Re-engineering a computer-based trainer for a helicopter night vision system

Abstract

While there have been unfavorable responses to Department of Defense right-sizing efforts, this force restructuring has actually produced certain positive results. Capitalizing on technological advances, the aviation community, in particular, has adapted to personnel cuts and reduced budgets without sacrificing the quality of training. As a result, considerable emphasis is currently placed on computer-based training (CBT) applications. The development of this type of training for critical, high-risk, missions, such as those involving scarce night vision equipment, has encouraged numerous research projects including this thesis. Sponsored by Naval Air Systems Command (PMA-205) , this thesis discusses methods used to re-engineer the UH-1N helicopter Aviator's Night Vision Imaging System/Heads-Up Display (ANVIS/HUD) CBT for use in the HH-60H community. By using portions of code, graphics, and text originally designed for the UH-1N CBT, the HH-60H version was developed through a revision process which incorporated new material as required. The final product is a trainer consisting of five instructional modules, combining student evaluation and remediation features through interactive lessons and exercises. In accordance with current design principles, an object-oriented authoring system enabled the production of a quality CBT that meets the sponsor's budget and time constraints, and promises to be a key training asset for HH-60H personnel.