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Virtual Maintenance Trainer for the ARMY UH-72A Helicopter

THE CHALLENGE

The Western Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (WAATS) in Marana, Arizona, trains maintenance workers to repair and maintain a fleet of UH-72A helicopters. These helicopters are in high demand and training tends to be very time intensive. The U.S. ARMY wanted to develop a virtual maintenance trainer (VMT) that allows students to train within a digital environment.

FEATURES & BENEFITS

The VMT includes twelve interactive student workstations and an Instructor workstation. Workstations are comprised of a triple monitor touch screen device. The main large screen displays the UH-72 in a real-time interactive 3D rendered space. While the two lower aauxiliary displays show relevant control panels and settings.

Key benefits of the VMT:

Students
now have the chance to train in a safe and controlled environment which can be reset in an instant. With access to in-depth training and maintenance information on the fly. Properly preparing them for the physical aircraft.

Instructors
now have the chance to train up to twelve students at once. Instructors can monitor, assist, and assign to any individual workstation or all workstations in real time. Offering a more advanced toolset to educate and evaluate students.

Wireframes Screenshot
Wireframes Screenshot

THE PROCESS

The ARMY had no previous installation of a VMT. The main task I was assigned for this project was to create preliminary design review mockups and user experience. There were many components and aspects to the training that had to be converted into requirements and use cases to establish a version one. These preliminary mockups did not require finalized assets or graphics and are rendered in greyscale.

Working closely with Subject Matter Experts and ARMY UH-72 Instructor feedback, the requirements and use cases for the system were compiled. Instructors helped guide us through various components needed for the system. After reviewing all the feedback I created mockups and then went back to Instructors for additional feedback. After a few iterations the completed designs are presented to users and stakeholders to review.

The entire system can be operated via touchscreen, so all the interactions had to work under various conditions. The sizing and placement of objects had to be touch friendly in all aspects. There are many windows and procedures that can happen at once across three screens, keeping user focus was key in these scenarios.

Keeping things contained and compartmentalized was also paramount in keeping the ease of use simple. Grouping relevant data and items allowed for easy comprehension. Various types of people will be using the system and the barrier of entry has to be low.

The Result

The UH-72A VMT system successfully allowed the U.S ARMY to transition UH-72A training at the WAATS center to a digital environment. The first class began in June 2016. Both Instructor and Student feedback commended its resilience and effectiveness over the previous training system. Training is now much more dynamic and tailored to the students individual needs.

The UH-72A VMT went on to win the “Best Programs Award 2016” from Military Training International (MTI). The most published military training and simulation publication in the world.

WHAT THE CLIENT SAID

"By leveraging technology and learner-centric teaching strategies, the VMT provides a familiar digital platform that connects with the new generation of Soldiers.”

- John Morelos, WAATS Battalion Commander

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