Cadets use flight simulators to learn about airpower operations

By Ann Patton
Academy Spirit staff

The eight Frasca brand flight simulators for the military strategic studies department are helping cadets learn the relationship between airpower operations and strategy to mission.

"Our primary goal is academics," said Lt. Col. Jeff Ryan, assistant professor of MSS. "They learn how to apply air power based on sound military theory and knowledge of the operational theater and the actors involved."

All cadets go through the simulator lab at least twice, once each for Military Strategic Studies 100 and 400.

The lab has also been used for research in behavioral sciences, aeronautics and even English.

The simulators are mock-ups of the T-6A Texan II single engine turbo prop plane. Laptop computers act as airborne warning and control systems.

The lab is also a popular destination for visitors, such as general officers of allied countries.

"They get ideas about what they can do back home," Colonel Ryan said.

Other visitors include prospective cadets, who may "test drive" the simulators.

"It's a pretty significant niche," he said of the simulators' attraction for visitors. "But it's a mixed blessing. We have lots of work to do."

From start to finish, cadet simulator exercises last only a class period. It's a lot to absorb and do.

Cadets are given only a few minutes of training on the simulator's operations, including moving the stick, using pedals for rudders and brakes, throttling up and down and reading indicators for attitude, speed and altitude.

"It's not like driving a car," Colonel Ryan said.

Cadets are given a briefing, the route and the objective.

The class is divided into two groups, red for "bad guys" and blue for "good guys."

The laptops act as Airborne Warning and Control Systems, monitoring enemy positions and "kills." Actual "flying time" is only a few minutes.

Each simulator is driven by a stack of 10 computers. Cost of each simulator was $250,000, plus another $85,000 for computers.

The Frascas have a 120 degree field of view of terrain and are equipped for learning both instrument and visual rules of flight.

They contain three exercise scenarios. The first is for an offensive counter air strike in Afghanistan, the second a strategic strike and the third a mission to attack Osama Bin Laden.

Colonel Ryan credits Ms. Judy Saunders and Mr. Don Smith, air warfare lab technicians, for keeping the simulators constantly in top working order.

Both Ms. Saunders and Mr. Smith are retired Air Force members whose specialty involved simulators while they were on active duty.

"To have these simulators ready to rock and roll is a tall order," Colonel Ryan said. "I've been blessed with two right hands."

Colonel Ryan is working to add upgrades to the present set of simulators with improvements in such areas as higher visual resolution. He also wants to add four more Frasca units.

The present simulators are the third such set in the Academy's history. The second set, mock ups of old T-37 aircraft, sit idle in a separate room of the lab.

"Cadets take it pretty seriously," said commander of cadet instructors Cadet 1st Class Brian Stoops of the training.

But it's not all work.

"We have a good time in here," he said. "We do a lot of dog fighting and other training too."

Cadet 1st Class Adam Peay, a physics major, thoroughly enjoyed working on the simulators.

"And I'm not even going to be a pilot," he said.

Cadet Peay believes the simulators are realistic in relation to actual aircraft. "They're pretty close," he said.