Apply now
CourseDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems Applications open

Course in Ethics in Air Combat Simulation

Online course of 300 h in ethics in air combat simulation. 6 modules covering IEEE 1278 (Distributed Interactive Simulation), STANAG 4603 (HLA simulation architectures in NATO) and VR-Forces. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe air combat simulation technologies.

02

Assess the validity and fidelity of simulators.

03

Analyse the ethical and psychological effects of simulated training.

04

Examine the use of AI agents as simulated adversaries.

05

Protect data and manage the dual-use of simulations.

06

Integrate international humanitarian law into training scenarios.

07

Design a simulation scenario using ethical criteria.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Aeronautical simulation engineer who wants to specialise in Ethics in Air Combat Simulation.
  • Simulator instructor who wants to specialise in Ethics in Air Combat Simulation.
  • Training scenario designer who wants to specialise in Ethics in Air Combat Simulation.
  • AI engineer for simulated agents who wants to specialise in Ethics in Air Combat Simulation.
  • Simulator validation analyst who wants to specialise in Ethics in Air Combat Simulation.
  • Human factors researcher who wants to specialise in Ethics in Air Combat Simulation.
  • Engineering or science graduates looking to enter simulation and training.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • IEEE 1278 (Distributed Interactive Simulation)
  • STANAG 4603 (HLA simulation architectures in NATO)
  • MIL-STD-3022 (VV&A documentation)
  • EASA CS-FSTD(A) (flight simulation training devices)
  • ICAO Doc 9625 (flight simulator qualification)
  • Additional Protocol I, Art. 36 (review of new weapons)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Types: flight simulators, constructive and live simulation
  2. 1.2LVC simulation (live, virtual and constructive)
  3. 1.3Behaviour models of generated forces
  4. 1.4HLA (IEEE 1516) and DIS (IEEE 1278) standards
  5. 1.5AI agents in simulated air combat
  6. 1.6DARPA AlphaDogfight: lessons learned
  7. 1.7Simulation for training and for doctrine
  8. 1.8Simulation in commercial video games
  9. 1.9Cost and efficiency compared with flight hours
  10. 1.10Workshop: architecture of an LVC exercise
  1. 2.1Physical, functional and psychological fidelity
  2. 2.2Verification, validation and accreditation (VV&A)
  3. 2.3Risks of negative training
  4. 2.4Representation of the civilian population in scenarios
  5. 2.5Simplification of effects and damage
  6. 2.6Biases in adversary models
  7. 2.7Transfer of simulation to the real world
  8. 2.8Documentation of assumptions
  9. 2.9Expert review
  10. 2.10Practice: VV&A plan for a threat model
  1. 3.1Gamification and desensitisation
  2. 3.2Moral distance in virtual environments
  3. 3.3Inclusion of IHL in scenarios
  4. 3.4Representation of the adversary and dehumanisation
  5. 3.5Assessment of ethical decisions in simulation
  6. 3.6Learner stress and wellbeing
  7. 3.7Debriefing and moral learning
  8. 3.8Equality of access to training
  9. 3.9Ethics in scenario design
  10. 3.10Workshop: designing a scenario with IHL dilemmas
  1. 4.1Reinforcement learning in air combat
  2. 4.2Agents as training adversaries
  3. 4.3Transfer of simulated agents to real systems
  4. 4.4Unexpected behaviour and exploitation of faults
  5. 4.5Explainability of agents
  6. 4.6Values in the reward function
  7. 4.7Testing autonomous systems in simulation
  8. 4.8Responsibility for trained agents
  9. 4.9Publication of agent results
  10. 4.10Case study: an agent that exploits simulator faults
  1. 5.1Pilot performance data and privacy
  2. 5.2Classification of threat models
  3. 5.3Security of networked simulators
  4. 5.4Export control of simulators
  5. 5.5Civil simulators adapted for defence
  6. 5.6Use of video game engines
  7. 5.7Intellectual property of models
  8. 5.8Cybersecurity of distributed exercises
  9. 5.9Sustainability: reducing flight hours
  10. 5.10Practice: data policy for a simulation centre
  1. 6.1Defining training objectives
  2. 6.2Scenario design
  3. 6.3Representation of the civilian environment
  4. 6.4Integration of legal dilemmas
  5. 6.5Validation plan
  6. 6.6Debriefing protocol
  7. 6.7Management of learner data
  8. 6.8Final ethical assessment
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: learners progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is VR-Forces, DCS World, Unreal Engine, Python (Gymnasium), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case studies cover real flight simulator procedures, scenario validity reviews and studies of the effects of simulated training. Assessment is continuous, per module, plus the final integrative project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL and vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-focused Master's Thesis:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry-mentored:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with cyber-OT, IHL and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Defining training objectives

Describe air combat simulation technologies.

Scenario design

Assess the validity and fidelity of simulators.

Representation of the civilian environment

Analyse the ethical and psychological effects of simulated training.

Integration of legal dilemmas

Examine the use of AI agents as simulated adversaries.

Validation plan

Protect data and manage the dual-use of simulations.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Aeronautical simulation engineerSimulator instructorTraining scenario designerAI engineer for simulated agentsSimulator validation analystHuman factors researcher
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with VR-Forces, DCS World, Unreal Engine and Python (Gymnasium). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the open-source alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.

Yes. Modules passed in a Course or Postgraduate Diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

Keep exploring

Related programmes

See all in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Course500 $

Course in Ethical History of Humanitarian Demining

Online 300 h course in ethical history of humanitarian demining. 6 modules covering the Ottawa Convention on Anti-Personnel Mines (1997), Amended CCW Protocol II (1996) and…

300 hOnlineDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Course500 $

Course in Ethics in Composite Materials Testing

Online 300-hour course in ethics in composite materials testing. 6 modules covering ASTM D3039 (tensile testing of polymer matrix composites), ASTM D7136 (drop-weight impact on composites)…

300 hOnlineDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Course830 $

Course in Ethics in Artificial Intelligence in Flight Systems

Online 300 h course in ethics in artificial intelligence in flight systems. 6 modules covering DO-178C (software in airborne systems), ARP4754B (development of aircraft and systems)…

300 hOnlineDefense, Military Engineering & Land Systems
Course in Ethics in Air Combat SimulationEnrol
Related programmes

More in Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems

Ethics in Human Welfare in Camps CourseView programme →Course on Human Rights and UAS in ConflictsView programme →Course in Human Rights Impact Assessment for ArmouringView programme →Course in Academic Regulation of Responsible AIView programme →Course in Climate Impact Assessment of Military AircraftView programme →DO-160 Certification Course for Military AircraftView programme →

All Defense, Military Engineering & Land Systems programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships

Scroll to Top
SEIUM – Institute of Advanced Engineering
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.