Cost Effectiveness of Simulation for Low Level Flight Training.

NAVTRAEQUIPCEN is conducting research and development aimed at advancing the state-of-the-art for flight simulators. This R&D is in the areas of data base sub-systems, image generation and delivery sub-systems, and display sub-systems. Flight simulators can be used to provide benefits in two ways: (a) reduce flying hours, with equal effectiveness in flight performance and (b) increase effectiveness of flight performance without increasing cost. In order for the services to make reasonable training trade-offs decisions, difficult quantification of decreased costs or increased benefits must be attempted. This report represents an attempt to quantify the cost effectiveness of simulation for low-level flight training, taking into account developments that are occuring in the R&D area. When a weapons system is augmented with simulators, there are some systems costs that cannot be eliminated or reduced. Because the United States must be prepared to conduct military operations, the cost of maintaining weapons system in a state of readiness cannot be reduced by the use of simulators. These costs include the expense associated with maintaining bases, runways, and personnel. When simulators or other training devices are used to replace actual flying time in a phase (such as low level training), the savings that may be realized include operations. Only these savings were included in this analysis,.