Advancements in fleet synthetic training systems: A use case of landing signal officers

Abstract

The advancements of modeling and simulation systems allow individuals to acquire knowledge, demonstrate procedural skills, and practice team tactics, which may be too dangerous or resource-intensive to perform live. In this paper, we describe how advancements in training systems have affected a special population of U.S. Naval aviators, the Landing Signal Officers (LSOs). The primary responsibilities of the LSOs include the safe and expeditious recovery of the Fleet aboard the aircraft carrier. LSOs are required to perform their job in a myriad of extreme environments and aircraft conditions. Considering that a majority of LSO training is obtained on-the-job, it is both impractical and hazardous to continue training in adverse conditions. However, due to modern advancements in Fleet synthetic training, LSOs can gain experience in these adverse conditions by utilizing a training simulator. Currently, LSOs perform approximately six-to-eight hours of training related to performance in extreme environments in the 2H111 dome simulator. Although the 2H111 simulator mirrors many aspects of the aircraft carrier in high fidelity, it is not without its limitations. We describe the current LSO training pipeline and how the Fleet benefits from virtual reality (VR), as well as augmented reality (AR) training systems.