Spatial Awareness Training System (SPATS)

Spatial disorientation is a problem that costs the Navy $100M in lost aircraft and aircrews every year. Additionally, other services are losing aircraft/aircrew at an alarming rate. To combat the onset of spatial disorientation (SD), SDS proposes a solution that allows a student to recognize the onset of spatial disorientation and practice recovery through a three-tiered approach. This approach includes initial, secondary/reinforcement, and advanced/refresher training utilizing classroom multimedia CBT/WBT, non-motion-based flight simulation, and self-study CDs for refresher-training. The CBT/WBT approach consolidates individual incidents into a comprehensive plan that enables students to learn about root causes and types of SD and possible preventative measures. While the high-visual-fidelity simulation would allow the pilot to observe and fly real-world SD occurrences and permit rapid generation of media (QuickTimeT movies) for inclusion in CBT/WBT. Use of SDS' current LiteFliter reconfigurable flight simulator will ensure the high-fidelity visualization and flexibility needed to develop scenarios that present real-world situations to students and allow them to experience the effects of SD in realistic, mission-oriented environments. Each scenario would also include a post-mission briefing that describes what students saw, how they reacted, and why they reacted a certain way, as well as corrective actions that can be taken.