The twin dome Air Combat Simulator at British Aerospace, Warton has been in regular use by the Royal Air Force to provide pilot training in Air to Air Combat. The training is given both at TWU (Tactical Weapon Unit) level, and are taught the basic skills and disciplines. OCU pilots are experienced squadron pilots who are taught the optimum deployment of their weapon system, and its capability against likely threats.

The simulator standard is described, with emphasis on the hardware requirements to provide high availability in rugged use. Features have evolved, particularly in he area of the instructor/operator station, to maximise the training benefit. These include rapid access to performance data, immediate selection of new configurations, efficient monitoring of performance, and instant replay.

The organisation of courses also contributes to training effectiveness. An environment is created to produce close instructor/student involvement. Students not participating in the actual combat benefit considerably by monitoring peer performance. The courses are short and intensive, without distraction.

Recommendations emerge relevant to the specification of training devices of this type. In particular, the cost aspects, and the technology trade-offs, are discussed.

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A. Barnes