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Immersive Parachute Descent Procedure, Malfunction and Decision-Making Training System
Navy SBIR 2016.1 - Topic N161-007 NAVAIR - Ms. Donna Attick - [email protected] Opens: January 11, 2016 - Closes: February 17, 2016 N161-007 TITLE: Immersive Parachute Descent Procedure, Malfunction and Decision-Making Training System TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Air Platform, Human Systems ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PMA 205 Aviation Training Systems OBJECTIVE: Develop a novel reconfigurable device training system that provides immersive Parachute Descent Procedure (PDP), malfunction and decision-making training to allow the survival training community to deliver cross-platform training without the need for multiple training systems or platform specific peripherals. DESCRIPTION: Current Parachute Descent Procedure (PDP) training is based on antiquated virtual reality technology that has inadequate effectiveness and realism. Additionally, existing training is problematic due to limitations that prevent interfacing with standard flight and parachute equipment. A novel, immersive training system that provides the ability to train aviators on PDPs, malfunctions and decision-making is desired. The training system should address three capabilities gaps: 1) training quality and effectiveness, 2) supportability, and 3) training realism. The training system should provide a reconfigurable interface that supports all Navy standard flight equipment and parachute equipment. All necessary equipment will be identified during the Phase I and Phase II execution, with hands on opportunities at the safety center facilities during kickoff or other collaboration meetings. This would include, but is not limited to, parachute harnesses and riser assemblies for all models of parachutes. Developed technology would provide the ability to demonstrate effectively both standard PDPs (e.g., inflation of the life preserver, releasing the raft when applicable) and parachute malfunction. Malfunction training should allow students to perform corrective actions and provide mechanisms to deliver feedback on performance through performance assessment and debriefing capabilities. The system should support scenarios for training that include both over land and over water options and procedures. The requested training solution will require innovation and a technical solution from offerors to provide a reconfigurable connection for a variety of aircrew equipment and seat kits, which differ by platform. This is necessary to ensure the delivery of an integrated training solution without the need for a platform specific trainer or simulated/replica equipment only utilized within the trainer. Development a single, reconfigurable device will allow the survival training community to deliver cross-platform training without the need for multiple training systems (variations by platform), and limiting significant single or recurring peripheral costs if a system was designed with simulated/replicated equipment. These costs saving factors increase affordability of the requested system, while also increasing the training fidelity for delivering a critical safety-training curriculum. In addition to demonstrating and training PDPs and malfunctions, the system should provide decision-making training that provides scenarios and feedback based on a number of environmental factors (e.g., over water, over land, buildings, trees, power lines). To enhance the training delivered through the device, novel performance measurement and assessment technologies are desired. Examples of desired debrief functionality may include: � Capability to assess crew performance on procedures, decision making and an assessed probability of survival based on performance is beneficial, and/or � A debriefing visualization tool that integrates a 'what-if'ing' capability to showcase how variations on the essential inspect, inflate, release or steering procedures and/or decisions made would impact the outcomes of the performance observed would help provide a more interactive training solution. PHASE I: Demonstrate the feasibility of an architecture and/or proof-of-concept of proposed technology to deliver an immersive Parachute Descent Procedure (PDP) malfunction and decision-making training system that provides a reconfigurable interface to support all Navy standard flight and parachute equipment. Anticipated technology challenges that should be addressed in this feasibility demonstration and/or analysis include: � Ability of the trainee to perform correct and realistic Parachute Descent Procedures on his/her parachute equipment while viewing the virtual environment through a head mounted display, and � Physical integration of the trainees vest to the virtual environment to support system responses to emergency procedure actions. The proposed architecture should provide novel and innovative solutions to these anticipated challenges and identify any anticipated risks with selected and alternative solutions. The company shall demonstrate the feasibility of their concept through modeling and simulation. The company should identify technical risks of their concept. The Phase I Option, if awarded, will include the initial design layout and a capabilities description to build into Phase II. PHASE II: Develop a prototype immersive Parachute Descent Procedure (PDP) malfunction and decision-making training system that provides a reconfigurable interface to support all Navy standard flight and parachute equipment system in order to address the technical risks of their concepts. The company shall develop draft specifications for the different elements of the concept. The prototype shall provide a comprehensive training solution that provides novel and innovative solutions to the visual and physical integration challenges of the required technology. The prototype system testing shall address technical risks, validate the draft specifications, and demonstrate the functionality of the overall concept. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The company shall support the Navy in transitioning the technology to Navy use. The company shall develop specifications and first articles for concept unique elements and specifications for other concept which must have specific functionality to implement the immersive Parachute Descent Procedure (PDP), malfunction and decision-making training system and transition technology to U.S. Navy and other military and private organizations. Any aviation organization that conducts parachute descent procedure training as part of the Federal Aviation Administration/Department of Defense (FAA/DoD) requirements could utilize this technology to train individuals. REFERENCES: 1. DEVICE S9C4 PARACHUTE DESCENT VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINER Device Description. Retrieved from http://www.navair.navy.mil/nawctsd/Programs/TrainerDescriptions/Aviation/DeviceS9C4.cfm 2. OPNAVINST 3710.7U. Retrieved from http://doni.daps.dla.mil/Directives/03000%20Naval%20Operations%20and%20Readiness/03-700%20Flight%20and%20Air%20Space%20Support%20Services/3710.7U.pdf 3. Naval Survival Training Institute. Retrieved from http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nsti/Pages/NASTPOverview.aspx 4. Chivers, C. J. (6 February 2007). Survival Training for When a Pilot�s World Turns Upside Down. NY Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/07/us/navy-survival-training-for-when-a-pilots-world-turns-upside-down.html?_r=0 KEYWORDS: Training; Parachute Training; Safety Training; Emergency Procedure Training; Decision Making Training; Malfunction Training TPOC-1: 407-380-4773 TPOC-2: 407-380-4528 Questions may also be submitted through DoD SBIR/STTR SITIS website.
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