Game-based Partial Task Trainer for Fifth Generation Fighters (GBT-5).

Fifth generation aircraft, including the F-22 and the F-35, have been designed with a set of unprecedented capabilities. The challenge that lies ahead is to better train pilots to take advantage of these capabilities. The need for a flexible training environment designed specifically for the F22 and F35 fighters presents a unique opportunity for Stottler Henke. We are prepared to develop a research program that will result in the construction of an intelligent training system powerful enough to fill the current training gaps and flexible enough to meet conflicting requirements. We propose to develop an intelligent, game-based, trainer aimed at addressing a specific subset of the pilots tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs). The core of the GBT-5 trainer is a realistic free-play simulation of the relevant cockpit controls and displays combined with a flexible plug-in infrastructure that extends the range of supported learning objectives through a set of optional components: (1) out-the-window view provided by game-based flight simulator technology, (2) integration with hardware versions of the primary flight controls through USB, (3) DIS / HLA integration to support networked exercises, (4) simulated entities to support single-user training, and (5) an intelligent tutoring system to provide customized instruction. BENEFIT: The specific training system developed for this effort will initially focus on the F-22 and therefore is primarily valuable only to the US Air Force. With this in mind, the primary commercialization path is to pursue Phase III funding with the US Air Force to transform the system at the end of Phase II into a fully deployed training system. This closely follows the commercialization paths of two of our other successful training systems: GRTS and OMIA. With the introduction of the F-35 and the construction of a new plug-in to support its interface, the training market for the proposed system could expand to include a number of other countries that will be purchasing F-35s, assuming the training environment was approved for export. Additionally, the research described in this proposal provides additional commercialization opportunities by incrementally refining and extending our suite of tools for developing training simulations, intelligent tutoring systems, and behavior models for simulated entities.