Training Technology
Nellis AFB, Nevada to evaluate LVC as a long term readiness enhancement capability for the USAF. The goal of the ACC LVC PP is to prove out integrated LVC training to its fullest potential. The use of modified test Operational Flight Program software will enable virtual and constructive threats to be displayed on the live aircraft’s defensive systems and prosecuted as real targets. The training is focused on the live asset using a dynamic training environment enhanced by rapidly positioning constructive threats throughout the range complex through the use of virtual and constructive threat generators. The LVC PP will demonstrate the ability to reset the training environment in any configuration, immediately add bogey aircraft upon request, augment training scenarios, and measure performance at the individual, team, and team of teams levels. Additionally, LVC technology can effectively expand available range space by positioning virtual and constructive threats outside range boundaries where live assets cannot fly. By virtually expanding range space, live players within the range space will have the ability to reposition threats or create new threats, as well as capture data for debrief, a true asset to increasing live training through the help of M&S technologies. To develop technologies for robust debriefs, the 711 HPW/RHA research team has met with numerous customers regarding training needs and how to integrate LVC technologies. Researchers used Mission Essential CompetenciesSM (MECSM) – key knowledge areas and skills to be trained – initially developed for fighter roles and missions to demonstrate the training potential and quantitative mission performance metric tracking. With established MECs, Mesa scientists, engineers, and subject-matter experts (SME) took the lead in developing LVC enabling technologies while integrating training aspects into robust debrief capabilities. AFRL’s debrief tools and technologies comprise the Performance Evaluation and Tracking System (PETS), starting as an AFRL and ACC ATD and currently in use at Mesa for the DMO Training Research program. By incorporating a performance measurement and assessment system, such as PETS, in an LVC network, numerous data points can 18 MS&T MAGAZINE • ISSUE 5/2010
be captured that were previously unobtainable during live-fly events. Network traffic standards for data distributed on the network enterprise are essential to the success of assessment systems, and conforming to M&S standard data definition creates substantial efficiencies in the development of metrics and algorithms for analysis. 711 HPW/RHA has also demonstrated data, in its native format from operational aircraft and other systems in the form of a proprietary “standard,” can also be harvested, transformed and used in the assessment process. The current system being fielded in the fast-jet community is composed of three major components: 1) a networkmonitoring and data analysis capability to track data of various types on the DMO or LVC network and to yield detailed results and visualizations for after-action review; 2) an automated gradesheet to help capture data for actions not routinely harvestable or available; and 3) a tracking system to store data in a common format for retrieval by a developed reporting system or through USAF sortie tracking systems. The first component of the new system is more objective, and like PETS, takes network data to automatically analyze and display key points. Its companion component technology is an automated gradesheet that allows an instructor or SME to evaluate mission planning, briefing, mission execution, and post mission debrief and to provide constructive, subjective feedback, as part of the immediate debrief or document in a warehoused assessment database. The final component is a tracking system to
LVC in action: all elements of the Integrated Theater Combat Operations Training Research Testbed working together to represent the entire kill chain. Image credit: AFRL.
document the proficiency development of individual Warfighters. This information can be stored in systems such as USAF’s Patriot Excalibur for tracking and reporting, and passed to unit weapons officers and training shops to better mix live and virtual events for training. LVC is being investigated as a potential way forward for training Warfighters within multiple environments. Technology evaluations, multiple use cases, and performance based metrics, to name a few, are being used to look at current training through an LVC lens. In collaboration with ACC, USAFE, and coalition partners, AFRL is investigating the potential utility of LVC at varying levels of integration (from full sensor stimulation on live platforms via virtual and constructive systems to situational awareness displays only). These multiple efforts support future LVC developments and offer potential solutions to future training shortfalls for various weapons systems. It will take time to prove the utility of LVC, but the 711 HPW/RHA is leading the way with collaboration and guidance from end users, the Warfighters. ms&t About the Authors Both Ms Kristen Barrera and 1Lt Kara Thoreson are with the 711th Human Performance Wing, Warfighter Readiness Research Division. AFRL Mesa Research Site, AZ.