Boom Operator Part-Task Trainer: Test and Evaluation of the Transfer of Training

The report presents the rationale, methodology and results of a study of the training capabilities of the Boom Operator Part-Task Trainer BOPPT, an air refueling simulator. The study was performed as part of an Air Force Initial Operational Test and Evaluation IOTE of the device. Actually, three transfer of training sub-studies were conducted simultaneously the first with undergraduate boom operators in the Combat Crew Training Squadron CCTS phase of instruction the second with instructor boom operators in the Central Flight Instructor Course CFIC and the third with highly experienced boom operators who were maintaining essential skills. In the CCTS application, it was found that all student groups trained in the BOPTT required significantly fewer air refueling attempts 50 versus 71 to reach proficiency in KC-135A air refueling skills than did conventionally trained students. In boom operations, procedures, and communications, the BOPTT trained students were equal or superior to the students in the standard syllabus. Also, proper utilization of the BOPTT could avoid over one million dollars in training costs per year.