Helicopter terrain navigation training using a wide field of view desktop virtual environment
By:  Joseph A. Sullivan
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Format: Electronic resource
Number of pages: 108
Description: Helicopter terrain navigation is a unique task; training for this task presents unique challenges. Current training methods rely on dated technology and inadequately prepare pilots for real world missions. Improved training specifically tailored to address the unique needs of the helicopter community that capitalizes on recent improvements in desktop virtual environment (VE) technology could substantially improve the training process and reduce training costs. Based on the input of subject matter experts in current helicopter terrain navigation training techniques and VE technology, such a system was developed and tested on student pilots performing real world tasks. A desktop VE that presented a simple to control and learn, interactive fly though of a terrain model was used to augment conventional training at Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Ten (HS-1O). Results indicate that flight time for students that received VE training was more productive than for students that received conventional training. This work justifies the next logical step; fielding a system on a long term basis as a squadron asset. This system would provide improved training for the helicopter community and an invaluable source of research data for the Naval Postgraduate School.
Notes: Thesis advisor(s): Rudolph P. Darken.

"September 1998."

Thesis (M.S. in Computer Science) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1998.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 97-99).

"Approved for public release, distribution unlimited"--Cover.

Also Available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System Requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.

US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9116 11/24/98.