Quick Look

Flight Management Systems Training, 09-9056

Principal Investigator
Sharon D. Long

Inclusive Dates: 11/05/97 - 06/04/98

Background - Flight management systems (FMS) have evolved over the years to include complex features integrated into one unit. One notable avionics and communications company has developed an FMS for modern fixed-wing aircraft systems that includes:

• Kalman-filtered integrated navigation
• Flight and mission planning
• Radar integration
• Flight control coupling
• Controlled air release point calculations
• Tanker tracks
• Communication/NAV/IFF/instrument control and integration.

The primary application of this FMS is for transport tanker, special operations, and utility aircraft. The system dramatically eases aircrew workload and automates many of the functions currently performed by a navigator.

The number of active FMS training contracts is growing dramatically for United States and foreign transport aircraft. The existing training solution includes paper-based instruction manuals, classroom lectures, and hardware-intensive mock-up units. The aerospace industry is seeking outside support to develop a robust computer-aided training system package to enhance FMS training in a cost-effective manner.

Approach - This quick-look project focused on evaluating the current training solution, the intricacies of the FMS, the developed engineering tools, and FMS training requirements. To accomplish these objectives, the project team analyzed the FMS functional requirements, a similar hot-bench training environment, and the existing engineering tools. This analysis allowed the team to understand the current training environment and provided the foundation for developing a plan for a detailed front-end analysis.

Accomplishments - The project team developed a training concept definition that included the following:

• Identifying existing training methodology
• Evaluating the FMS simulation engineering tool
• Analyzing development and integration requirements for the FMS training system
• Identifying training requirements
• Identifying learning objectives
• Developing a high-level systems design concept
• Developing a rough order of magnitude of cost for development

This project provided the support to identify the current training methodology, plans for improvement, and expectations in a new training methodology. Resulting follow-on efforts will be built on the data gathered and defined during this quick-look project. These data are vital to improve SwRI’s competitive position in developing a complete FMS training solution.

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