Technology advances have made fighter aircraft cockpits increasingly complex, adding significantly to the requirements for training pilots in systems operation and "cockpit management" tasks. Fortunately, these same technology improvements have enabled new approaches to meeting these training challenges. In the Air National Guard (ANG), there are particular challenges associated with maintaining and honing the combat skills of traditional Guardsmen who serve part-time as pilots in operational units from Hawaii to Cape Cod.

To meet these particular needs, the ANG embarked on an acquisition program for training systems that capitalize on the improvements in computer technology, designed around low cost commercial systems capable of mission procedures training in a dynamic flight environment. The product - specialized trainers for specific procedures. These trainers are designed primarily for use by a single pilot, though there are provisions for an instructor. The flight simulation is not intended to match the high fidelity simulation levels found in current, full system simulators. However, the devices, called "Air National Guard Part Task Trainers" (ANG PTT) do provide a training capability previously unavailable to ANG pilots.

This paper describes the ANG PTT program from the first steps of evaluating available technology through requirements definition, Request for Proposal (RFP) development, source selection, and contract award. Applying lessons learned as a user of systems acquired through other agencies, the ANG designed this program along Total Quality Management (TQM) principles with support from Headquarters Air Force, Air Force Systems Command, Tactical Air Command, and industry.