The development of low-cost trainers for acoustic analysis (AA) is dictated by the need for both initial training and continuing refresher training in this volatile skill. The state-of-the-art in computers and graphics systems supports the development of trainers that produce the high resolution displays of operational equipment, support a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) system, and provide the portability and low cost for wide distribution to multiple fleet units and reserve components.

The key to an effective Aft. trainer for advanced and refresher training is a means of creating a realistic display of what the student would observe in the real world. Recordings of actual acoustic contacts provide a data base from which realistic displays can be created. Low-cost is achieved by performing the conversion from acoustic data into display data by an off-line process that is separate from the trainer.

This paper describes the development of the use of prestored data in a trainer, the signal processing necessary to create the data base, the proof-of-concept trainer that incorporates the use of prestored data, and the current research initiatives that will lead to improvements in low-cost trainers for AA.