Generic Drone Simulator: Design, Development, and User Testing in a Virtual Search and Rescue Mission

Area of Science:

• Aviation
• Simulation Technology
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Need for specialized drone simulators in aviation for training and research.
• Development of a gamified simulator for the joint master's degree program in Security and Defence.
• Focus on Search and Rescue (SAR) mission training and planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a scenario-specific drone simulator.
• To enhance research, education, and pilot training in diverse mission contexts.
• To assess the simulator's realism and learning effectiveness for various user groups.

Main Methods:

• Development of a gamified drone simulator balancing interface, physics, and environmental realism.
• Survey-based evaluation with 57 participants (pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers).
• Statistical analysis of correlations between gaming familiarity, task completion, and expertise.

Main Results:

• The simulator provides realistic experiences for trained pilots.
• It offers meaningful learning opportunities for novice users.
• Significant correlations found between gaming familiarity, task completion times, and participant expertise.

Conclusions:

• The developed drone simulator effectively supports specialized professional training and research.
• It is a valuable tool for enhancing Search and Rescue mission preparedness.
• The simulator's design caters to both experienced professionals and novices in drone operations.