Effects of Simulator Training and Platform Motion on Air-to-Surface Weapons Delivery Training
Abstract
The objectives of this research were to determine: (a) the extent to which generalized, conventional, air-to-surface (A/S) weapons delivery training in the Advanced Simulator for Pilot Training (ASPT) transferred to a specific aircraft; (b) the contribution of six-degree-of-freedom platform motion to the transfer of training from simulator to aircraft; and (c) the differential effects, if any, of this simulator training on student pilots of differing ability levels. Twenty-four students progressed through lead-in training, receiving all training except the A/S flights, and were then assigned into matched experimental and control groups. All of the subjects received academic training in weapons delivery techniques and procedural training on F-5B operations. At this point, the students in the control groups flew two data collection sorties in the F-5B aircraft, performing 10, 15, and 30 deg, bomb deliveries. The experimental groups received A/S weapons delivery training in ASPT on 10, 15, and 30 deg bomb deliveries with a fixed number of trials on each event. The experimental subjects then received two data collection flights in the F-5B identical to those received by the control group. Analysis of the results proved that simulator training significantly increased air-to-surface weapons delivery skills (e.g., approximately double the number of qualifying bombs, a one-fourth reduction in circular error) but that platform motion was not a contributing factor in this process. It was also found that novice student pilots of greater initial ability benefit most from such simulator training when a minimum fixed number of trials is used.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA043649
Entities
People
- Robert R. Fuller
- Thomas H. Gray
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory