Next Generation Electronic Support Measures Trainer for Submarines Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2013.1 Topic No.: N131-078 Topic Title: Next Generation Electronic Support Measures Trainer for Submarines Proposal No.: N131-078-0552 Firm: Sonalysts, Inc. 215 Parkway North P.O. Box 280 Waterford, Connecticut 06385 Contact: William McConnell Phone: (860) 326-3685 Web Site: www.sonalysts.com Abstract: Sonalysts will develop and demonstrate a game-based adaptive training system for AN/BLQ-10 ESM operators that extends the approach developed for Passive Narrowband Sonar operators in the APB-13 Narrowband Adaptive Trainer. The game elements include a student avatar whose appearance reflects student progress, medals for accomplishment of major LOs, scoring that rewards consistent correct response, and animations that reflect correct and incorrect answers. The adaptive algorithm relies upon teaching by question and answer, with feedback that evaluates the response, provides the correct response, gives hints for making a correct response, and foreshadows future LOs. Eye-tracker measurements will evaluate student performance and tailor feedback to student actions. Sonalysts will conduct feasibility studies to determine the best method of injecting signals and noise into individual subsystem processing algorithms, considering both recorded and simulated signals. The objective will create realistic display response on the AN/BLQ-10, so the operator is naturally trained on the displays and controls of the installed equipment. In addition to the embedded algorithm, Sonalysts will investigate the feasibility of creating a PC-based emulator for the AN/BLQ-10 displays and controls, creating a realistic representation of the same pre-processed signals. This approach will reduce development costs and also support additional shore-based delivery modes. Benefits: The proposed adaptive training algorithm and technique is an affordable process for training applications like ESM that require recognition and analysis of a signal in a complex noise background. This approach is grounded in a simplified analysis of the skills and knowledge needed, and uses semi-automated techniques for rapid creation of content. By relying on basic instruction delivery through other means, it avoids duplication of effort. The eye-tracker technology has the potential for in-stride training of console operators in any fields by monitoring their actions in routine operations. The analysis and simulation of electronic signals will have potential in a wide variety of defense and intelligence applications in addition to the primary planned use of training submarine ESM operators. A submarine Electronics Warfare (EW) adaptive Onboard Training (OBT) capability meets training needs for PM435, NAVSEA IWS5A, and NAVSEA 07TR. The platforms that would benefit most from this OBT product are the Improved 688 and VIRGINIA-Class attack submarines. Return