Next Generation Aircraft Simulation Technology

ABSTRACT: There is a need to utilize mobile computation devices to extend flight training from centralized facilities to remote field stations. Current limitations in the computational capabilities of mobile computing devices require that the software be partitioned between a more powerful centrally located host and the mobile computing devices. This requires simulation software that supports flight training applications to be modular and scalable to take advantage of a distributed architecture. Advanced Rotorcraft Technology,Inc.(ART) has pioneered the development of modular, scalable simulation software to support reconfigurable simulator applications. ART"s existing Boeing 737-800NG avionics training simulator can be adapted to utilizing a remote mobile computer for the instrument displays and pilot inputs, providing a convenient prototyping system to evaluate software and hardware architectures for mobile computer training applications in Phase I. A trainee at a remote facility with a mobile computing device can then select any display or switch panel from a cockpit overview and render a full size image on the touch screen to exercise procedural training with that display. In addition, ART"s authoring tool supports embedding interactive displays and switches with the training tutorial, allowing a remote student access to interactive training from a tutorial on the mobile computing device. Under Phase I, potential architectures for a variety of training applications for mobile computing devices will be examined, including weapon system training, maintenance training, and collective mission training using a distributed simulation communications protocol. BENEFIT: Extending effective training simulation to mobile computing devices can tremendously expedite training, allowing centrally located computers and instructors to support students in the field with a mobile computing device. ART can provide a central computing facility for downloading required applications to support the training exercises. Simulation software can be purchased, leased, or accessed on a"time-required"basis as a business model. The modular, scalable design of the simulation software will also enable the configuration of multiple mobile devices into training devices with varying levels of sophistication to support a wide range of training applications.