Naval Air Warfare Center - - Naval Training Systems Center - Orlando, FL

Laboratory Coordinator:
Melissa Walwanis
Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCtSD)
12211 Science Drive
Orlando, FL 32826-3224

melissa.m.walwanis.civ@us.navy.mil

Not Participating in 2025

  • All participants must be US Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  • Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division Orlando is the principal Navy facility for research, development, acquisition and logistics support of training systems. NAWCTSD Orlando is endowed with a strong engineering and applied psychological research professional staff who accelerate warfighter readiness by providing  state-of-the-art concepts, methods, and technologies via enhanced training. 

 

NAWCTSD Orlando performs a full range of research and development activities: basic research, applied research, advanced development, prototype development, and technology transfer across a wide range of subjects related to training systems, to include:

  • Individual and Team Training Methodology
  • Virtual, Augmented, & Mixed Reality Technologies 
  • Advanced Distributed Learning
  • Human Cognition
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Large Language Models
  • Human Performance Measurement
  • Tactical Decision Making
  • Embedded and Deployable Training Technologies
  • Live, Virtual, Constructive Environments Training Strategies and Technologies
  • Adaptive Training Methods & Tools
  • Sensor Simulation
  • Weapons Simulation
  • Optics
  • Aircrew Training

Below are specific examples of the research and development being done at NAWCTSD Orlando: 

Distributed and Deployable Training Technologies 

Development of simulation-based trainers (e.g. scenario-authoring, radar, sonar) to provide configurable training for individuals, sub-teams, and teams to meet a variety of training objectives. Development of Photonics Mast On-Board Trainer (PMOBT) for Virginia-class submarines. Development of performance measurement and after action review training simulation technologies for distributed and deployed teams. 

Diagnostic Feedback Displays 

Development of feedback displays to clarify individual and group performance, strengths, and shortfalls in a simulated training environment. 

Employment of Game Strategies 

Research on the reinforcing aspects of computer games to enhance and strengthen trainer design. Integration of instructional game authoring capabilities into PC-based trainers. 

Human Computer Interaction 

HCI evaluations include examination of ideal hardware configurations and simulation technologies for deployable, distributed, virtual training systems. Human Factors Evaluations examples include evaluation of the physical properties of a mid-level fidelity training system and of computer platforms (PDA vs. Laptop vs. PC vs. Pen Tablet) best suited for training applications. 

Scenario-Based Training 

Effective instructional strategies; scenario design; modeling of performance data; assessment and diagnosis of performance; training of teamwork skills; use of synthetic agents as role players; use of intelligent agents for instructor support; potential applications of physiological and neurophysiological measures, etc. 

Usability 

Usability evaluation examples include evaluations of the Afloat Training Exercise and Management System (ATEAMS) Graphical User Interface (GUI), the prototype ATEAMS data-collection software placed on a PDA, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle Virtual Environment trainer (VEEFV), and Manual Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) software. 

Virtual Tour-Based Training 

Development of a generic capability to integrate photograph-based virtual environments with existing PC-based instructional (e.g., simulations, interactive courseware) and reference (e.g., interactive electronic technical manuals) resources to enhance instructional delivery on board, in electronic classrooms, or on stand-alone PCs. 

Virtual Training Technology 

Human in the loop (HITL) experimentations in virtual training environments to quantify levels of training effectiveness, training transfer, virtual environment (VE) usability, team performance, and simulation side effects. Demonstrate individual and team training capabilities using semi-automated forces (SAFs), human behavior models (HBMs), distributed briefing and debriefing, distributed performance assessment and diagnosis, intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), networked virtual environments (NVE), and near-field mixed reality environments.