ASTi to Integrate Simulated ATC System into Coast Guard Flight Simulator

Advanced Simulation Technology inc. (ASTi) will integrate its Simulated Environment for Realistic ATC (SERA) product into a MH-65E Cockpit Avionics Procedures Trainer. Located in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Aviation Training Center in Mobile, Alabama, this trainer already includes an ASTi Telestra system that provides high-fidelity, simulated cockpit sounds and communications. Together, these products will create a fully immersive, auditory experience for aircrew trainees.

SERA will populate the Coast Guard training environment with artificial intelligence (AI) and voice-enabled entities (e.g., virtual actors) that serve as automated role-players. These entities can understand and respond to pilot-trainee voice communications, behaving just like real-world air traffic controllers (ATC), pilots of external aircraft and ground crews. In short, SERA provides realistic, automated radio communications that increase trainees’ ability to interact with ATC and handle busy airspaces. As a result, instructors no longer need to role-play ATC and can focus on training.

ASTi will also configure ATC and AI pilot behaviors to match the U.S. Coast Guard's training goals. Specifically, ASTi will modify speech recognition for custom radio phraseology and develop automated tests that ensure SERA meets training requirements. The Coast Guard will also receive software maintenance that includes enhancements, updates and help desk support.