Military training technology provider Aptima has been contracted to develop a virtual training environment for the US Air Force’s (USAF) distributed common ground system operations (DCGS).
The DCGS is responsible for collecting and analysing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) to support USAF’s missions.
Valued at more than $12m, the contract will see the company developing a weapon systems trainer in collaboration with Leidos.
The trainer will measure performance and adapt instructions to optimise airmen skills development, the company said.
DCGS operators currently using live, on-the-job training during missions will soon transition to a scenario-based simulator that is expected to enhance individual and crew competencies.
Aptima government programmes executive vice-president Mike Garrity said: "By simulating the mission demands operators encounter, measuring their progress and performance, and tailoring their instruction, the system will remove the typical limitations of one-size-fits-all training.
"This will ensure trainees are focused on developing the essential skills, delivering the greatest return on training investment."
The scenario-based trainer will employ Aptima’s A-Measure software, which is capable of measuring trainee performance in live, virtual and constructive environments (LVC).
The trainer will also use Aptima’s Advanced Learning Management platform, which dynamically adapts instruction to optimise each trainee’s learning.
"We envision applying the Advanced Learning Management platform, with its ability to tailor instruction, to areas beyond the DCGS project, such as language and cultural training," added Garrity.
Work under the contract will be carried out at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio, and at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, US, until the second quarter of 2018.
Image: DCGS operators are responsible for collecting and analysing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Photo: courtesy of APTIMA.
