Modeling Tool for Design, Manning, and Training of Shipboard Aircraft Operations

This Phase II project will develop a prototype PC-based modeling tool to support concept analysis, manning, and training of shipboard aircraft operations for both legacy and advanced surface ships. The simulation environment will employ a commercial navalsimulation engine, resident in Sonalysts' Sub CommandO, as the enabling technology for developing this prototype PC-based modeling tool.During Phase I, an investigation was conducted to determine a suitable domain for this SBIR concept and subsequent PhaseII prototype demonstration. This investigation culminated in the development of a successful proof-of-concept demonstration for a DDG-51 Flight IIA ship and MH-60R helicopter. Requirements established for this Phase I effort included: day-time flightoperations, take off (launch) and landing (recovery) operations only, helicopter pilot station (MH-60R) GUI, Helicopter Control Officer (HCO) Station graphic user interface (GUI), Landing Signal Officer (LSO) Station GUI, and Landing Signal Enlisted (LSE)Station with a human model. Phase I was successful in demonstrating feasibility for HCO and LSE station training within a ship/air team shipboard setting. For the Phase II prototype demonstration, a DD(X) destroyer and vertical takeoff unmanned aerialvehicle (VTUAV) will also be added. Phase II will build upon the research and design work conducted during Phase I.BENEFITS: The research conducted under this Phase II effort will contribute significantly to the development of a fully functional PC-basedmodeling tool to support concept analysis, manning, and training for shipboard aircraft operations. The prime candidate for immediate transition of this computer-based tool for modeling shipboard aircraft operations is in support of the DD(X) Program.Additional transition opportunities for this Phase II prototype application to other advanced ship programs include LPD-17, LCU (R), LHA (R), CVN 21, JCC (X), LCS (X), and CG (X) along with legacy ship classes (i.e., DDG-51, CG-47, LHD-1, LHA-1, LPD-4, andLSD-36/41/49. The most likely transition candidate for this Phase II SBIR project outside of DoD would include the Deepwater Program (formerly DOT, now Dept. of Homeland Security), which would include the NSC, MEC, and PB classes of ships all capable ofperforming shipboard aircraft operations.