

Simulation/Trainer Products

Because it is an arcane discipline, rife with jargon, subdisciplines, varied approaches to application, and seemingly capricious costing techniques, the field of computer-based instructional design is commonly viewed with a mixture of suspicion and awe.  Instructional designers often lament that they cannot convince management/administration/the customer that what they propose is necessary, cost-effective, and generally useful.  The customer has difficulty evaluating proposals because terminology, applications and methods vary widely from one bidder to the next.  Attempts to impose order have been made by customers including increasingly detailed requirements in their requests for proposal, but this has become part of the problem, too.  Standards are the key to banishing the users’ perceptions of haphazard or unscrupulous business practices while ensuring that their needs and ours are met.  Among the tools required to establish ISD as a true professional discipline are standard terminology, applications guidelines, performance criteria, and quality control.  This paper will detail why we need standards, the types of standards necessary, and address some strategies and methods for creating and implementing such standards.  The discussion of types of standards will be organized by the relative importance of each standard, and will include details of some suggested guidelines and explore the strengths and weaknesses of some existing policies.

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

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DEFINING SIMULATOR REQUIREMENTS

BEYOND RELIANCE ON METHODOLOGY

Samuel F. Bass

AAI Corporation

The definition of simulator requirements does not happen by chance; it is a process requiring comprehensive planning, critical thinking, and close teamwork among training specialists, specification developers, subject matter experts, and engineers.  The process, however, is not the subject of this paper, which takes a more practical case study approach to (1) present some examples of necessary simulation features that run counter to our expectations and therefore may not be identified in a carelessly conducted analysis, and (2) examine the impact of various training philosophies (often unarticulated) on the utility of simulation systems.  Emphasis is placed on the facts that simulators are intended to train, not simply simulate; that engineering elegance is not synonymous with training effectiveness; that simulation fidelity is not the measure of simulator utility; and that simulators that don’t actively assist in the evaluation of trainee performance waste time and money.

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

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TRAINING REQUIREMENTS EVALUATION FOR A HELICOPTER OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE SYSTEM STUDY

P.H. Cerchie

McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company

This paper describes a case which utilized simulation during the requirements phase of system definition to insure the best possible operator-machine interface while minimizing the acquisition cost.  Part task and full man-in-the-loop simulations were run at various points during the course of the study.  The objective was to evaluate obstacle sensor/display system parameters in a realistic flight simulation.  This activity was conducted by the McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company under contract to the U.S. Army Center for Night Vision and Electro-Optics (C2NVEO).

The Obstacle Avoidance System (OASYS) study focused on the evaluation of four sensor systems intended to provide obstacle warning information during night condition flight using the Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS)/Integrated Helmet and Display Sight System (IHADSS) as the only source of visual information.

The study requirements called for the use of current AH-64/PNVS qualified, non-simulator pilots as subjects.  All pilots performed the task using the new sensor/warning systems as modeled in the simulation facility.  To avoid severe learning effects during experimental data collection, certain procedures were evaluated to optimize the training requirements.  These included: 1) determining the best approach to equipment familiarization; 2) the transfer of training from an out-the-window visual display to a helmet-mounted display (IHADSS); 3) determining performance criteria to establish subject readiness; 4) when to discard a subject as a result of excessive training time (cost-effective use of simulation time).

A general description of the study will provide a context for the various trade-offs and decisions which are documented in the paper.

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

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EFFECTIVE DOCUMENTATION–THE ART OF TRAINING THE USER

Lieutenant Colonel Bob Ewell (USAF), Ed. D.

Commander, 3423d Technical Training Squadron

Peterson Air Force Base

This paper promotes effective user documentation through an integrated approach and training-based process.  When user documentation is integrated into the system development process, the results include better quality systems, enhanced testing, less maintenance cost, and better user acceptance.  A training model for developing user materials consists of five steps: identify requirements, analyze the target population, develop objectives, develop materials, and evaluate the training.  The first two steps define the training as the difference between what the system requires users to know or do and what they know and can do now.  The third step addresses instructional level and domains of learning: cognitive, affective, or psychomotor.  Once the preliminary analysis is done, the user materials need to be developed with proven communications and packaging principles.  Well-designed user materials developed along with the system are critical to the success of CBT.

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

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TRAINER CONCURRENCY–PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Dr. Eric C. Haseltine

Training and Support Systems Group

Hughes Aircraft Company

Military training simulators frequently do not faithfully represent prime vehicles and systems.  Simulated avionics and weapons systems, for example, commonly lag those of the prime vehicle by 18 to 24 months, greatly reducing the effectiveness of many trainers.  In the future, as the complexity and flexibility of weapons systems increase, the difficulty of maintaining trainer concurrency will grow.

Recent attempts to solve the concurrency problem have focused on a greater involvement of prime vehicle manufacturers and more timely dissemination of vehicle data to simulator vendors.  However, these measures alone cannot achieve trainer concurrency unless simulators are properly designed form the start to handle instructional features such as freeze and record/replay in conjunction with on-board processors, sensors, and weapons.  Furthermore, designs to achieve concurrency must recognize that budget constraints will pose a continuing threat to realizing concurrency over the life of a trainer.

This paper presents a methodology for making up-front design decisions to achieve trainer concurrency in the most cost effective manner.  The methodology is a trade-off analysis that considers a) number of trainers to be procured, b) frequency of update or modification of each vehicle subsystem, c) recurring and non-recurring costs of candidate simulation, emulation and stimulation techniques for each subsystem, and d) fidelity achievable for candidate simulation, emulation, and stimulation techniques in comparison to training requirements for fidelity.

The methodology is illustrated through a design trade-off analysis for a fighter radar simulation.

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

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AN INTEGRATED TRAINING SYSTEM FOR PERSONAL ENHANCEMENT

Deborah Lawson McCormick, Ed. D.

Paul L. Jones, Ed. D.

Chief of Naval Technical Training

The major goal of Navy training is to produce a well-trained sailor in the shortest possible time.  Accomplishing this goal means optimizing the sailor’s experience at the training command, i.e., providing maximum opportunity for learning.  Optimization of training time becomes even more critical in the face of an increased number of students with basic academic deficiencies – poorly developed math, reading, and study skills.  With these ideas in mind, the Naval Construction Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, in conjunction with the Chief of Naval Technical Training and the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center, initiated a project known as the Personal Enhancement Program (PEP).  This project was designed to provide students with increased opportunities for learning through the establishment of an integrated learning center supporting seven technical fields taught at the commands.

PEP is fundamentally computer-based, using inexpensive microcomputers.  Courseware is, for the most part, developed by schoolhouse personnel using the Computer-Based Education Software System (CBESS), a family of Navy-owned authoring programs.  The paper discusses conceptualization and implementation of the program and presents future plans for the project, which include the establishment of “satellite” centers at various locations at the command.

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

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NAVAL TACTICAL TRAINING FOR THE 2000

Commodore Eli E. Rahav

MARTEAM, Inc.

Senior Maritime Consultant

Elbit Computers, Ltd.

The trend toward development of better naval weapon systems longer range and more sophisticated missiles, electronic warfare and computer based command & control, direct naval planners to invest in bettering the tactical command performance –The ability to draw the right conclusions and make correct decisions in much shorter time frame.  The proliferation of modern weapon technology is such that naval tactical doctrine can not rely solely on technological superiority of the weapon systems and combat commanders have to employ good tactics to win.  Training for taking the right decisions in time in the unpredictable and rapidly changing modern naval combat requires a lot of prior mental investment.  A most valuable tool required to achieve effective and efficient tactical training is the naval tactical trainer.  The trainer’s design must encompass an integral tactical training philosophy defining the requirements from it and ensuring its values as a cardinal training aid and as the ideal setting for tactical creativity and development.

This paper outlines the requirements from a tactical trainer emphasizing essential issues and supporting them with an overall concept of trainer utilization and possibilities for introducing Artificial Intelligence in the trainer.

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

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ARMOURED VEHICLE CREW TRAINING – A EUROPEAN APPROACH

Jean Baradat

Thomson-CSF Simulator Division

Two major factors are influencing the efficiency of armoured vehicle crew training: separate versus or complementary to crew training at various levels and simulator performance necessary to meet the training objectives.

The paper stresses the specific requirements, or acceptable limiting factors attached to each function, and how they can influence the organization of the trainer, the training scenarios, the modelling level, and the nature and quality of the simulated environment (mainly visual and motion).  Cooperation/coordination are also required when groups of people are to be trained.  The training efficiency largely depends on the monitoring of the exercise and the tactical credibility of the manoeuvers taking advantage of the terrain relief and vegetation, etc.  Artificial intelligence is a good way to provide the scenario with the necessary tactical realism.

This paper reviews the major approaches taken in these areas.

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

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TRENDS IN NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS AND VISUAL DATABASE CORRELATION

Ali Davoudian

General Dynamics Corporation

Correlation is quickly becoming an important topic in the simulation community.  The need for improved processing speed for correlated visual scene data is becoming more critical.  With the increased demand for correlated data, more attention will have to be devoted to correlation methodologies so that efficiency and productivity can be improved upon.

Mission Planning requires significant cultural and terrain features used as navigation way-points, to be accurately depicted on paper navigation charts.  Because simulated worlds do not exactly match the real world, a process developed at General Dynamics provides the capability to generate paper navigation charts, which provide 100% correlation to the Out-Of-The-Window visual scene.  The importance and usefulness of correlation between Out-Of-The-Window visual database and various types of sensors has led to the design and implementation of correlated topographical charts by utilizing converted visual database to Defense Mapping Agency (DMA) formatted database, as primary source of data.

This report addresses the methodology used for the navigation chart development by identifying and defining those parameters that characterize database correlation and its fidelity.

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

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THE APPLICATION OF EXPERT SYSTEMS FOR USE IN FRONT END ANALYSIS DURING TRAINING PROGRAM ACQUISITION AND DEVELOPMENT

Richard T. Goins, Walter W. Marshall, Ed.D., Stanley L. Levine, Ed.D.

Douglas Aircraft Company

McDonnell Douglas Corporation

Expert system tools used at Douglas Aircraft Company are presented to aid a subject matter expert in preparing a front-end analysis for instructional systems.  Rules are given for selecting tasks for initial training and for refresher training.  In addition, another automated tool used for the front-end analysis and selection of acceptable media is discussed.  Decisions for selecting tasks for initial and refresher training and for identifying acceptable media are presented as major cost drivers of a program.

The expert system tools, tasks selected for training, and tasks selected for recurrent training were embedded in the copyrighted data base.  After testing, they were conventionally programmed and now reside on an IBM mainframe and as personal computer tools.  However, media selection is independent of the copyrighted data base because this tool has found additional uses in data bases of other systems with different requirements.  These expert system tools are all rule-based and utilize various expert system shells for their development.

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

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