Development of a personal computer simulation-based multimedia ship control training program

To improve the cost-effectiveness of training, the Navy is implementing per sonal computer (PC) based, interactive multimedia courses such as the Subma rine Ship Control Training Program. Developed at the Applied Physics Labora tory, this program is a multimedia and simulation-based training tool that teaches the principles of submarine ship handling for various classes of U. S. submarines. As a PC-based program, it allows students to conduct indepen dent and self-paced training on laptop PCs while aboard ship and on long-du ration deployments. One feature of the program provides multimedia lessons in theory, techniques, and procedures related to driving a submarine while submerged. The program's most significant: feature, however, is a high-fide lity, 6-degree-of-freedom, interactive, real-time ship control simulation ( built by the Laboratory originally for analysis applications) in which stud ents can practice driving a "virtual" submarine while responding to problem scenarios. This training tool has been in the Fleet since early 1997 and h as been well received by submarine crews. This article discusses the evolut ion of the Submarine Ship Control Training Program, from its origin as an a nalytical simulation to its development as a multimedia PC-based training t ool.