Simulation for design, test and evaluation, and training: reconciling the differences

The role of real-time man-in-the-loop simulation across the entire life cycle of a weapon system is examined. Novel aspects of the concept include the potential for the selective use of the developer´s engineering simulator during operational test and evaluation as well as the merits of a tightly coupled approach to the design of the engineering simulator and that of related training devices/simulators. Attention is given to the model which is emerging at the helicopter component of McDonnell Douglas and its relationship to some advanced thinking about a US Army preliminary master plan for simulation. The author draws some parallels between the approach as implemented by the `prime´ and the approach as it might be implemented between different Government laboratories in the context of the draft master plan. The author examines a particular aspect of this application, the simulation of the operational mission environment and where that responsibility might best lie. The issue of `fidelity´ is discussed with respect to current simulation technology limitations and their known effects upon performance