Developed for the U.S. Army Project Manager – Cargo, this suite of customized learning products and training tools, strengthens Soldiers’ technical proficiency
November 21, 2022 – (Huntsville, AL): Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) has enhanced its software suite of adaptive, customized learning products and training tools in support of the U.S Army Program Executive Office – Aviation (PEO Aviation) for its Project Manager Cargo (PM Cargo) CH-47F Block II Training Program. Conceptualized and designed by ECS to provide optimal performance, lowest cost of ownership, and maximum return on investment, this upgraded software suite features a high-fidelity immersive environment that encourages critical thinking and targets the individual user’s learning style and level of knowledge. The one-to-one digital representation of the CH-47F Block II serves as the foundation for a digital twin. Nathan Ginos, Vice President of Development, is leading the project from ECS Huntsville while working closely with the entire ECS team.
Ginos explains: “This software suite provides a virtual visual copy of the CH-47F Block II cockpit that looks exactly like its real-world counterpart. The level of fidelity and accuracy of the full 3d model serves as the foundation for potential future work simulating performance and subsystems, which would make it a fully realized digital twin.”
The team’s objective was to provide our Soldiers with comprehensive and engaging technical training while strengthening job proficiency and enhancing mission success. The software suite includes the following components:
- computer-based training for rated crewmembers and non-rated crewmembers, including Army aircraft electricians (15F), Army CH-47 helicopter repairers (15U), Army avionic mechanics (15N), and Army aircraft powertrain repairers (15D)
- 3D interactive preflight instructor tool
- cockpit desktop trainer, developed in partnership with SAIC, the trainer features the current CH-47F and CH-47F Block II avionics software (CAAS) with a desktop and touch panel control interface
The suite offers a first-person perspective in a high-fidelity 3D immersive environment and is available on multi-platform delivery on Windows Standalone, WebGL, and mobile. In addition, the ECS team delivered numerous computer-based training lessons, covering 39 Terminal Learning Objectives (TLO) and 93 Learning Step/Activities (LSA).
Waymon Armstrong, ECS CEO, adds: “Our team has been supporting military aviation teams for more than 25 years and we are proud to ensure that Army Aviation teams continue to perform at maximum efficiency in order to execute successful missions. This software suite provides a range of capabilities that is nearing a digital twin capability. We are working with our PEO Aviation customer to realize that vision.”
ECS has been developing interactive aviation maintenance training programs and tools for PM Cargo since 2017. During development, the team used the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) process to maximize training effectiveness.
ECS will demonstrate this software suite in Booth 1829 at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, FL from November 28 to December 1.
