APTIMA INC — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: As the Air Force responds to high demands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations,

Description

As the Air Force responds to high demands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations, devices and strategies for effectively training Pilots and Sensor Operators are likely to increase in importance. While simulation-based training has evolved in recent years, the majority of attention has been directed towards training piloting skills. Current tools and devices for preparing RPA crews lack a robust ability to realistically simulate the complex communication and coordination interactions with the ISR community. Thus, a Simulated Operational Communications and Coordination Integration for Aircrew Learning (SOCIAL) Tool, an adaptive, data-driven, model-based communications simulation tool, with performance measurement capabilities, is required to provide RPA crews with the relevant training experiences necessary to develop the critical communications and coordination skills required for their evolving missions and continuous operations. The SOCIAL Tool will be designed in a way that supports integration with existing RPA crew training devices. When fully implemented, the SOCIAL Tool will address a critical gap in current RPA training.