SBIR-STTR Award

Helicopter crew chiefs primarily receive advanced skills training during in-flight training missions. This training methodology is expensive and potentially dangerous. A simulator designed, developed, and produced based on derived skill-based requirements employing innovative virtual technology with tactile interactions would be an excellent training tool. The question remains: Can such a simulator that enables maximum flexibility for varied task training be affordably produced? Helicopter crew chiefs throughout the military perform varied but similar tasks. These tasks principally consist of door gunner engagements, search and rescue (SAR), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), interactions with flight and ground/sea crews, hover control, swimmer deployment/recovery, hoist operations, night searches, mine/Doppler operations, and emergency procedures. The proposed SBIR study will analyze the tasks of the H-60 crew chief, develop training requirements based on those tasks, and present trade-off analysis of technologies that meet those training requirements in a simulator environment. At the completion of Phase I, Binghamton Simulator Company will provide recommendations on the feasibility of developing affordable and effective crew chief training in a simulation environment.

NAVAIR selected two companies to work together in Phase II of SBIR N03-190. Binghamton Simulator Company (BSC) will fill the prime contractor role in producing a Prototype Aircrew Virtual Environment Trainer (PAVET). Systems Technology Incorporated (STI), as subcontractor to BSC, will pursue their Fused-Reality visual system concept. The Phase II prototype device shall provide skill training for air crewmen in a fused-reality environment for Gunnery and Search and Rescue (SAR). In Phase II, the contractor shall develop the components for PAVET and merge them into a seamless advanced Aircrew prototype training device that satisfies the MH-60S school’s training objectives for their Gunnery courses. The contractor shall then leverage the innovations and developments from the Gunnery prototype and merge them into a seamless advanced prototype Aircrew training device that satisfies the MH-60S Search and Rescue (SAR) field exercise course objectives. The prototype device will be delivered, installed, and maintained at a fleet location for an evaluation period of three to six months. If time and funds allow, research and development will further investigate how Vertical Replenishment could also be incorporated into the prototype device

Keywords:
Helicopter trainer, PAVET, Fused Reality, Hoist, Gunner, SAR, virtual, crew chief