Developing and delivering concurrent pilot training simulators in sync with user need and maintaining currency through the air vehicle life cycle has traditionally been a serious problem. Many factors have contributed to this problem including: (1) need for high fidelity simulation which drives the requirement for real operational flight programs (OFPs) and real air vehicle hardware, as much as feasible, (2) need to provide unique trainer control features which traditionally are a problem to implement with real OFPs, (3) procurement cycles on air vehicle hardware which are too long, (4) little, if any, connection between engineering laboratory development and training device developments.

The F-22 program provides a unique opportunity to maximize synergism across the entire weapon system. The air vehicle, the support system, and the training system are being developed concurrently through Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) during and Engineering Manufacturing Development (E&MD) phase. Work on the E&MD effort by the tri-company team (Lockheed. Boeing, and General Dynamics) led by Lockheed, began in August 1991. The F-22 E&MD IPT approach provides for training system influence on air vehicle development. Boeing is team lead for the training system development. General Dynamics has a Pilot Training System Device (PTSD) IPT in place that is developing portions of the air vehicle simulation for incorporation into the Pilot Training System Devices. This PTSD development is a coordinated effort with the GD engineering flight simulator laboratory and GD air vehicle IPTs.

This paper will describe the process that has been established to provide for pilot training system device development, integrated with air vehicle and engineering lab development. The many challenges and potential pitfalls that lie ahead will be outlined. This paper will also describe (1) early accomplishments and lessons learned using this process, (2) plans for developing pilot training simulators truly integrated with engineering simulations, and (3) plans for maintaining trainer currency through the air vehicle life cycle.