The newly developed Computer-Aided Training Development System (CATDS) is an innovative approach to reducing the time and expense inherent in the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) process. CATDS is unlike other systems in its flexibility of applications, support of user definitions and ability to interface with Logistics Support Analysis (ISA) databases. The overall goal for the system was to provide better training to DoD customers at a lower cost.

CATDS was written in Turbo Pascal to take advantage of its data manipulation speed and practical use on standard PCs. The system currently uses five major files to support task and training requirements analyses. These are: Task File, Definition File, Index File, Equipment File, and Reference File. These are a combination of user-modified and system-modified files and form the main database for CATDS. In addition to the five main files, CATDS supports the concept of task planning matrices to be used during the task identification phase. The analyst inputs and manipulates data through a series of screens.

CATDS generates management and contractual reports through the successive stages of ISD, and from proposal analysis, to final deliverable courseware and training device requirements, including CDRL items. It provides analytical documents and audit trail documentation for any portion of the ISD process. Information available to management enables them to track progress and identify potential problems quickly.

CATDS has been used effectively to support contractual requirements and proposal efforts for aircrew and maintenance training. CATDS has been used to support the A-6 Replacement Wing program, where over 3,000 tasks were analyzed. CATDS has supported the Egyptian and Italian 707 Tanker programs with approximately 1,500 and 1,200 tasks analyzed. CATDS has been proposed for the Advanced Tactical Fighter, the Army's Light Helicopter (LHX) family, the Space Station, the Facility Intrusion Detection System (FIDS) and additional tanker programs for Brazil, Australia, and Spain.

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J. Jared