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Training, Simulation & Performance Improvement
Southwest Research Institute combines advanced technologies with hardware, engineering, software and instruction expertise to achieve the greatest possible value in training and simulation systems.
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For the U.S. Air Force Reserve, SwRI converted an uncertified trainer into a certified C-130 flight trainer for pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers. In the photo, the trainer is being assessed for certification by Maj. James Grogan (left) and MSgt. Michael Macaleese. |
Crew training and certification traditionally conducted in aircraft are progressively shifting to simulators to increase the number of student trainees and to conserve resources. To help the U.S. Air Force train and certify pilots, co-pilots and flight engineers aboard the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, SwRI converted an uncertified C-130H3 unit level trainer into a certified C-130H2 flight training device for the Air Force Reserve Command (simulation.swri.org). This large, multidisciplinary program concluded with the delivery and installation of the training system at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, where final certification was recently completed.
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The SwRI-developed enterprise training system integrates numerous processes into a single, web-based tool for managing maintenance training operations at the Air Force Air Mobility Command. |
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We are developing a powerful, web-based system that delivers, manages and reports on aspects of an organization’s training operations for the Air Force Air Mobility Command. The enterprise system integrates AMC maintenance training program tools and processes into a single, web-based tool. SwRI has delivered the first module of the system, an electronic testing component that provides computerized assessments and testing. Future modules will handle other maintenance training processes, such as course document management.
In an effort to reduce courseware development and maintenance expenses through re-use, staff members developed a training object repository. The repository stores training and expert knowledge objects, allows searching of content and registers content with the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Registry program, which supports the education and training communities of the Department of Defense.
We are using computer simulation and virtual reality technologies to provide an effective, flexible system that teaches spray techniques for paints and other coatings. Students use actual spray equipment while simulating the application of a finishing product on a virtual surface. No material is expended during the simulation, nor are harmful emissions and waste produced. A patent is pending on the paint system, which was developed for a commercial client.
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Our staff developed a system for teaching spray techniques for paints and other coatings. The graphical user interface enables an instructor to adjust finish color and type, surface color and type, and target paint thickness. |
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This virtual paint simulator utilizes SwRI’s three-dimensional Graphics Interface Library to create graphics efficiently and cost-effectively. GraIL™ eliminates reliance on expensive commercial 3-D graphics engines and has allowed SwRI to create Interactive Virtual Human Body software, which provides cardiovascular anatomy and physiology training, and the Generalized Operations Simulation Environment, which teaches Air Force personnel safe aircraft maintenance procedures.
Increasingly, we are applying tools and techniques developed for training systems to new simulation applications. For example, our staff applied technology developed for training to create a simulation architecture that examines whether networked sensors within a simulated battlefield affect combat outcomes. The architecture will help identify methods to measure the value of networked sensors in typical Army combat scenarios. Further expansion of simulation capabilities for non-training purposes includes visual analytics, engineering simulation and 3-D visualization.
Several SwRI offices across the country support the training needs of our clients (instructional.swri.org), such as the Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base, which we have served for more than 10 years. Our staff in O’Fallon, Ill., recently moved into a new facility to help increase operational efficiency and strengthen client support.
Visit tsystems.swri.org for more information or contact Vice President Dr. Katharine C. Golas at (210) 522-2094 or kgolas@swri.org.
| Copyright© 2006 by Southwest Research Institute. All rights reserved under U.S. Copyright Law and International Conventions. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher. All inquiries should be addressed to the Communications Department, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, phone (210) 522-3305, fax (210) 522-3547. |
