The creation of complex tactical training systems has traditionally involved the use of a large amount of sensitive data to enable representative simulation models to be provided. The data involved in the simulation of the tactical environment and in particular the targets therein is often highly classified.

The following paper discusses a new approach to the generation of these types of training systems, which allows the initially delivered trainer to have a much lower level of security classification than is possible with current design approaches. In this approach the data used for modelling sensitive areas, such as targets, weapon systems, tactics, etc., is created by the end user utilizing menu driven utilities incorporating Expert Systems technology. Use of this type of approach, apart from affording greater security for the associated data, allows for a wider selection of potential contractors to be solicited for any given program.

The paper describes the design approach which is being used by CAE Electronics Ltd., both in its current form as applied to a P-3C Operational Tactics Trainer and in its extended form as applied to an aviation research combat simulator for the U.S. Army Research Institute.

This approach offers considerable potential benefits on the life cycle costs associated with maintaining trainer concurrency because the user has full control over the performance of the various features in the simulated environment, and can readily make changes thereto.