Phase I. Final Report for the Interface Unit Enabling Utilization of Aircraft Tactical Tape in Aircrew Simulators.

Report developed under SBIR contract. This report investigates the current methods used by various aircrew training device software support organizations to maintain concurrency between the Operational Flight Programs OFP and related aircrew simulators, and provides recommendations for improving those processes. The goal of this investigation is to identify a cost effective approach towards developing an interface unit and accompanying process that facilitates the timely transfer of OFP Tactical Tapes changes from aircraft software support activities to their respective aircrew simulators. The F-14 suite of aircrew simulators operated by the United States Navy was chosen as a representative candidate for implementation of the interface unit solution due to the nature of the trainer support organization processes, and the physical locations of training devices. The investigation produced recommendations for a standard interface unit accommodating online configuration management practices, remote site software testing, and rapid movement of software data and secure communications between software development facilities and trainer sites. When implemented this interface unit will enhance software development capabilities within government software development facilities and contractor facilities, allow more efficient control and movement of data between trainer sites, and enhance managements ability to monitor trainer support and testing activities.