Do Army Helicopter Training Simulators Need Motion Bases?
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.
Description
United States Army Research Institute
for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
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.Collections
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Training effectiveness study of simulator usage and its impact on live Fire Armor Gunnery
Wagner, Denis M. Jr. (Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2014-06);It is mandatory for tank commanders and gunners to train in the Advanced Gunnery Training System (AGTS), but the effectiveness of conducting this training is unclear. Although anecdotal evidence suggests that training ... -
Performance assessment of military teams in simulator and live exercises
Mjelde, Frode V. (Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School, 2013-09);The purpose of this paper is to present and evaluate a tool designed to assess the performance of military teams participating in complex military training exercises and to investigate the effectiveness of simulator training ... -
Sopite Syndrome in operational flight training
Flaherty, David E. (Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School, 1998-09-01);Sopite Syndrome is a poorly understood response to motion characterized by drowsiness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood changes. It is distinct from "regular" motion sickness or common fatigue, and may affect the ...