The control, direction, and coordination of activities of shipboard Vertical/Short Take Off Landing (VSTOL) operations demands a firm understanding of the roles and responsibilities of all personnel under all potential conditions, and proficiency in performing each station's duties with precision and efficiency. The live operational environment leaves no margin for error, and the safety and effectiveness of all parties can be significantly improved using state-of-the-art technologies to provide a virtual training environment to support Landing Signal Enlisted (LSE) and Helicopter Control Officer (HCO) personnel. Distributed simulation technologies have become widely used for multilevel training and mission rehearsal. Virtual Technology Corporation (VTC), along with our teaming partners L3 Communications, Link Simulation & Training (Link) and Soar Technology, Inc., proposes to develop an innovative training environment (RealLanding), based upon a modular, open architecture to train personnel the vital Naval Aviation Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) hand signals, coordination, and communication used between the LSE, HCO, and pilots. By placing the LSE and HCO trainees in a virtual environment, the student can be more effectively exposed to the wide range of scenarios and dynamic conditions that otherwise can not be trained in a safe environment. A virtual environment can also provide a repetitive experience where the student can rehearse scenarios until they understand and perform the proper procedures while being provided with visual feedback to demonstrate correct signaling when not performed properly. After gaining this experience and the confidence to properly signal the aircrew, the student can more effectively assimilate and appreciate the live training exercise.
