Combat Airspace Visualization and Planning System

Description

Combining high visual reality, functionality and ease-of use, CAVAPS, the Combat Airspace visualization and Planning System, is a new simulation technology synthesis for an Air Force SBIR Phase II contract. This pilot-oriented visualization software application works with the USAF Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS) as a powerful and natural tool for mission planning and rehearsal. As a deployable, PC/Windows-based system using notebook computers, CAVAPS represents a state-of-the-art approach to flight planning and rehearsal. CAVAPS was conceived in response to pilots' reported difficulties and perceptual disconnections between mission planning with the Portable Flight Planning Software (PFPS) and the 3D environment encountered in the simulator. Elements that were clear in the planning process were not readily recognized in the sim, and elements were encountered in the sim that had not been foreseen during the mission planning process. An intermediate stage was needed, allowing pilots to visualize mission planning in 3D.

Responsibilities

My personal responsibilities for this project included:

• Developed initial user requirements -- analyzed current work to conform to the pilot's work flow
• Designed an intuitive user interface that would seamlessly integrate with the 3D visualization
• Created the graphical user interface using C++ .Net
• Wrote low-level graphics code that would allow the 3rd party rendering engine to interact with the UI
• Wrote monthly progress reports for the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR)
• Met with prospective clients (USAF pilots) to demo the software and garner feedback
• Attended conferences to present the product and to communicate with the user community

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