Reduced Physical Fidelity Training Device Concepts for Army Maintenance Training

摘要

Selected Army maintenance training course were surveyed in terms of their training objectives, training practices, and use of training devices, particularly actual equipment trainers (AET). The objectives was to identify areas in which the Army might cost-effectively substitute reduced physical fidelity (RPF) devices for AETs. Four major segments of Army institutional training of wheel and track vehicle and turret maintenance personnel are identified in which RPF devices might be cost-effectively substituted for AETs. Two RPF device concepts are described for use in teaching troubleshooting of engines and related systems; one RPF device concept is described for teaching troubleshooting of track/suspension systems; one RPF device concept is described for teaching removal/replacement of engines and power packs; and four RPF device concepts are described for teaching troubleshooting of turret electrical and hydraulic systems. A general methodology for determining the training effectiveness of RPF devices is also presented. This methodology considers such aspects as the device's usefulness in a variety of training settings, its performance characteristics, and its measurement and feedback capabilities. Also described are the procedural steps involved in the evaluation effort and the types of expertise needed in conducting the evaluation. (Author)