PC Rapid Modification Tool for Aircraft Experimentation & Training for the MH-60S/MH-60R Helicopters IEEE Aerospace Conference 2007 Presented by:Robert Richards, Ph.D.

MH-60S and MH-60R Displays

OMIA and the MH-60S/MH-60R Helicopters

The Keypad Contains: A set of fixed function keys (FFK), A set of context-dependent programmable keys (PK), A small joystick known as the “hook”.

OMIA Splash Screen

OMIA Mission Display (click to play in external player)

OMIA Flight Display

OMIA and MS Flight Simulator

Mission Avionics System Trainer (MAST)

AOP Experimentation KeyBuilder Menu Builder Encapsulated Java Design – NMCI

KeyBuilder Video

KeyBuilder The KeyBuilder Software allows a user of the OMIA system to adjust the layout of a common cockpit programmable keypad. There are eight different types of keys – Blank key. – Transparent Key. Shows the key on the underlying layer. – Menu Key. Brings up a menu. – Table Key. Brings up a table and a layer with keys for editing the table. – Layer Key. Navigates to a new layer. – Toggle Key. Toggles a system variable. – MultiStateToggle Key. Toggles between 2-12 items. – LinkedMenu Key. Brings up a menu and a new layer.

Example Menu & MenuBuilder

MenuBuilder The MenuBuilder utility has been developed so non-programmers, by answering a series of questions, can build from scratch or modify present menus. The MenuBuilder is not as evolved as the KeyBuilder so it is not as graphical. Examples of these questions: – Please enter the key name – Please enter the class name – Please enter window name – Please enter number of list

Results of Modifications to AOP – From PC to MAST

OMIA Client-Server Details OMIA Simulation Engine Server Event Hub Network Conduit OMIA Simulation Server Client Event Hub OMIA UI handleEvent publishEvent handleEvent publish Event registerListener Entity Services Guidance Services Simulator Client world changes game status Simulation Wrapper game management simulator interactions world changes handleEvent (world)

OMIA Java Implementation – Runs on NMCI

Seahawk Demo, Interior and Exterior (click to play in external player)

Summary OMIA Provides – PC Rapid Modification Tool for Aircraft Experimentation – Training for the MH-60S/MH-60R Helicopters OMIA – flexible, leveraging COTS, integrated with MS Flight Simulator and custom hardware – OMIA is constantly being enhanced to make customization easier. Future enhancements include – FLIR & Armed Helo OMIA is available at

Extra Slides

Simulator Overview OMIA Simulator Management Entity Guidance Navigation Radio SimVentive Simulation Engine OMIA Client Data Conduit

NB Integration Menu

OMIA Configuration Settings OMIA can teach both the Sierra and Romeo versions of the helicopter. The user can select either the Sierra or Romeo helicopter. They can select the pilot or co-pilot seat for the Sierra or the pilot, co-pilot, or sensor operator seat for the Romeo. The user can select if they are flying solo, or if they are in a network configuration. If in a network configuration, they select either server or client.

Additional Hardware and the Mission and Flight Displays If optional hardware is attached, OMIA and Windows discover it and works correctly with it automatically. The simplest example is multiple monitors: the Mission Display and the Flight Display can be displayed on separate monitors, with one of the monitors also displaying the Center Console. One or more of the screens can be a touch screen, as is done in the Mission Avionics System Trainer (MAST).

Seahawk Demo, Interior and Exterior (click to play in PowerPoint)

Mission Display with FTP Menu

OMIA Mission Display (click to play in PowerPoint)

MAST The MAST includes actual hardware in the Center Console that is exact aircraft hardware or a very close facsimile. The MAST is a medium resolution trainer driven completely by OMIA software and MS FS software. The MAST can be used for many different types of operations, including coordinated operations because the two seats can be used independently; or in conjunction so the pilot and co-pilot are flying the same mission.

Summary OMIA Provides – PC Rapid Modification Tool for Aircraft Experimentation – Training for the MH-60S/MH-60R Helicopters The complexity and number of the sensors under control of the crew on the MH-60S and MH-60R helicopters pose a difficult training task for the Navy. To meet this challenge the US Navy's PMA-205 in conjunction with Stottler Henke and various hardware vendors has developed and deployed OMIA, a flexible, low-cost PC-hosted desktop crew trainer. OMIA is a flexible solution leveraging COTS solutions, designed for evolving needs and able to be integrated with MS Flight Simulator and custom hardware for enhanced functionality. To learn more regarding the past, present and future of OMIA, please visit the project web page at