Training Potential of Multiplayer Air Combat Simulation

The objective of this investigation was to identify air combat mission tasks that could be trained using existing multiship simulator technology. Forty-two mission ready F-15 pilots and 16 tactical air controllers rated their need for additional training on 41 air combat tasks. These pilots and controllers then participated in four days of air combat training using McDonnell Aircraft Company's simulation facility. This training allowed the participants to practice two-ship tactics in an unrestricted combat environment which included multiple air and ground threats, electronic combat, and real-time kill removal. Following training, the participants rated the value of their current unit training and training provided by the multiship simulation. Pilots rated the multiship simulator training superior to their current unit training for 22 of the 41 air combat tasks. Pilots also rated their need for additional training in those 22 combat tasks from “very” to “extremely” desirable. The controllers indicated that all combat tasks were better trained in the multiplayer simulation than in their current unit training program. Interviews and questionnaires also identified a number of strengths and weaknesses of the simulation that provide “lessons learned” for the development and use of future multiplayer air combat simulations.