Technology insertion and reuse in the development of research simulators

Training simulators have traditionally been the starting point for the under-funded laboratory´s research simulator. The opportunity to obtain “free” “high fidelity” devices colors the judgment of the decision makers. Working level engineers often espouse and upper management accept that “minor” hardware changes to the surplused trainer, coupled with a few software updates, can create the high fidelity platform that everyone wants the laboratory to possess. Unfortunately, this shortsighted view ultimately results in a simulator that costs more than anticipated, is difficult to maintain, and is not the flexible research device desired. The crux of the problem stems from the fact that while training simulators may look like the desired research device, they usually were not created to work like a research simulator. Flexible cockpit configurations, replaceable models with selected functionality, easy access to human and avionic system data are the hallmarks of the research simulator. SAIC has developed a methodology for converting the training simulator into an effective research device. The methodology incorporates the development of a simulator transformation plan. The plan is a set of guidelines that focus efforts toward the fidelity, performance, and maintenance requirements desired in a simulator. Key to this process is an evolutionary or spiral development cycle that selectively incorporates prototyping to identify worthy targets for reuse. Identified reuse targets are subjected to a reuse assessment. The reuse assessment identifies costs/benefits of reuse and balances these against the costs of inserting new technology. As the development spiral tightens, design approaches are validated by prototyping and re-engineered if required. Completed designs pop out that are immediately useable and guaranteed to operate. The methodology has been tested in the development of the B-2 Crewstation Simulator. This paper describes the methodology in detail and describe its application in the development transformation of two laboratory training simulators into a flexible, expandable human engineering research simulator