SES: IBM - Merlin Training Console System

The Merlin Training System is used to train rear aircrew and pilots for the Merlin Helicopter. It is currently in daily use at RNAS Culdrose.

Training is required for personnel in the operation (including running diagnostics) of the following equipment:

• Common Control Unit - used by the Merlin Crew as a common data input device.
• Auxilliary Keyboard Unit - special function input keyboard used in conjunction with the above.
• Cursor Control Device - a "stiff-stick" style input device.
• Mission Display Units - Video Display Units (2 per rear operator).

SES, under contract to IBM and LORAL ASIC, designed two variants of console for this classroom based trainer.

In the training theatre there is one Instructor Console and six Student Consoles. The Instructor Console is connected by a Fibre Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) network to each of the Student Consoles. The Instructor monitors and controls exactly what is seen by each Student on their Computer Based Trainer (CBT) display. The Instructor and Students can talk to each other via headsets which connect to the switching matrix installed in the Consoles.

The designs of the consoles satisfy many requirements, some of which are conflicting, not least of which is the maximum utilization of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) equipment whilst at the same time retaining the highest possible fidelity to the operational equipment.

Other requirements met by these designs include:

• System Safety (the design is compliant with the requirements of BS EN 60950)
• EMC (DEF STAN59-41)
• Human Factors
• ESD Control (all Console work surfaces are covered with ESD anti-static material and grounded)
• Configuration Control (Unit configuration records and labelling)
• Centre of Gravity Analysis
• Reliability Analysis
• Adequate and safe Earth Bonding Scheme
• Adequate and safe Mains Power Distribution (including filtering and in-rush current suppression)
• Modularity (of design) to aid Maintainability and ease transportation and installation.

Instructor Console

The Instructor's Console accommodates a great deal of equipment including, in addition to the operational equipment listed above, 2 PC's, 1 workstation, 4 Video Displays an Audio/Video switching system, hard drive bay and LAN Concentrator.

To accommodate this equipment a side pedestal is added to the side of the main console and provides additional equipment accommodation and work space for the Instructor, as well as a location for the training system's printer. Of great importance in this design is the accessibility provided to the maintainer. This is achieved by using removable side and rear panels and full access via rear doors.

Student Console

The Student Console provides accommodation for two facsimile Mission Display Units, the Auxiliary Keyboard Unit, the Common Control Unit and the Cursor Control Device. On the side desk there is a large CBT display and room for a conventional keyboard.

The angle that the desktop makes with the main console structure is the result of a careful Human Factors design exercise (including the manufacture of a full size mock-up).