'Worthy' Simulation Reference Now Available.

Practice makes perfect" could well be the theme of Jane's Simulation & Training Systems (12th Ed., 1999-2000)--an encyclopedic addition to the industry, no matter what your special need.

Included are more than 700 pages of visual displays, control devices, and panels designed for land-based equipment, ships, sea, or aviation activities. Where differing degrees of attitude are factors, motion-cueing systems are provided. And if you can't precisely define the category that you will work in, there are multi-role simulators and training devices. Within each category, listings are provided by country of origin, which is typical of every edition of Jane's.

A unique approach is a section entitled "Principles of Visual Displays and Virtual Reality Displays." "Principles of Motion Cueing" also is included in a separate section. Educating readers concerning the developmental techniques of the equipment makes this Jane's edition unique and worthy of acquisition.

There are the usual black-and-white photographs, charts, and diagrams, which readers have come to identify with all Jane's editions. There have been comments concerning the size and scale of these depictions, but it should be noted that increasing their size would increase the pages of each edition, and its cost.

The only color in the volume is in advertisements for manufacturers. Advertisers are listed in the Directory of Suppliers and Manufacturer's Index, which is extensive and very complete. Each entry is identified as new or updated.

The multi-role devices listing includes a category called "Entertainment Simulators and Service Providers," which brings consulting services into play as a point of reference. It was surprising to see Evans & Sutherland (night-vision flight-training devices) and Moog (with no specific systems, merely a mention and reference to previous editions of Jane's) in the entertainment category, but not Jane's Combat Simulations, whose many flight-simulation games have been reviewed in National Defense Magazine's "Digital Marketplace" column.

Radio-frequency and electronic-warfare simulators and training devices, once the frontrunners of the simulator marketplace, have taken somewhat of a back seat in the systems listings, but they are still there.

Jane's Simulations & Training Systems is available from Jane's Information Group, 1340 Braddock Place, Suite 300, Alexandria, Va. 22314-1657.

Dr. David LL. Silbergeld is a member of the Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Division of the National Defense Industrial Association.