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Dynamic Flight Simulation as a Supplement to In-Flight Pilot Training
Navy SBIR 2008.1 - Topic N08-012 NAVAIR - Mrs. Janet McGovern - [email protected] Opens: December 10, 2007 - Closes: January 9, 2008 N08-012 TITLE: Dynamic Flight Simulation as a Supplement to In-Flight Pilot Training TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Human Systems ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA-205 Aviation Training Systems OBJECTIVE: Measure the effectiveness of non-motion based simulation versus dynamic flight simulation. DESCRIPTION: The age of USN/USMC tactical aircraft currently averages 19 years, which is significantly older than in prior combat periods. Due to budget constraints and aircraft development schedules, the average age of aircraft is projected to continue rising and in-service aircraft quantities are projected to fall. Pilot high G tactical maneuver training is wearing out and depleting in-service aircraft. While the use of fixed based flight simulators is increasing, there are no objective data that certify that training without motion cues adequately transfers to actual flight. Providing this verification is critical to ensure that the time spent training in ground-based static or dynamic flight simulators will effectively off-load flight time from in-service aircraft, or will simply be time wasted. Complete training programs that are candidates for ground-based dynamic flight simulation include tactical flight operations, high G training, spatial disorientation, aircraft upsets and recoveries, night vision and night vision goggle operations, and loss of situational awareness. Significant performance variables for training, missions and critical maneuvers applicable to simulation; flight profiles; physiological metrics; skill retention/decay and training measures of effectiveness (MOE), performance (MOP), and value (MOV) must be assessed and defined. PHASE I: Define and develop effective objective flight training rubric and measurement techniques. Establish a training strategy, requisite fixed and motion base simulator configuration characteristics, simulator performance requirements, a test subject program, training exercises, MOE/MOP/MOV criteria, and comparative training validation methods. PHASE II: Configure a ground-based fixed and motion based tactical flight simulator applicable to USN/USMC aircraft and demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed measurement technology. PHASE III: Apply the results of the Phase II evaluation to enhance the G-tolerance improvement training curriculum at the training facility at NAS Lemoore. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: The commercial aviation sector would benefit through the development of ground-based simulator capability to include (a) commercial pilot training and (b) training for space travelers, including sustained G training and Spatial Disorientation familiarization. REFERENCES: 2. Leland RA, Folescu C, Mitchell WF. "Developing Rapid G-Onset and Sustained G Dynamic Flight Simulation (DFS) Capability In Next Generation Human Centrifuges." Abstract in Aviation Space Environ Med 1999; 70:358. 3. Szczepanski C, Leland RA. "Move or Not to Move? A Continuous Question." AIAA 2000-0161. KEYWORDS: Simulation; Training; Pilot; Proficiency; Workload; Fatigue TPOC: (301)342-8881
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