Keeping with FAAC's philosophy of working closely with its customers during development, FAAC and MTA New York City Transit, a North American leader in simulation training since 1999, have developed a well-thought-out, performance-rich training tool that creates a broad spectrum of educational opportunities. MTA NYCT is moving forward with its third generation simulation project for its next generation R160 Train cars. The success of the Train Operator Simulators has helped influenced MTA NYCT's philosophy of meeting new technology with new technology training. And they’ve chosen FAAC to help them lead the way.

MTA NYCT is increasingly utilizing simulation and other high technology training for its high tech needs in other areas. FAAC and NYCT engineers have cleverly devised a modular system of stations for students and instructors, whereby each station plays a critical role in the total training solution.

Instructor Station

The Instructor Station houses the instructor controls. The windows-based system enables instructors to quickly and simply add or subtract training elements to each student's specific training exercise.

A learning management system controls data generated by the student and instructor, and captures driving assessment scores and other student-generated data.

A trip log continuously monitors the settings of important train controls, critical conditions, and selections made on the fault workstation.

A track profile display continuously updates the location of the student training car and provides instructors the ability to insert changes in upcoming signals and switches, add/delete scheduled faults, and alternate events.

A trip log continuously updates the location of the student training car and statistics of train activity.

Student Station

Authentically replicated train operator cabin, with functioning controls, gauges, and dials enable students to train like they will drive.

Wraparound visibility with computer-generated virtual world includes hazards, other trains, pedestrians, and emergency situations to assist the instructor to train forward planning techniques.

A fault workstation inside the cab displays faults, door problems, brake issues, and electrical irregularities for students to solve.

In-car and control center communication between student and instructor enables direct reinforcement and role-play exercises.

A cleverly devised mirror system enables instructors to train students in either one-person train operation mode or standard two-person mode.

Observer Station

Students not operating the rail simulator can gather at this station to:

• watch the student-operator's progress in the training exercise,
• monitor that student's hand and eye movements,
• watch the car navigate through the virtual world, and
• listen to the voice communications between the student and instructor.

Instructors use this station to custom craft training lessons in the virtual world using FAAC's mission building development software.

Instructors can create lessons that focus on route familiarization, addressing malfunctions, hazard recognition, maintaining schedules, etc.

Specifications

• Supports a 6° of freedom motion base
• High-performance 1280X1024 resolution
• Wireless instructor controls
• Actual operator's cabin or a physical replica
• Touchscreen control adaptability
• 60 Hz. or better update rate
• Dynamically textured virtual worlds
• 70-in. rear projection screens
• Driver cab configurations include Siemens R-70 and Kawasaki R160