The Value of Air Combat Simulation Strong Opinions but Little Evidence

Abstract : This paper reviews the available evidence that pertains to the value of air combat simulation. The review is limited to tactical aviation and focuses on the two principal domains of air-to-air combat and air-to surface weapons delivery. Types of data are placed into three categories; utility evaluations that rely solely on pilot opinion data; in-simulator performance evaluations that demonstrate performance improvement as a function of training; and finally, transfer of training studies that demonstrate improved performance in the airborne environment as a function of simulation training. The primary conclusion to be drawn from the training is valuable, transfer of training data is very limited. In fact, the only area where there appears to be solid evidence of transfer is for manual weapons delivery. There is a small amount of evidence for within visual range air combat maneuvering and none for other areas such as multi-bogey air combat and low altitude flight. Some of the difficulties inherent in the conduct of transfer of training studies within an operational military training environment are discussed. The paper then poses the question of whether there is a need to conduct further transfer of training evaluations and concludes that such investigations may be warranted only under certain circumstances.