Companion Trainer Aircraft: Concept Test
Abstract
Faced with increasing budget constraints and a need to conserve the B-52 weapon system, the Strategic Air Command (SAC) has pursued several avenues to make continuation training programs more efficient. Because actual flight training is considered to be critical, one proposed solution involved the use of a low cost business jet aircraft to supplement reduced B-52 flying schedules. This aircraft would be augmented to provide training for the radar navigator, navigator, and electronic warfare officer (EWO), in addition to the pilot and copilot. Some training missions would be flown in this Companion Trainer Aircraft (CTA) to reduce the need to fly the B-52. The training effectiveness of a CTA program depends on two main assumptions: first, appropriate behaviors trained in the CTA will transfer positively to the B-52, and second, inappropriate behaviors will not transfer. A theoretical approach based on transfer-of-learning considerations for a CTA revealed particular difficulties in specifying transfer expectations for pilots and copilots. Previous attempts to use a second aircraft as a surrogate trainer have met with mixed results. Both positive and negative effects on primary aircraft performance were observed. In response to a congressional request for proof of the concept that a CTA could provide effective training, a study was designed involving operational SAC crews. This study employed a modified T-39B aircraft to supplement B-52 training for eight aircrews. The purpose of the study was to answer two major questions. First, what effect does flying the secondary aircraft have on primary aircraft performance?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA131378
Entities
People
- Milton E. Wood
- Robert T. Nullmeyer
- Thomas H. Killion
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory