February 5, 2007 - SDS Awarded Additional Research Grant Focusing On Spatial Disorientation Training Solutions

SDS International has been awarded a contract modification to provide significant enhancements to its ongoing Phase II small business innovative research (SBIR) program to develop the next-generation Spatial Awareness Training System (SPATS) for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.  This SBIR (performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida) is focused on developing a comprehensive training solution that allows students to recognize, avoid, and recover from key spatial disorientation (SD) situations.  SDS received the contract enhancement as a direct result of the Navy’s favorable assessment of SDS’ Phase II prototype SD courseware and scenario-based SD simulation capabilities.

SDS’ approach to SD training encompasses the application of new spatial strategies through innovative use of academic training (instructor led, Computer Based Training and Wed Based Training), immersion training (observing simulation-generated SD scenarios), and simulation training (focused on hands-on, SD-specific, scenario-based training using SDS’ low-cost, non-motion-based LiteFlite^® Reconfigurable Simulator).  The primary focus of the enhancement is to broaden the initial SPATS Phase II effort by significantly increasing the simulation capabilities to include fixed-wing ejection-seat aircraft, fixed-wing non ejection-seat equipped aircraft, and rotary-wing aircraft -- and subsequently, significantly increasing the number and variety of SD scenarios made possible through the increased simulation capability.  Under the enhancement, SDS will also develop a list of initial, refresher, and annual SD training objectives to support the near-term fielding of SPATS’ innovative spatial strategies and training approaches/capabilities for the US Navy.  Since SD is a potential problem for all aviators in virtually all phases of flight, the resultant SPATS capability will have direct cost benefits to training military, private, and commercial aviators alike.

SDS is a veteran-owned, operations-oriented small-business providing a broad range of services to government and commercial clients worldwide.  Core competencies include Education and Training, Test and Evaluation, Analytical and Technical Services, and PC-Based Simulation and Training Products and Services.