Do Army Helicopter Training Simulators Need Motion Bases?

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Authors
McCauley, Michael E.
Subjects
Flight Simulation
Flight Simulators
Flight Training
Helicopter Simulators
Simulator Motion
Perceptual Control Theory
Transfer of Training
Advisors
Date of Issue
2006-02
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This report reviews the arguments and the evidence regarding the need for simulator motion bases in training helicopter pilots. It discusses flight simulators, perceptual fidelity, history of motion bases, disturbance versus maneuver motion, human motion sensation, and reviews the empirical evidence for the training effectiveness of motion bases. The section on training effectiveness reviews research from relevant sources, including: Military helicopter, military transport, commercial airlines, general aviation, fighter, and attack aircraft. In addition the author describes a Perceptual Control Theory approach to determining the information requirements for simulator-based training. The author concludes that there is a substantial body of data to support the training' effectiveness of flight simulation in general; that there is virtually no evidence to support the training effectiveness of motion platforms; that motion contributes to in-simulator performance, particularly for experienced pilots; that motion cues may be beneficial for flight training in unstable aircraft and in tasks involving disturbance cues, although the evidence is weak; and that motion, noise, and vibration contribute to the realism of the simulation and, therefore, strongly influence the acceptance of a simulator by the pilot community. There is no reliable evidence that a motion base prevents simulator sickness. Instructional design is more important than physical fidelity for training effectiveness.
Type
Technical Report
Description
United States Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
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Department
Operations Research
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NPS Report Number
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Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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