mt2 18 8 final updated

2014 Look Ahead O Simulator Upgrades O Embedded TrainingHMMWV Gunnery Training O Urban Operations O LOMAH

December 2013Volume 18, Issue 8

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America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine

Training Innovator

Dr. James T. Blake

PEOPEO STRI

Page 9I/ITSEC Booth 1281

Exclusive Interview with:Capt. Craig DorransProgram ManagerNaval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges

Aerial imagery collection.

Ground-level photography.

Terrain compilation.

3D content modeling.

Scenario creation.

Real-time visualization.

www.metavr.com

Real-time screen capture is from MetaVR’s visualization system of the 3D virtual terrain of a geospecific area with 3 cm per pixel imagery collected by the MetaVRC™ platform. The operational readiness testing of the MetaVRC was performed as described by the FAA and AMA applicable airspace operation rules and regulations. (AMA National Safety Code and FAA AC 91-57.) Data was collected as part of this testing. This screen capture is unedited except as required for printing. The real-time rendering of the 3D virtual world is generated by MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator™ (VRSG™). 3D model is from MetaVR’s 3D content libraries. © 2013 MetaVR, Inc. All rights reserved. MetaVR, Virtual Reality Scene Generator, VRSG, MetaVRC, the phrase “Geospecific simulation with game quality graphics,” and the MetaVR logo are trademarks of MetaVR, Inc.

The MetaVRC 3 cm per-pixel resolution imagery collection platform for real-time terrain visualization is now in operation.

See the aircraft and demonstration at I/ITSEC Booth #1249.

Cover / Q&AFeatures

Dr. James T. BlakePEO

PEO STRI

29

December 2013Volume 18, Issue 8military training technology

Departments Industry Interview2 eDiTor’s PersPecTive4 Program HigHligHTs/PeoPle18 DaTa PackeTs42 Team orlanDo43 resource cenTer

W. garTH smiTH Co-Founder and Chief Operating OfficerMetaVR Inc.

5HmmWv gunnery TrainingGround vehicles such as HMMWVs are key components in almost any ground operation, and warfighters need to be trained to defend or assault a position when the situation arises.

By Brian O’Shea

8emBeDDeD TrainingSystems that are currently being fielded sometimes have training systems embedded within them to train the warfighter while deployed. These training systems are crucial to maintaining combat readiness.

By henry Canaday

10urBan oPeraTionsMilitary operations can take place all over the globe, so warfighters need to be prepared for any environment for mission success—including urban settings. The U.S. military has some of the most sophisticated military operations on urban terrain training facilities in the world.

By Brian O’Shea

382014 look aHeaDIndustry leaders discuss how the market for modeling and simulation training solutions will evolve over the next year.

19A look at the leadership and top 10 contracts of one of the Navy’s largest commands, Naval Air Systems Command. Also includes an exclusive interview with Captain Craig Dorrans of the Naval Aviation Training Systems program office (PMA-205).

44

As one of the largest providers of “Civilians on the Battle eld/Roleplayer” training services

to the US Government, Tatitlek has enabled over 150,000 military war ghters to better understand

their adversaries in theater-speci c operations.

www.tatitlek.com

“PEO STRI is looking for integrated technology

solutions that provide training

capabilities. Ideally, industry would facilitate integration of technology

through partnerships

between technology

companies and development/

integration companies

during proposal development.”

- Dr. James T. Blake

36marksmansHiP TrainingA recent demonstration of a new marksmanship training system showed how it helps sniper students and their instructors.

By Mike CaSey

14simulaTor uPgraDesWhen funds are not available to purchase new simulators for training, it is vital for military commands to update simulators in use to maintain the highest fidelity possible to train the warfighter.

By Brian O’Shea

Special Section:naVal aiR SYSteMS coMManD

As part of the Florida Defense Support Task Force Grant initiatives, Governor Rick Scott has awarded more than $2 million for organizations that support Florida military installations, one being Orlando’s National Center for Simulation (NCS).

Of the $2 million plus, the NCS will receive $350,000 to reduce the risk of Team Orlando’s realignment or closure. Having worked with the outstanding staff of Team Orlando for several years, knowing steps are being taken to develop a strategy to prevent Team Orlando from closing is great news.

“This grant funding will match local contributions and allow commu-nity leaders to execute an action plan designed to protect, grow and enhance Team Orlando and continue to deliver cost-effective training solutions to America’s warfighters,” Thomas L. Baptiste, president and executive director of the NCS, was reported telling the local media.

“These grants are vital to our military and defense programs, and the local economies that rely on the operation of those facilities,” said Gray Swoope, Secretary of Commerce and president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, which is administering the annual grant program.

Team Orlando is a vital partnership between the military, modeling and simulation industry and academic institutions. Team Orlando emphasizes improving human performance through simulation. They provide human performance and training systems support services to include development, acquisition management, delivery, and life cycle sustainment of simulation and training systems. Personnel include military, civilian and support contractors in the professional disciplines of program management, human performance, instructional systems design, engineering, training facilities engineering, logistics, contract management, economic analysis, budget and financial management, business operations and administra-tive support.

I tip my hat to the legislators in the state of Florida for seeing a need to preserve such a fine entity. Oftentimes lawmakers are so concerned with the bottom line that they fail to see the ongoing benefits of preserving such partnerships, and I’m glad to see support like this is receiving the recognition it deserves. If you have any questions regarding Military Training Technology feel free to contact me at any time.

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Military training tEChnology

Volume 18, Issue 8 • December 2013

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Program highlightS Compiled by kMi Media Group staff

General Edward A. Rice Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command (AETC), recently retired, ending a 35-year career of service and commitment to the U.S. Air Force. A command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours, Rice retired after handing AETC’s reins over to General Robin Rand.

Rear Admiral Michael S. White will be assigned as commander, Naval Education and Training Command, Pensacola, Fla. White is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven, San Diego, Calif.

Brigadier General Edward M. Daly, special assistant to the commanding general, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Lee, Va., has been assigned to deputy chief of staff, U.S. Army Materiel Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Compiled by kMi Media Group staffPeoPle

$140 Million in Military Contracts

CAE recently announced that it was awarded approximately $140 million in military contracts, including approximately $85 million to CAE USA alone. The U.S. contracts also include options valued at an additional $50 million over the next five years. The contracts are part of CAE’s second quarter order intake and are in addition to contracts already announced.

The contracts include an option exercise by the U.S. Air Force (USAF) for the fourth year of KC-135 tanker aircrew training services, numerous KC-135 simulator upgrades, a new contract from the USAF to provide operations and maintenance support for new KC-135 boom operator weapon systems trainers (BOWST), a contract to develop a military helicopter full-mission simulator for an undisclosed customer and a contract to perform a range of upgrades on the German Air Force Tornado simulators.

“Our position on enduring platforms like the KC-135 tanker, and various military transport aircraft and helicopters continues to yield opportunities for CAE in the United States and abroad, particularly as our defense and security customers look to leverage simulation for an increasing portion of their training curriculum,” said Gene Colabattisto, CAE group presi-dent, military products and training and services. “These contracts with multi-year options enhance our visibility in an otherwise hard-to-predict defense environment. We have been increasingly focused on long-term training services contracts in the United States and around the world, which give our business greater predictability, and we see a solid pipeline of opportunities globally.”

The U.S. Air Force has exercised the option for the fourth year of aircrew training services provided by CAE USA as the prime contractor on the KC-135 ATS program. CAE USA will continue to provide classroom and simulator instruction as well as provide addi-tional training support services as new KC-135 BOWST are incorporated into the overall KC-135 training program. The U.S. Air Force has also awarded a range of modification contracts for CAE USA to upgrade and enhance KC-135 operational flight trainers and courseware.

CAE Elektronik GmbH was awarded contracts to perform several upgrades to the German Air Force Tornado full-mission simulators. CAE will upgrade the Tornado simulators to ensure concurrency with the avionics software system Tornado combat effi-ciency improvement program that is currently being performed on the German Air Force’s fleet of Tornado combat aircraft.

Chris Stellwag; [email protected]

JTAC Training Simulator used at Ramstein Rover 2013

MetaVR real-time 3-D visualization tech-nology was used in an immersive dome simulator as part of an annual NATO exercise for training joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs)/forward air controllers (FACs). This year’s Ramstein Rover 2013 training event was held during September at the Namest Air Base, Czech Republic. Over the course of nine days some 45 JTAC teams from 17 countries executed 104 close air support simula-tion missions in the U.S. Air National Guard Advanced JTAC Training System (AAJTS) prototype simulator. The 4-meter dome AAJTS prototype uses MetaVR’s visuals and geospecific 3-D terrain.

Out of the 104 simulator missions, 96 missions passed and were accepted as valid training exercises by NATO. (Instructors did not pass trainees on eight missions as the missions were not completed within the allotted time.) Missions included Type 1, 2, and 3 controls with laser designation and both day and night oper-ations. The objective was to facilitate quality synthetic training in a joint fires environment, using NATO assets likely to be encountered in theater. Taking into account the capability and real-time decisions of the JTAC/FAC, the missions provided the means to emulate the different airborne platforms and weapon systems, which in turn enabled the JTAC trainees to exercise key decision-making skills. Processes such as weapon-to-target matching for effective, propor-tional response and theater rules of engagement were all put to the test throughout the simula-tion training missions in the AAJTS immersive environment.

The AAJTS is a fully immersive simulator designed to support U.S. Air National Guard JTAC and combat controller squadron-level continua-tion, qualification and mission rehearsal training. The simulator encompasses high-fidelity visual displays, geo-specific visual databases, equipment emulators, and associated hardware and software. The AAJTS is designed to meet the requirements for unit training at U.S. air support operations squadrons and special tactics squadrons.

The AAJTS is provided by QuantaDyn and is comprised of, in part, commercial off-the-shelf components provided by Battlespace Simulations (semi-automated forces and instructor operator station), Immersive Display Solutions (immersive dome), MetaVR (image generator and terrain), Close Air Solutions (training expertise), and ASTi (voice communication and sounds), all of which supported the AAJTS at the Ramstein Rover 2013 training event.

W. Garth Smith; [email protected]

Distributed Learning Contract Awarded

NCI Inc., Reston, Va., was awarded a $16,326,175 contract to provide support to the Army National Guard Training Division and their distributed learning program. Performance locations and funding will be determined with each order.

Lesley Rogers; [email protected]


Whether defending a convoy against an ambush of hostile insurgents or assaulting a stationary or mobile target, weapons systems on the high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (HMMWV), commonly referred to as the humvee, are critical to mission suc-cess. Live training for such systems, includ-ing fuel, manpower and ammunition, can be costly, hence the use of simulated training systems.

The U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Ex-cellence (MCoE) has multiple systems at their disposal. Virtual BattleSpace 2 (VBS2) is a low fidelity desktop trainer and can be used to support basic target acquisition and fire command/crew coordination drills. The close combat tactical trainer (CCTT) also has a reconfigurable vehicle simulator (RVS) that is a full-fidelity HMMWV mock-up with a 360 degree virtual view, said Courtland E. Pegan, chief, virtual devices, Simulations Training Division, G-3, MCoE. Simulated weapons systems trained for include the M16A4, M4, AT4, 9mm, M203, M240, M249, M2 heavy machine gun, and the MK-19.

Captain James D. Gallagher, formally an A CO, 2-11 Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (IBOLC) company commander, cur-rently an AS3 in 2-11 with the MCoE, used the RVS HMMWV trainer to give warfighters familiarization training on the M2 .50 cal. and M240B.

“The benefit [of simulated training] for IBOLC is the ability to expose brand-new infantry lieutenants, future platoon leaders, to cost-effective resources to get after com-plex training scenarios that they can take with them to their follow-on units of assign-ment,” said Gallagher. “Simulators allow leaders to bring in a variety of terrain, dif-ferent environments in regards to the enemy situational template, and weapons systems

quickly and seamlessly, in order to expose soldiers and leaders to a multitude of chal-lenges.”

Other benefits include environmental impacts being drastically reduced. Operations tempo and personnel tempo, which is time an individual spends away from home station, are also significantly reduced, said Pegan. She added that this approach is great for entry lev-el into the crawl (beginner) and walk (inter-mediate) phases of training, but should never be considered for use in the run (advanced) phase of training.

While there are great benefits to simulat-ed training, finding that perfect blend of live and simulated is the key to mission success.

“Simulators are just a facet of training crews and units effectively,” said Gallagher. “Well-rounded training must always include the ‘real thing,’ and simulators, like the RVS, CCTT, engagement skills trainer, and call for fire trainer, fit right into the crawl-walk-run training methodology of nearly any training objective at the individual and collective level. While nothing beats training your unit in the dirt, where the infantry must deal with the el-ements and effects of difficult climate, terrain and OPFOR [opposition force], simulators do provide a great and time-efficient way to ex-pose units to operating in complex environ-ments to test and develop TTPs [techniques, tactics and procedures] to best prepare for field training.”

He added that IBOLC’s four training companies will be using the RVS trainer more and more in the coming months and in FY 2014. As far as improvements from industry, Gallagher said he would like more vehicles included in the simulated trainers. The HMMWV is a tried and tested vehicle, but infantry are typically using MRAP [mine resistant ambush protected] vehicles

downrange, as well as using of the common remotely operated weapon systems with those vehicles.

“More ability to incorporate those assets would be ideal,” he said.

Pegan agreed with Gallagher and added she would like to see better graphics and res-olution as well as the development of optics for the various weapon systems.

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), does not currently have a program of record trainer for HMMWV gunnery training, said Army Lieutenant Colonel Mark Evans, product manager for ground combat tactical trainers, PEO STRI. However, they do use the RVS and the reconfigurable vehicle tactical trainers (RVTT), which a unit can train on collective convoy operations in a 360 degree immersive virtual training device. In terms of weapons systems covered in virtual training, they also use the RVS/RVTT to train soldiers on the M2 and M249 machine guns, and the MK19 grenade launcher. These weapons are not used for precision gunnery, but area weapons in accordance with local security requirements.

Evans said the benefits of using virtual trainers include significant cost savings. Fuel and maintenance costs are avoided, and a unit can run multiple missions using differ-ent terrain databases with hazards that are not easily replicated in a live environment. However, there are challenges to using vir-tual training.

“The challenge with developing simulators for use in military training is the commercial gaming industry,” said Evans. “Soldiers have grown accustomed to the high-fidelity graphics used in the first-person shooter games produced today. The military

Training The warfighTer To defend and aTTack during mobile operaTions.by brian o’shea, mT2 ediTor

Simulation used in virtual convoy training scenario. [Photo courtesy of Saab AB]

www.MT2-kmi.com MT2 18.8 | 5

simulators are required to cover large (up to 160 square kilometers) geo-specific and geo-typical terrain databases and have the ballistic accuracy of live weapons, while the games re-use small (less than 1 kilometer) areas and lack ballistic accuracy. However, the military is starting to incorporate many of the gaming industry’s technologies. The virtual trainers will never and should never be viewed as replacing live training.”

He added that the military will continue leveraging the gaming industry’s advance-ments to enhance the trainers over time but is not currently looking for any specific re-quirements from industry.

“There’s no requirement to have addi-tional support from industry at this time,” said Evans. “Performance, affordability and ability to produce the required quantities over a specified timeline are our priorities when we acquire/develop virtual training so-lutions.”

Saab Training USA (Saab) has provided convoy training for 30

years using Saab’s several hundred live fire ranges and 28 instrumented laser simula-tion ranges. Reactive targets, shoot-back systems, portable instrumentation and simu-lated improvised explosive devices are some of the many ways they provide a full range of live tactical training for convoy operations, said Bob Clydesdale, business develop-ment manager, Saab Training USA. Saab is now expanding into the virtual training seg-ment with a revolutionary new commercial off-the-shelf system fielded in Europe and the Middle East that provides realistic presentations and feedback during training ex-ercises, simulating the opera-tion of a variety of small arms weapons, crew served weapons, indirect fire, close air support and driver convoy training.

“We have been supplying HMMWV weap-ons simulators that are instrumented mul-tiple integrated laser engagement system

[MILES] laser based for

all mounted machine guns and remote weap-on stations and virtual simulators for the same weapons to include grenade launch-ers in the U.S. Marine Corps instrumentable tactical engagement simulation system pro-gram since 2004,” said Clydesdale.

The virtual gunnery sim-ulator provides training for individual weapon engage-ments and collective unit training. The crew compart-ment is a full-scale mock-up with replicas of different sights and observation sys-tems using high-resolution displays and realistic con-trol functions. Wrap-around screens display a complete 360 degree view of the battle-field.

The simulator is made to fit training in different types of armored vehicles and trucks with mounted machine guns to include weapon stations. The weapon simulators recoil using pressurized air in the magazine cartridges and communicate with a wireless data link, eliminating all tethers. The soldiers can move freely in and around the vehicles just as they would in a tactical situation. The hit detection system measures their true distance from the screen, displaying the virtual scenario to accurately replicate the time of flight and ballistic characteristics of each round fired. The weapon simulator is tracked in virtual space for highly accurate modeling of the environmental and ballistic effects in dynamic scenarios. Every round’s

TRAINING &SIMULATION

Delivered for tracked, wheeled and rail-born vehicles Seamless multi-channel on-screen projection reduces

simulator sickness effects Interchangeble cabin concept, static and with up to

6 DOF motion platform

Complete network support for convoy driving Combined CGF and autonomous traffic on roadways Shallow water simulation for amphibious vehicles

| www.kmwsim.com |

Wegmann USA, Inc., Training & Simulationmailto: [email protected]

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Training & Simulationmailto: [email protected]

Combat Driver Training

Raydon’s Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer. [Photo courtesy of Raydon]

Bob Clydesdale

[email protected]

trajectory, imagery and hit location is presented to the shooter in precision images for real-time training feedback. Dynamic models of enemy and friendly objects provide detailed and accurate vulnerability. The training performance data is recorded and stored on the system for replay, scoring and after action review.

“The virtual gunnery trainer is unique in its ability to network multiple training sta-tions across a very large terrain data base for interactive training exercises,” said Clydes-dale.

He added that Saab plans to release vir-tual simulators with improved performance due to their high-resolution image generation modeling capability. The simulators will be programmed with artificial intelligence to vary the reactions for each exer-cise, and packaged in a small-er and easier to install and use configuration in 2013.

The U.S. Marine Corps uses Saab’s wireless HMMWV instrumented tactical en-gagement simulators and the U.S. Air Force currently fields Saab’s simulated military equipment, training weapons and aiming system.

The Raydon Corporation’s HMMWV gun-nery training solutions include the virtual combat operations trainer (VCOT) and mine resistant ambush protected vehicle virtual trainer, and all Raydon maneuver trainers do train gunnery and weapons employment.

Their individual gunner trainer systems and the newer unstabilized gunnery trainer (UGT)-individual and UGT-C (crew) trainers train gunnery at the individual and crew lev-els for the M240 machinegun, M2 and MK-19 AGL. Raydon has also developed a Stryker gunnery trainer that can also be adapted to provide remote weapon systems with these simulated vehicle systems.

“The most unique aspect our entire fam-ily of wheeled vehicle gunnery training ca-pabilities, the HMMWV trainers being one amongst many, is they mark a historic first; for the first time, highly effective tactical maneuver training and true, doctrinal, pre-

cision gunnery and scoring are available simultaneously on the same simulator,” said Ernie Audino, brigadier gen-eral, U.S. Army (Ret.), and se-nior vice president, product capabilities and placement, Raydon Corporation. “More-over, their hardware and training content are modu-lar, scalable and tailorable to help commanders precisely match training enablers to their training objectives,

budget and time available to train. Consider a library of “training apps” immediately avail-able for ready access by commanders and units and able to be loaded as appropriate across a wide array of devices. We refer to these capabilities as nested virtual training enablers, and they open up a world of oppor-tunities for commanders.”

Several active Army units and Army Na-tional Guard units currently field many of Raydon’s training systems. They plan to re-lease the VCOT C4 soon. This is their fourth generation of this convoy training system. In this latest iteration, individual, crew and pla-toon gunnery are incorporated into a maneu-ver trainer, making it the only trainer to offer this unstabilized gunnery capability into an existing maneuver system.

“Training technology will evolve, no doubt, but the greatest evolution will occur in regards to novel, innovative and low-cost ways to access state-of-the-art virtual train-ing,” said Audino. “It is not enough to envi-sion an Army-wide training strategy that in-corporates virtual training at levels far higher than ever before, if the Army cannot afford to resource that strategy via the usual methods. The Army can have only the strategy it can afford. Knowing that, many Army leaders are beginning to look closely at the cost per sol-dier training hour as a key point of compari-son between otherwise fundamentally similar virtual training systems. Once that factor is on the table, it quickly becomes clear that the total cost of ownership, which includes costs to develop, acquire, field, sustain, refresh, etc., via traditional means, cannot approach the very low costs per soldier training hour achievable when those virtual training capa-bilities are rented, rather than purchased.” O

For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at [email protected] or search our online archives for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.

TRAINING &SIMULATION

Delivered for tracked, wheeled and rail-born vehicles Seamless multi-channel on-screen projection reduces

simulator sickness effects Interchangeble cabin concept, static and with up to

6 DOF motion platform

Complete network support for convoy driving Combined CGF and autonomous traffic on roadways Shallow water simulation for amphibious vehicles

| www.kmwsim.com |

Wegmann USA, Inc., Training & Simulationmailto: [email protected]

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Training & Simulationmailto: [email protected]

Combat Driver Training

Ernie audino

[email protected]

“Train as you fight” is the mantra of the most effective training programs. This may be enabled by embedding training tools in the ac-tual weapons, gear, systems and platforms warfighters will use in real combat.

Embedded training is not new. The Navy has long used it on war-ships, as has the Army on tactical vehicles. But defense trainers con-tinue to press ahead. The digital age multiplies the possibilities and potential of this technique.

The First Air Force has embedded training in the air operations center (AOC) at Tyndall Air Force Base. Boxes that can be switched from real to virtual mode have been added to the AOC’s room full of computers, video machines and communications equipment.

The Air Force has a pilot project, run by Air Combat Command, at Nellis Air Force Base to embed virtual and constructive simulation on F-16 Eagles and F-18 Hornets. Working with the Navy, the Air Force uses Link 16 communications to transmit virtual entities to aircraft and superimpose, for exam-ple, surface-to-air missiles on radar-warning receivers.

The Air Force Research Laboratory has worked on live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training. LVC would integrate live people using real equipment with live people using simulated equipment and with construc-tive elements, computer-generated people or things. LVC is intended to help train on the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightening II, but might be used to help train on non-aviation platforms.

The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWTSD) developed the Submarine Skills Training Network (SubSkillsNet), said Rosemary Gar-ris, submarine research applications team lab lead. The SubSkillsNet grew out of stand-alone capabilities, including offline scenario authoring, real-time exer-cise control applications, student debrief capabilities, game-based simulation and individual workstation simulations. It is now a family of simulations for ra-dar, sonar, periscope and bridge views that can be used embedded onboard, in classrooms or in training labs.

NAWCTSD is working on embedded training for the Switchblade unmanned aerial system, a UAS to be launched from submarines. And it works on adaptive training—for example, periscope operator adaptive training, embed-ded training that alters lessons based on weaknesses of students.

NAWCTSD has begun work with other Navy units on embedded training for the common control system on unmanned aircraft sys-tems. The unit has so much experience, tools and codes that it can work across many different kinds of platforms, both Navy and other-wise.

Embedded training enables units to take training with them, so they can do just-in-time training, Garris noted. But it can be very ex-pensive and may be risky without thorough precautions. “Integrating simulation into actual tactical systems safely and effectively takes a lot more time and testing and costs more.” She said a lot of training should be done before embedded systems are used.

Embedded training has a long history. AAI has been producing embedded training for decades, said Byron Green, vice president for strategy and business development at AAI Testing and Training. “It’s quite mature and widely distributed.”

The firm provides battleforce tactical trainers (BTT) for the U.S. Navy. These are ruggedized boxes installed on ships that stimulate radar and navigation systems for virtual training and rehearsals. AAI has installed 483 BTTs on 125 Navy combat ships.

Similar systems are embedded on the Royal Australian Navy’s FFG-7 guided missile frigates, with one ground-based system for classroom training. The Australian version trains radar, navigation, electronic-warfare, sonar, weapon-system and communication opera-tors. “We also do this for ground-based systems like air-defense radar,” Green noted.

Uniquely, AAI stimulates the installed systems for training. “We create the energy to cause an event to occur in that system—for example, injecting energy into a radar antenna—just like a real event,” Green ex-plained. Of three possible approaches to virtual train-ing, stimulate, simulate and emulate, “we stimulate the hardware.”

This stimulation approach means hardware and software can be updated without changing embedded training. And the embedded system can be used to test and evaluate upgrades prior to live tests. Training and test and evaluation are increasingly merging.

Past embedded systems have been separate: one for radar, one for navigation and so forth. The trend now is to link them digitally with open architecture and virtual machines. “Instead of little embedded boxes, all analog, now it’s digitally integrated,” Green said.

Embedded tools have not been as common on air-craft as on ships. They tend to be used for the most complex, high-value land platforms, like air defense.

Saab has delivered embedded gunnery and tactical training simulators for armored vehicles for 30 years, said Bob Clydesdale, business development manager of Saab Training USA. The first laser-based precision simulators were fielded with the U.S. Army in 1986 on

the M1 Abrams and Bradley fighting vehicle. In 1995, the U.S. Army Project Manager Training Devices and

vehicle manufacturers permanently embedded a training device in-terface port to provide a single simulator interface outside the turret. That made simulation much easier and extended it to the M1128 mo-bile gun system used by Stryker brigades.

The Saab system combines real vehicles moving across real ter-rain with real targets with simulation of the sights and sounds of fir-ing. For example, crews hear reloading, hit the button to fire, then see smoke and an image of a missile moving downrange superimposed on their sights, then a virtual flash on the target if the system records a hit. If their own vehicle is hit, the crew hears simulated impact sounds and might lose communications or be told the vehicle is disabled.

Byron green

Bob Clydesdale

[email protected]

warfighTers are Training wiTh The weapons They use To fighT.by henry canaday, mT2 correspondenT


Saab’s training device uses the vehicle’s own sensors and fire-con-trol system to replicate gun loading, range finding, target designa-tion, weapon or missile firing, and target impact. Simulated sounds, images, control symbols and weapon functions are replicated using embedded data and software protocols.

These systems are still used today but are gradually being replaced by a new generation, as the combat vehicle tactical engagement sim-ulation system (CVTESS) program fields several thousand systems. CVTESS will work essentially the same way, but be lighter, easier to mount and use the vehicles’ new data busses.

Clydesdale emphasized that the Saab system, while not completely virtual, has been a highly successful embedded training system for many years.

The possibilities of embedded simulations are expanding. Presagis is a division of CAE Electronics, which provides aircraft simulators for both military and commercial pilots. Presagis itself makes two fami-lies of products, according to Vice President of Product Management and Marketing Stéphane Blondin. First, the company designs cock-

pit display systems and generates the software code that runs avionics computers.

Second is Presagis’s suite of four modeling and simulation (M&S) products. First, Terra Vista provides terrain modeling, imports images, stores vectors and builds 3-D maps. It also classifies and tags materials such as asphalt, bricks and trees. Terra Vis-ta works at any scale from local maps to the globe.

Second is Creator, which popu-lates Terra Vista’s terrain with roads,

bridges, houses, vehicles and other objects. Third is Presagis’s simu-lation engines Stage, and fourth is a visualization image-generator, Vega Prime, that lets users look at the simulated situation either with human eyes or in an infrared view.

Blondin said simulation users often spend 60 to 80 percent of their time integrating these four tools for terrain, population, simulation and visualization. Presagis has now thoroughly integrated them end to end. For example, “If you go into a simulated forest, it will know you cannot drive there.”

Presagis simulation tools are used in ground stations and some-times to give a clear view to pilots in bad weather. They can also be used to train, for example, by superimposing images on a cockpit win-dow. This training mode could help pilots learn to fly in formation with other simulated aircraft or dodge simulated enemy aircraft.

Presagis provides its software to both prime defense contractors and to the government. Simulations can also be used to train tank and ship crews. One Presagis customer uses the software to train soldiers at three tank positions to work together.

Blondin sees increased use of and interest in simulation, either alone or in combination with reality, for training. Using just real assets is expensive and can be dangerous, for example in training F-35 pilots.

Presagis also allows multiple simulated platforms to be linked, so that one trainer can be in command and orchestrate a complex train-ing scenario for several aircraft, ships or tanks.

Presagis has just released a new version, M&S 13, which has improved user interfaces, more tightly integrated modules and a common database, enabling users to pull all necessary data from one

database, no matter how much detail the scale of simulation requires. Zeltech specializes in live training, especially laser-based simula-

tions using multiple integrated laser engagement simulation for com-munications, explained Steve Preston, vice president of engineering. It has worked on embedded training in several areas, in equipment worn by soldiers, in new tactical vehicles and other instrumentation used in tactical training.

Zeltech has inserted miniaturized training devices in vests that sol-diers use for training. These devices increase situational and informa-tion awareness and enable better cueing and event adjudication.

The company is also working to embed miniaturized training el-ements in instrumentation suites, including vehicle-to-passenger in-strumentation and IED-interaction suites. These elements include bet-ter GPS-denied soldier tracking, video-interactive instrumentation of soldiers and simulated fire-back.

Preston said embedded training seeks to reduce the time needed to prepare for training, make field and remote training more flexible, ensure more realistic training and enable better recording of events.

Zeltech’s work on embedded training is funded by the Army or by Zeltech itself. The firm is helping the Army develop a laboratory for evaluating laser-based training equipment, so that all training devices, embedded or not, work together more effectively. O

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From Components To Platforms

stéphane Blondin

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For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at [email protected] or search our online archives

for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.


Operating in urban environments presents the warfighter with challenges not found in many other areas. Threats can emerge through close quarter combat or long range engagement. Soldiers need to be prepared for a variety of threats, and the U.S. military is using every avenue available to them to provide the most up-to-date high fidelity training.

The U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Train-ing and Instrumentation’s (PEO STRI) goal for military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) is to provide a state-of-the-art instrumentation system that provides instant feedback (audio and video) with realistic training scenarios to assist leaders in honing their soldiers’ urban op-erations tactics, techniques, and procedures, said Marlon McBride, as-sistant product manager, Digitized Training.

PEO STRI currently fields four integrated-MOUT training systems (I-MTS): the combined arms collective training facility (CACTF), the collective training facility (CTF), shoot house (SH), and the urban as-sault course (UAC). To date, the program has fielded 40 UACs, 41 SHs, and 29 CACTFs and CTFs.

The CACTF is a complex of buildings covering an urbanized area that varies from site to site. This facility is designed to conduct multi-echelon, full spectrum operations training up to battalion task force level. The CACTF will accommodate force on force and force on tar-get (FOT). The CTF is a smaller CACTF, with only 12 to 16 buildings, but contains the same capabilities. These facilities have network-based architecture, utilize government live training transformation software products, provide video and audio recordings of training buildings, and are capable of recording in daylight or darkness.

The SH provides a FOT facility to train and evaluate the unit during a live fire exercise. Units are trained to move tactically, engage targets, conduct breaches and practice target discrimination. The range operat-ing center system is fully capable of providing immediate performance feedback to training participants. The targetry used are life-like preci-sion targets that have reconfigurable plug and play capability. The cur-rent configuration of this facility is the automated SH, which enables the training unit to operate the system, conduct their own after action review (AAR) and create their own take-home package without the need for a dedicated operator to develop the training brief.

The UAC contains five stations and is used to train individual sol-diers, squads and platoons on tasks necessary to operate within a built-up urban area. Station one is an individual and team trainer; station two is a squad and platoon trainer; station three is grenadier gunnery trainer; station four is an urban offense/defense building; and station five is an underground trainer.

“The I-MTS training systems enable soldiers to train mission criti-cal tasks in a controlled environment,” said McBride. “These systems allow the soldier to be exposed to war-like scenarios and refine their respective skills without the consequences of failure, which may occur if faced for the first time during an actual altercation. The benefits are gained during the actual execution of the mission.”

One of the challenges the Army faces is to stay current with chang-ing threats and tactics. These drive changes in both training systems and training methodology.

Additionally, no simulator provides the “fog of war” aspect, mean-ing the full assault of all the senses, the sights and smells, the heat or cold of the day, the weight of the combat load, and the feel of engaging targets using the soldier’s assigned weapon firing live (or training) am-munition.

Another challenge still faced is the incorporation of today’s technol-ogy to provide enhanced realism in simulating those changing threats. A lot of research and development efforts in the live training arena develop capabilities such as artificial intelligence, psychological and behavioral studies, virtual avatars, etc. However, the integration of those technolo-gies in an existing urban training system will remain a difficult task.

“I believe there will be changes from threats, tactics and system ca-pabilities,” said McBride. “For example, I envision a blended system with targets/avatars that would include voice recognition that is able to com-municate in various languages and interact with the troops in training. In addition, artificial intelligence can play a significant role, as fielded devices can respond to specific events versus having to be controlled/activated by an operator, which can result in delayed responses.”

PEO STRI is looking to industry to carefully design and strategically choose suitable architectures that are scalable and backward compatible to interface with legacy equipment, components, realistic target signa-tures and reactions in devices that are fully compliant with the Future Army Systems of Integrated Targets and standards.

In addition, hardware should be off-the-shelf, and software inter-faces based on non-proprietary approaches. The U.S. government would like to know that the systems proposed have the lowest life cycle costs and contractors have a proactive obsolescence plan to sustain equip-ment in the field.

Industry is doing what it can to provide high fidelity simulations and systems to deliver what the military requires. General Dynamics Infor-mation Technology (GDIT) offers a full line of urban operations training solutions for the U.S. Army and other Department of Defense, federal, state, local and commercial training facilities, such as urban assault courses, automated SHs, CACTFs, and mobile MOUT (instrumented

Training The warfighTer To operaTe in urban environmenTs.by brian o’shea, mT2 ediTor


CACTFs using configurable shipping containers). GDIT also provides a portable instrumentation system known as InForce, which can be set up in any field location or customer facility in one hour for immediate training applications at multiple, regional locations, said Jim Colston, section vice president, Urban Operations, GDIT.

At the heart of GDIT’s urban training instrumentation suite is their control software, Command and Control Integrated Technology (C2IT). Through C2IT, operators have control over a wide area of network-based instrumentation devices such as cameras, speakers, pop-up targets and special effects. These devices are installed throughout mock enclaves or villages with all video and audio monitored and recorded. The video and data are stored with significant events time-tagged during the exercise and available for recall at the end of the exercise for immediate AAR to trainees and their supervisors.

“GDIT’s urban operations training systems are operational and in use at over 150 U.S. Army training sites worldwide,” said Colston. “Our systems are continually updated and improved through technology re-fresh efforts. Our C2IT software operates on an open architecture ap-plication, which allows for unlimited integration capability with other systems to meet the ever changing requirements of urban training.”

The U.S. Army uses GDIT’s systems at all of their homestation and combat training center locations. Their systems are also in use at loca-tions supporting the U.S. Marines, U.S. Air Force, Army National Guard, Air National Guard, police and first responders, universities, the Depart-ment of Justice, and some international coalition forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Allied Container Systems (ACS) is another provider of urban train-ing solutions used by the U.S. military for urban training. Some ex-amples include reconfigurable container based structures built to cus-tomer specifications, multi-purpose training towers, SHs and sniper towers, burn towers, blast resistant buildings, AAR structures, rapidly deployable and re-configurable habitable structures, culturally accurate role-players, special effects, training support, site maintenance services and exercise planning and exercise control support (EXCON), said Chris Bradley, managing director, government and military programs, ACS.

“ACS training sites are designed in conjunction with the customer,” said Bradley. “ASCi, an interactive design tool that was developed by ACS, allows our design team to work with the customer in real time in order to produce a three-dimensional image of the proposed training site, which takes any guess work and interpretation out of the equa-tion.”

Once the training site is active, ACS can provide pre-exercise plan-ning, AAR and EXCON support, deploy culturally accurate, security screened role players, set dressing, special effects and atmospheric ser-vices that turn a training site into a living facsimile of future deploy-ment areas. ACS also provides ongoing training support services from site set-up, life sustainment, maintenance and tear down.

ASC’s current customers include the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Navy, and other government departments and non-governmental aid organizations, as well as foreign militaries. They are one of the only suppliers in the United States and Canada that provides one-stop life cycle services.

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MetaVR is another leader in training solutions. They have built a geospecific 3-D database of the Aberdeen Test Center (ATC). The 60 kilo-meter by 60 kilometer virtual terrain includes a high-resolution photo-specific inset of ATC’s MOUT site at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md.

Because this virtual ATC terrain matches the actu-al facility to a significant degree of accuracy, the simu-lated MOUT site can be used for activities such as pro-totyping the interaction of small unmanned ground vehicles with infantry in a simulated urban setting.

The U.S. Army ATC MOUT site is a compound of fixed and reconfigurable structures within a road net-work. The varied terrain and movable structures en-able the testing of diverse mission capabilities.

The 360-square-kilometer 3-D terrain, built with MetaVR Terrain Tools for Esri ArcGIS, is constructed from 8 meter per post elevation data and 15 cm per pixel imagery over the entire ATC facility (32 meters per post elevation and 1 meter per pixel imagery else-where). The imagery of the MOUT site has been en-hanced with high-resolution ground detail textures.

The terrain geometry created by MetaVR Terrain Tools includes a high-resolution representation of the Mulberry Point coastline. At runtime, MetaVR’s Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) generates multi-textured, animated, normal-mapped water surfaces in the cut-out regions identified as water. The terrain seamlessly transitions to the simulated water generated by VRSG.

The virtual MOUT site area contains over 20 geospecific photo-textured structures and over 3,000 trees, power lines and poles. The models were built with industry standard 3-D modeling tools such as Autodesk Maya and 3D Studio Max, and then converted to MetaVR’s

model format. Models from MetaVR’s 3-D model li-braries are also used on the terrain.

All MOUT site-specific models were created with textures derived from high-resolution photographs taken at the actual site, at ground level, with a high-resolution digital camera. All high-resolution MOUT building models contain modeled interiors and ar-ticulated doors and windows. The database makes ex-tensive use of other elements such as street lights, oil drums, power cables and fences.

fuTure of urban Training

As technology advances, Colston said, these sys-tems will greatly evolve over the next decade to allow

for a higher fidelity urban training environment.“For example, multiple training facilities will be linked into a single

network to expand training capabilities,” said Colston. “This is already part of an ongoing U.S. Army program called the Integrated Training Environment. CACTF facilities will be tied into mission command training centers with armor training ranges having aerial downlinks from aircraft, drones, etc. The tracking of soldiers and other entities will become easy, as will the identification of hidden enemy locations. We believe that although the future will see an increase of aerial drone usage and a decline of the urban battlefield intensity we have seen for the past decade, there will always be a need for ‘boots on the ground’ based on the environment and mission.”

GDIT has developed several new products aimed to enhance urban operations training in 2014 and beyond, including the design of a new wireless hit sensor for their human urban target. This new sensor will reduce maintenance costs and training downtime by eliminating the wiring that is sometimes damaged during live-fire training. This same wireless sensing technology can also be used on any training device to feed data back to a central control system. The company is also develop-ing new advancements in handheld control of instrumentation devices and a new and improved infrared illuminator that is used for total dark-ness video recording.

ACS is focusing on integration of MOUT systems as the next step for future capabilities.

“We at ACS believe that the next step is further integration of MOUT systems with instrumentation to better digitize the training site in or-der to maximize the learning in training,” said Bradley. “By combin-ing our proven role-player training support services with cutting-edge digital training capture, our training audiences will have the opportu-nity to maximize the learning that can be achieved in tactical training scenarios.”

ACS’s product development in 2014 will focus on rapidly deploy-able, reconfigurable habitable shelters that are suitable to all climates from warm arid to wet winter, which will allow training formations to set up working forward operations bases (FOB) close to training venues, with actual rapid deployable FOB accommodations in the field. O



Chris Bradley

[email protected]


TOMORROW’S HIGH-TECH AND RAPIDLY changing battlefi eld will demand more of its armored combat vehicle crews. Saab is now fi elding a new generation laser-based simulator system for the U.S. Army called CVTESS (Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System). The CVTESS will train crews for the Abrams Main Battle Tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle for the next twenty years. At the same time we are also instrumenting the U.S. Army’s MILES system with Saab’s Interim Range System – a communication solution able to link together over a thousand laser-based simulators for dismounted soldiers or vehicles.

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Simulators are being used to train warfighters in one form or another throughout all branches of the U.S. military. As technol-ogy advances, training units are often hard pressed to keep their simulators equipped with the most up-to-date software. Each time a new innovation is released, it’s often not practical to dive into the marketplace and purchase new ones—hence, simulator upgrades, which means equipping simulators currently in use with the latest technology without having to shop for a new one and avoiding a hefty price tag. In the case of the Air Education and Training Com-mand (AETC), all simulators are somehow in the process of being upgraded, said Captain Ashley Walker, public affairs officer, AETC, U.S. Air Force.

“In some way, shape, or form all training simulators can be con-sidered in a phase of upgrade,” said Walker. “This can be in program-ming, system concurrence, or replacement of a broken/obsolete technology. These efforts are long coordinated events. Formal train-ing unit (FTU) devices are upgraded when aircraft modifications take place based on major command driven aircraft modifications through combatant requirements—i.e., operational flight program, updated hardware, etc.”

The process and timing of upgrading simulators depends on combatant requirements, urgency of need and funding. This is co-ordinated through the system contractor, the command using the system and the program managing office. Ideally, AETC plans on upgrades within the first year or two of the upgrading contract.

Interference with training schedules is dependent upon the scope of the modification/upgrade to the FTU devices.

“Every effort is made to mitigate negative training impacts,” said Walker. “Significant and time-consuming upgrades may take a device down for a number of training days. Training schedules are looked at and the student throughput on the remaining devices is addressed. If delays in training are anticipated, throughput may be decreased until the pipeline can handle the normal number of stu-dents again.”

However, upgrading a simulator is not always the cost-effective option, depending on the simulator.

“Like the aircraft, a major sim-ulator represents a capital

investment, and oftentimes

it is

more cost effective to continually modify and update the system than it would be to acquire a new one,” said Walker. “Conversely, updates for simpler, less expensive simulators like desktop simulators or part-task simulators may be more economical if the equipment is replaced in its entirety. The factors to be considered would be technological obsolescence, software maintainability, commercial parts availability, and the cost of continuing support.”

AETC uses a large number of training devices, particularly in technical and flying training. Two primary reasons they employ simulators are: resource limitations, where the real equipment may be in short supply or too expensive to operate for the required training task (aircraft or missiles are good examples of this); and when safety, operational limitations or security considerations may make training operation of actual equipment impractical. Potentially dangerous training tasks, such as aircraft emergency procedures training, could be much better performed in a simulator without risks to crewmember or the aircraft, especially in trainees’ hands.

“We in AETC constantly strive to identify the right mix of live, virtual and constructive education and training,” said Walker. “The mix should optimize content delivery and leverage the use of new technologies to supplement and, where appropriate, replace ‘hands-on’ training.”

The U.S. Navy approaches simulator upgrades similar to the Air Force. As upgrades or modifications are made to an aircraft or sub-system, the simulators also must be modified to remain concurrent, said Captain Craig Dorrans, the program manager for Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges. Other updates occur to mitigate ob-solescence issues and do not occur at set intervals. When simulators require upgrades, those contracted to do so depend on the platform. For example, the H-60 simulators utilize a number of defense con-tractors to include CAE USA, Binghamton Simulator Corp., JF Tay-lor, Rockwell Collins and Indra Systems.

Simulator upgrades at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) are approached like any other acquisition.

“First, requirements must be defined using a capability assess-ment to determine what will satisfy user needs with measurable improvements to mission capability and operational support,” said Dorrans. “From there, an acquisition strategy is developed, schedule and cost program goals are determined, resources are allocated, the contract is awarded and an upgrade is executed.”

The Naval Aviation Training Systems Office (PMA 205) is consis-tently upgrading and enhancing simulators to maintain concurrency

with the aircraft. Software and hardware modifications are nec-essary to ensure that aircrews and maintainers are training

on the most accurate system. Steps are taken to ensure training schedules are not hampered by necessary

upgrades.“When simulator upgrades occur, PMA

205 strives to ensure there is no interrup-tion in training for the fleet,” said Dor-

rans. “Minor upgrades can be done at the end of the day. However, some

when upgrading simulaTors is more cosT effecTive Than buying new sysTems. by brian o’shea, mT2 ediTor


upgrades require longer timelines. When that happens, one device will be taken offline while another device doubles-up to ensure neces-sary training continues through the upgrade period.”

PMA 205 is consistently pursuing ways to keep simulator training up to date with the latest hardware/software to give seaman and Marines the most high fidelity simulated training possible. In 2012, PMA 205 initiated the implementation of the Navy Aviation Simulation Master Plan to increase training and readiness through the use of simulators across F/A-18E/F, EA-18G, MH-60R and MH-60S platforms. Additionally, PMA 205 worked closely with Headquarters Marine Corps on the continued execution of existing acquisition plans and the implementation of Marine Corps Aviation Simulator Master Plan (MCASMP). Combined, the existing and additional funding for MCASMP will provide enhanced training capability and increased operational readiness for all Marine Corps aviation platforms.

The Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRA-DOC) Capability Manager for the Virtual Training Environment (TCM Virtual) is the Army’s centralized planner, manager and integrator for all capability developments associated with virtual simulators, simu-lations and other components of the virtual training environment.

TCM Virtual manages requirements for the combined arms tacti-cal trainer family of trainers, which includes the aviation combined arms tactical trainer (AVCATT). Currently, AVCATT is in the process of upgrading cockpit configurations for the UH-60M, CH-47F and AH-64D, which will make the simulator concurrent with fielded air-craft. Development has also begun on new cockpit configurations for the AH-64E and UH-72A aircraft platforms.

“As changes are made to fielded aircraft fleets, corresponding upgrades are required in the supporting training aids, devices, simulations and simulators,” said Dan Finch, an aviation military analyst at TRADOC Capability Manager Virtual. “Required changes/upgrades are identified and simulator program managers submit a request for proposal to simulation contracting vendors. Once a

proposal is accepted and put on contract, development to fielding usually takes approximately two years.”

TCM Virtual performs the majority of AVCATT suites upgrades dur-ing periods of no scheduled training.

“In general, keeping simulators upgraded is much more cost effective than buying a new one,” said Finch. “Of course, simulators will become technologically obsolete over time and will reach a point when upgrading is no longer an option.”

The first AVCATT was fielded in 2003 and, assum-ing it will continue to be upgraded, is expected to be in service through at least 2025, he added.

Most of the upgrades the U.S. military needs are performed by the original developers of the fielded system. Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) is the developer of the Virtual Battlespace (VBS) series of tactical training and mission rehearsal tools. VBS is a software suite that runs on both desktop computers and more complex simulation systems, such as the U.S. Army close combat tactical trainer (CCTT), said Peter

Morrison, co-CEO, Bohemia Interactive Simulations. VBS is updated about twice yearly, with the newest version, VBS3, to be fielded by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps in early 2014.

VBS is a software suite that is quickly upgraded by uninstalling the old version and installing the new version. If, however, plug-ins or add-ons are required, then the upgrade process can be more complex, because they need to be ported from one version to the next. However, VBS is generally backwards compatible, so existing plug-ins and add-ons typically work with no or few modifications.

BISim is not a system integrator, and does not deliver entirely new simulation systems. BISim works with system integrators to ensure VBS provides a robust virtual environment for simulation systems. Customers upgrade to the latest VBS version to access new capabili-ties—for example, support larger terrain areas, an optimized network protocol or improved graphics.

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aircrew simulation for F-16, F-15C, F-15E, F-22, AH-64, F-18 and B-52 aircraft platforms. They also support T-45 and T-38 advanced school house aircrew training simulators as well as provide maintenance trainers for CH-147, F-18 and Apache, said Sunil Velagapudi, director, Capabilities Center for Training Systems and Government Services, The Boeing Company.

Generally, Boeing customers receive annual upgrades to all of their product lines, but in urgent situations they can imple-ment an upgrade in as little as two to three months (including time to buy parts, retrofit, test and deliv-er). An upgrade could be prompted by any number of things, including if components of the simulation be-come obsolete and unsupportable by industry replace/repair, aircraft capabilities evolve and the simulator is required to stay concurrent with the aircraft’s capabili-ties, or simulation requirements increase to support, for example, enhanced capability surrounding network operations, said Velagapudi.

Boeing’s constant resolution visual system was designed with upgrades in mind. They knew the com-mercial off-the-shelf technology was subject to obso-lescence, so they designed the system around the high definition format and not around a specific projector. Since the system is designed around the high definition format, future upgrades in the commercial projector technology can be added as a drop-in replacement with-out the requirement to replace the entire visual system.

“Upgrades driven by obsolescence are due to the in-ability to either continue to repair parts or buy replace-ment parts,” said Velagapudi. “Since most simulators today use commercial off-the-shelf mass market hard-ware (Intel-based PCs and consumer video technology), we are seeing the need to upgrade in less than 10 years of life.”

CAE has designed and manufactured more than 275 full-mission simulators for militaries around the globe. The majority of these full-mission simulators are still in service and many are updated regularly. In ad-dition, CAE is involved in numerous programs where they upgrade simulators manufactured by other com-panies. Some of the major simulator upgrade programs CAE is currently performing include U.S. Air Force C-5 weapon systems trainers and U.S. Air Force KC-135 op-erational flight trainers.

In the United States, the Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine Corps all use simulators designed and manu-factured by CAE. Some examples include the C-130J weapon systems trainers for the Air Force; the UH-72A Lakota cockpit procedures train-ers as well as the MH-60 and MH-47 combat mission simulators for the Army; MH-60R and MH-60S tactical operational flight trainers as well as the P-8A operational flight trainers for the Navy; and the KC-130J weapon systems trainers for the Marine Corps.

“There is no hard and fast rule for the timeline to upgrade a simula-tor,” said Steve Baigrie, vice president, operations, CAE USA. “The time will depend on the scope of the upgrade and what is being upgraded on the simulator. Most important for a simulator upgrade, though, is working closely with the military customer to develop a plan and time-line that minimizes simulator downtime so that training is impacted as little as possible.”

The decision to upgrade or acquire a new simulator is subject to a cost-benefit analysis that takes into account many factors, including life cycle costs, acquisition costs, planned operational life of the fleet, and a variety of other considerations, added Baigrie.

“A full-mission simulator can easily be in service for 25 years or more,” he said. “A good example is the CAE-built E-3A Airborne Warn-ing and Control System (AWACS) simulator used by NATO. The NATO

E-3A flight deck simulator built by CAE has been in op-eration for more than 30 years and has provided more than 100,000 hours of training to NATO E-3A AWACS aircrews. This simulator has received numerous up-grades and regular maintenance over the years to help it achieve this long service.”

L-3 Link Simulation and Training routinely up-grades fielded flight training systems for aircraft con-currency modifications, obsolescence and insertion of new training technologies. They currently perform these types of upgrades on several multi-service train-ing programs, such as the C-17 training system, F-16 mission training center, E-6 aircrew training system, E-3 contractor training and simulation services, B-2 training system, F/A-18 C/D/E/F/G trainers, predator mission aircrew training system, T-1A ground based training system, and Army’s Flight School XXI and the AVCATT helicopter training centers, said Frank Delisle, vice president of engineering and technology, L-3 Link Simulation and Training (Link).

Link’s process of upgrading systems consists of working closely with all customer stakeholders, in-cluding the using and acquisition commands, to en-sure the requirements are clearly understood. They then mutually develop an execution plan that meets the technical, cost and schedule needs.

“Link applies its extensive upgrade experience and technologies to provide an optimal implementa-tion approach that meets all the requirements while minimizing training downtime,” said Delisle. “This ap-proach allows for upgrades to be done typically in less than a year.”

He added that simulator upgrades stem from the need to keep the fielded trainers concurrent with the operational platform’s ongoing upgrades. In addition, as part of Link’s proactive life cycle management, a regular technology refresh program is provided in co-ordination with the customer to continuously improve the system’s training capabilities.

While experts agree that simulator upgrades can be the most cost-effective way to maintain the life and maximize training capabilities, a prolonged lack of upgrades to a training device may lead to purchas-ing a new device all together.

“Simulators can be used for 15, 20 or more years as long as there is a proactive approach to dealing with concurrency, obsolescence and planned technology insertion,” said Delisle. “These measures will re-fresh a simulator and help extend the useful life of the trainer.” O

Frank Delisle

[email protected]

steve Baigrie

[email protected]



sunil Velagapudi


VBS®3 VBS®3

MT2_December_2013.indd 1 5. 11. 2013 20:52:01

Data PacKetS Compiled by kMi Media Group staff

New Enterprise Content Development Capability

Appliedinfo Partners Inc. announced earlier this year that the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Capability Manager (TCM) for The Army Distributed Learning Program (TADLP) recently estab-lished an enterprise license agreement with Appliedinfo Partners Inc., best known to training developers as D2 Team-Sim. This partnership provides proponents the capability to design and develop distributed learning (DL) content in a cloud-based authoring environment. Licenses will be distributed to proponent centers and schools without cost.

The TCM TADLP supports the use of in-house training and education developers, but needed an authoring tool and environment to ensure development of content that met Army standards, specifications and playability on Army platforms. The search resulted in open competition of the requirements.

This new capability allows the export of DL content to Army systems, such as the training development capa-bility, the army learning management system, and the Enterprise Life-long Learning Center learning and content management systems. The DL authoring environment provides an intuitive, user-friendly and browser-based solution that enables the cataloging, maintenance and reuse of media assets and available training course mate-rials. It also allows seamless integration of images, video, 2-D and 3-D graphics, html 5 interactions, Ngrain and Unity game-based simulations to create a total training package. For interactive multimedia, this environment will provide a method to integrate previously developed content into new courses. Content can be developed once, and published to multiple platforms, including desktop and mobile devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows devices.

Training and education developers with an interme-diate working knowledge of the Microsoft suite of tools will be comfortable working in this environment. For interac-tive multimedia, this environment will provide a method to integrate previously developed content into new courses. For more complex content, proponents can still use the TRADOC combined arms products for distributed learning contract vehicle.

The DL content development capability is hosted by the vendor with access to the application via URL. This means the training and education developers will not have to download software or players to access the authoring environment. Once the development is complete, the published files can be downloaded to local drives and later uploaded to repositories such as the central army registry or the training development capability.

John Lau;[email protected]

Modeling, Simulation and Visualization Software Reduces Integration ExpensePresagis recently released its new modeling

and simulation (M&S) software portfolio, M&S Suite 13. The latest version of this end-to-end solution includes hundreds of product enhancements designed to expedite applica-tion development for training, operations and simulation analysis. Presagis’ new M&S suite saves users time and money by seamlessly uniting 3-D modeling, terrain generation, simulation and visualization software into one integrated package.

Typically 60 to 80 percent of project budgets are spent on integrating disparate home-grown and third-party solutions. With its unique features, M&S Suite 13 enables users to create simulation content and scenarios faster while achieving greater realism and better performance—all within a develop-ment environment that is easier to use and more tightly integrated. Its toolset provides an open, scalable, and reusable M&S envi-ronment. Additionally, new licensing options offer customers the commercial flexibility they need.

“Our customers are increasingly looking for ways to lower the costs associated with developing their simulation applications and consolidate the number of tools they use in order to focus efforts solely on their core businesses,” said Stéphane Blondin, vice presi-dent, product management and marketing at Presagis. “M&S Suite 13 was developed based on input gathered from client surveys, user groups and beta programs, which streamlined development and produced superior simula-tion-based applications for training, opera-tions and analysis.”

Components of Presagis’ M&S Suite 13 include:

• Creator—State-of-the-art 3-D modeling: The modernized user interface with fully customizable desktop expedites 3-D model development by making it faster to build, modify and validate models.

• Terra Vista—Terrain generation simplified: A completely redesigned user interface simplifies the terrain generation process via a logical and step-by-step workflow. Terra Vista 13’s novel approach to database creation enables customers to build terrain databases faster than ever before.

• Stage—Faster scenario generation and more out-of-the-box platforms: Including more than 50 new civilian and military platforms and a new auto-population tool, STAGE provides a complete simulation development environment. STAGE 13 also features a new STAGE Lite version and a range of optional modules to meet a wider range of commercial project requirements.

• Vega Prime—Visualization sharpened: More realism than ever is made possible through enhanced rendering performance, more light points, depth pass and 3-D clouds. In addition, Vega Prime 13 now natively supports the distributed interactive simulation and high-level architecture communication protocols, as well as the CIGI standard as part of the base product. Stéphane Blondin;[email protected]


Military Training Technology

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND

Readiness Trainer

Capt. Craig Dorrans

Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges

2013

MTT_MH-60R_experience_oct 2013_AM205.indd 1 13-10-29 3:00 PM

naVal aiR SYSteMS coMManD

Responsible for Procurement and Life Cycle Support of All Training Systems

A native of Long Beach, Calif., Captain Craig Dorrans graduated from Duke University in 1990 with Bachelor of Science degrees in bio-medical engineering and electrical engineering. Designated a naval flight officer in 1991, he reported directly to Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 to begin flying the P-3C Orion.

Operationally, Dorrans’ tours include two assignments with VP-45, deploying to Iceland, Spain, Italy, Greece and Puerto Rico. Serving as flag secretary with commander, Carrier Group 3, he deployed to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). From May 2007 through November 2009, Dorrans served as the execu-tive officer and commanding officer of Tactical Air Control Squadron (VTC) 22, where he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf, Bengal Sea and Indian Ocean aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3).

During his tours ashore, Dorrans served as a fleet replacement squadron instructor at VP-30; an assignments officer at Navy Person-nel Command; and as the P-8A training systems assistant program manager with the Naval Air Systems Command Naval Aviation Train-ing Systems Program Office (PMA-205).

Most recently, Dorrans served as the integrated product team lead and fleet integration lead for the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System program as part of the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-262).

Dorrans holds a Master of Science degree in business from Nation-al University. His personal awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Service Commendation Medal, four Navy Commenda-tion Medals, four Navy Achievement Medals, a Humanitarian Service Medal and various unit and sea service awards.

Q: What are the roles and responsibilities of the Naval Aviation Train-ing Systems Program Office [PMA 205]?

A: At PMA 205, we provide quality training systems to the fleet, which enable their readiness. We’re responsible for not only the procurement, but also the life cycle support of all training systems, to encompass things like courseware. We’ve got over 27 different weapons programs for which we provide training and what equates to more than 800 differ-ent training devices. When I say training devices, it’s a full flight simu-lator, a part task simulator, a maintenance trainer and the associated courseware that would support all those trainers. Also PMA-205 is in charge of training ranges, which includes range equipment and all the tools that network and connect all the training systems. We’re deployed to over 60 locations both in the U.S. and external.

Q: What are the top three challenges the Naval Aviation Training Sys-tems program office will face in 2014?

A: Obviously, it’s going to be very budget-driven in 2014—that’s the theme. Maintaining the acquisition workforce here, keeping all the pro-grams whole, and also not reducing any support to the warfighter, espe-cially as we go through 2014. Those are the top three challenges we see.

Q: How do you plan on mitigating those challenges?

A: At this point, looking at our budget, we don’t have any plans to cancel any programs. We’re not going to have to shut down existing simula-tors, so our support to warfighters will be ongoing. We’re looking at some acquisitions, we probably won’t start doing acquisitions in 2014 if they haven’t already commenced and have a budget and a schedule as-sociated with them. The biggest challenge I see here across PMA 205 is keeping the acquisition workforce intact. At this point, we really haven’t had too many leave the program office, and I really credit that to my predecessor [Captain John Feeney], who put together a pretty strong, highly functioning workforce here. It’s my job to keep it going.

Captain Craig DorransProgram Manager

Naval Aviation Training Systems and Ranges

Readiness Trainer Q&AQ&A



Q: What new programs or initiatives will you implement in 2014?

A: As I mentioned, I don’t see a lot new in 2014 happening with the budget. However, there will be some efforts we’ve started that really haven’t been announced; we really haven’t brought them out yet. Let me give you a few examples: the Tactical Combat Training System [TCTS] increment 2. We have two primary training ranges, one in Na-val Air Station Fallon and Naval Air Station Key West; those are the training ranges.

The TCTS increment 1 program is fielded there currently. TCTS increment 2 is going to add encryption to those pods. So right now, they just operate unencrypted. What I envision is we will be releas-ing a request for proposal to industry in 2014 and that should result in a contract award sometime in 2015. Another example of contract action is that we anticipate ordering a maintenance training contract on the P-8 contract and then later on in fiscal 2014, we’ll also award a contract for deployable mission readiness trainers. We have an initia-tive of our Naval Aviation Simulator Master Plan [NASMP]. Right now, our NASMP program effort runs through about 2020 and the goal is to improve the fidelity and connectivity of all of our simulators. That’s going to ultimately allow us to take the training and readiness we do in the aircraft right now and move some of it to simulators.

As you can expect, flight hours are expensive and the more we can do in simulators is going to be more affordable for the Navy. So we’re looking at kicking off a new phase of the NASMP program, which will increase connectivity, increase security across the training devices and will also have digital fidelity increases. Fidelity and concurrence are the big challenges for trainers to make them as realistic as possible. Those are the enablers that allow us to move flight hours from airplanes to simulators.

Q: How important is the relationship with industry to the Naval Avia-tion Training Systems Program Office?

A: Certainly, our relationship with industry is incredibly important. I’ve only been here a couple of months and being new is neat because most of the vendors have come in to see me and I get a chance to meet with them face to face and talk to them about how we’re going to work together. I think we all have a shared vision for the success of Naval Aviation Training. We’re both responsible for executing on-budget and on-schedule to deliver training devices to the fleet. I think we have a highly positive relationship with industry and I think it’s going to get better as we keep going forward.

Q: What are the primary goals of the Naval Aviation Survival Training Program [NASTP]?

A: Every year, we take about 20,000 sailors, Marines, Coast Guard, civil-ians and even foreign nationals, and we put them through our water survival training. The NASTP is initial refresher aviation survival train-ing. PMA-205 supports 150 different training devices across eight dif-ferent locations; we call them aviation survival training centers, which support all Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. That training encompasses all the aeromedical aspects of flight, including water survival, proper use of survival gear, meaning aviation life support systems, and then anything else under Naval Air Training Operating Procedures Stan-dardization [NATOPS]. Survival training is dictated by NATOPS and the

Naval Aviation Survival Training program ensures pilots, Naval flight officers [NFOs] and aircrew get the training they need to operate safely.

Q: How are projected budget cuts affecting the way Naval Aviation Training Systems conducts its training across the board?

A: The existing budgetary environment is challenging for us, and in all aspects of naval aviation. I spoke about the NASMP program, and that’s one of our key enablers. We started upgrading our H-60 and F/A-18 trainers adding fidelity, which is going to allow us to take flight hours from the aircraft and move them into the simulator. Other platforms are doing it as they modernize. An example is going from P-3 to P-8. The P-3 simulators weren’t highly networked and did not have good fidelity. As we’re bringing on the P-8 trainers, we’re getting additional fidelity and planning to conduct up to 70 percent of their training and readiness in a simulated environment, which is obviously much less expensive. E-2D, another new platform, is similar. Moving flight hours from airplanes to the simulators under the NASMP plan is a great cost saver for naval aviation.

Q: With conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq winding down, how does that put more emphasis on home-station training?

A: The driving force for advancement over the last decade to provide training and readiness in simulators is really going to drive the next decade. The ability to provide training at a lower cost in a multi-level security environment and in a networked environment is key, and that’s where we’re going in the next step of the NASMP plan. We plan to keep improving the entire training continuum at the individual skill level, the unit level, even at the fleet level, while lowering operational costs at the same time.

Q: How does Naval Aviation Training Systems prepare for conflicts in environments that have yet to be determined?

A: Within our training systems, we’ve got a number of low- and high-fidelity devices on which all of our aircrew train, and we also have training ranges. Training scenarios are generally developed by the fleet instructors, and PMA 205 provides tools that enable those fleet instruc-tors to develop those simulations.

Let me give you a couple of different examples. There’s something we have embedded into our simulators called the next generation threat system [NGTS]. It’s a warfare environment generator that’s fair-ly autonomous. It provides computer-generated forces of land, air, hos-tile, friendly, surface, subsurface, and all the associated weapons and weapon systems—literally hundreds of entities that you would need a fleet of instructors to sit behind consoles and move around if we didn’t have this automated tool set.

The fleet then designs a scenario and utilizes NGTS to move all of these realistic targets around, so you have a very realistic environ-ment to train in. Another great example is the Marine Corps advanced distributed virtual training environment. This has a state-of-the-art networking capability across Marine Corps trainers. It links simulators in Marine Corps Air Stations at New River, Cherry Point, Miramar and Camp Pendleton. Back in the old days when I was using simulators in the mid-’90s, we would bring in instructors to sit at consoles to act as a “white cell,” or a friendly aircraft or friendly ship. As you can imagine,



not being a helicopter pilot or a ship driver, my ability to simulate the voices, the radio calls those individuals would make is somewhat lim-ited. If I can link a ship to a helicopter and have a ship driver talk to a pilot, it’s very realistic, and that’s what the advanced distributed virtual training environment is enabling.

Q: Can you describe the how Naval Aviation Training Systems uses simulators to train pilots in the F/A-18/EA-18G?

A: We’ve got a number of simulators across the Hornet and Growler platforms. The top of the line is our Tactical Operational Flight Train-er, and that’s really providing the training across the spectrum for pilots. It lets them do normal emergency procedures, lets them do their different systems operations, including radar and weapon sys-tems. In addition to the pilot training devices, they also have the whole spectrum of maintenance training devices. We delivered to Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training [CNATT]. It trains all the maintain-ers at different locations. They’re big school houses and they have the maintenance training devices in there to teach the maintainers how to maintain the aircraft.

Q: What are the primary benefits of using simulation to train pilots?

A: There are some things you just can’t simulate or you just can’t do in the aircraft. Weapons are incredibly expensive. A good example is one of the things you have to do as a P-3 NFO is learn how to track and attack submarine. As you can imagine, there aren’t a number of adversary submarines, or even friendly submarines around that can act as adversaries, to get on a day-to-day basis to train all of the NFOs across the P-3 fleet. So simulators step in and let us train on a day-to-day basis, and also they also allow us to deploy simulated weapons. Generally, friendly submarines don’t like it too much when you tor-pedo them, but in the simulator, you can drop torpedoes over and over again on virtual targets until you get it right. In my career, I’ve probably dropped hundreds of [simulated] torpedoes and only three or four in the real world, and those are part of very scripted exercises you do once in a home cycle.

Q: How is Naval Aviation Training Systems working with PMA-262 to train for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system [UAS]?

A: I spent my last three years in PMA-262 as a team lead for the Tri-ton program. PMA-205 works very close with PMA-262, which is the Persistent Maritime Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office. The plan for Triton is to train all of the aircrew skills 100 percent in a vir-tual environment. The Triton aircraft are operated from what we call a mission control systems [MCS]. Each MCS has two sides to it. There’s a primary side from where the aircrew would fly the unmanned air-craft and there’s a redundant side, just in case the primary side would have an issue and fail. The aircrew would move over to the redundant side and fly the rest of the mission from that side.

The redundant side also has an embedded training capability called a mission system trainer. So Triton can have aircrew flying a UAS and a second aircrew could come in and practice, do mission re-hearsal, NATOPS training or emergency procedure training as they need to do. Triton is planning on fielding five MCSs: three at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, two at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.

They will fly the aircraft from there. A sixth mission system trainer will be installed at the fleet replacement squadron in Jacksonville, Fla. Its purpose will be to train all of the new aircrew who are coming into the community. I say the “new” aircrew, but Triton is going to be flown by the maritime patrol reconnaissance force, the same pilots, NFOs and aircrew that operate the P-8 and P-3. You’ll do a tour in P-8 or P-3 and then you’ll do another tour in Triton. For maintenance training, the path forward is we’re going to deliver curriculum and also build seven different training devices and put them at the CNATT Naval Base at Ventura County Point Mugu. They’ll get trained up on avionics, power plant, landing gear, flight control, composite repair, etc.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: 2014 is going to be a challenging year for not only training sys-tems, but naval aviation from a budgetary perspective. However, as aircraft technologies continue to mature, simulation technology has to keep pace. I talked about fidelity and concurrence—those are the two enablers that allow us to reduce the strain on the aircraft system and do more of our training in simulators. No matter how budget-ary challenging it is in 2014, we do have plans and programs in place that we’re going to keep executing to continue to deliver and upgrade trainers throughout this year. We’re looking forward to developing in-novative solutions with our industry partners to deliver and upgrade training systems at an affordable price. O

F/A-18 Tactical Operation Flight Trainers

L-3 Communications Corporation $33,174,360

MH-60R Tactical Operation Flight Trainers CAE USA Inc. $31,373,663

P-8A Training Courseware The Boeing Company $26,257,174

Littoral Combat Ship Training Courseware Cubic Simulation System $15,150,503

MH-60S Operational Flight Trainer CAE USA Inc. $15,123,802

Foreign Military Sales Taiwanese P-3 Program Training

Logistic Services International $14,878,269

Littoral Combat Ship Training Courseware Cubic Simulation System $14,841,780

E-2D Simulated Maintenance Trainers Rockwell Collins Inc. $12,828,454

P-8A Trainer Modification The Boeing Company $12,354,787

Foreign Military Sales Australian MH-60R Avionics Trainer/Weapon Load Trainer

CAE USA Inc. $12,257,103

T-45 Ramp Operational Flight Trainers Symvionics Inc. $10,558,335

F/A-18 Tactical Operation Flight Trainers

L-3 Communications Corporation $9,811,751

MV-22 Containerized Flight Training Devices Bell Boeing $9,363,229

Foreign Military Sales Australia F/A-18 Tactical Operation Flight Trainers The Boeing Company $8,046,757

Chief Naval Air Training Contract Instruction Services

Cubic Worldwide Technical Services Inc. $7,804,840

Top Contracts


Top Contracts


2013

Rear Adm. Mathias W. Winter

Unmanned Aviation& Strike Weapons

Lt. Gen. Christopher C.

BogdanF-35 Lightning II

Program

Rear Adm.CJ Jaynes

Air ASW, Assault & Special Mission

Programs

Rear Adm. Donald Gaddis

Tactical Aircraft Programs

Program Executive Officers

John MeyersTechnical Director

NAWCTSD and Director Naval Air

Systems Command Human Systems

Department

Robert M. MatthewsDeputy Technical

DirectorNAVAIR 1.0 Program

Management Site Lead

NAWCTSD

Capt. Frank W. Naylor, III

Executive OfficerNAWCTSD and NSA, Orlando

Capt. Steven D. Nakagawa

Commanding Officer

NAWCTSD and NSA, Orlando

Naval Air Warfare Center Training

Systems Division

Capt. Craig Dorrans

Program Manager Naval Aviation

Training Systems and Ranges

Naval Aviation Training Systems

and Ranges

Garry Newton Deputy

Commander

Cmd. Master Chief Bret A. Joel

Vice Adm. David Dunaway

Commander

NAVAIR SYSCOM

Capt. Brian Corey Vice Commander


Data PacKetS Compiled by kMi Media Group staff

New Visualization Series Projector

JVC Professional Products Company, a divi-sion of JVC Americas Corp., recently announced the DLA-VS2200ZG D-ILA projector. Engineered specifically for simulation environments, plan-etariums and other visualization applications, the latest visualization series model offers 1920x1080 native resolution, and its next-generation optical engine delivers a minimum 18,000:1 native contrast ratio.

Built around an optical engine with three D-ILA imaging devices, the DLA-VS2200ZG offers a seven-axis adjustable color manage-ment system (CMS), 12-bit gamma correc-tion with six user adjustable gamma presets,

16-step lens aperture control, and 10-bit color depth via its two HDMI 1.4a inputs. Its anti-smear reduction modes reduce image smearing during fast-motion scenes through black frame insertion.

New 1/16 sub-pixel convergence correction delivers more precise picture alignment. Plus, with its 230-watt NSH illumination system, the DLA-VS2200ZG delivers 850 lumens for accu-rate daytime and nighttime flight training, and 4,000 hours in normal lamp mode, which contribute to a lower cost of ownership.

“Long lamp life is an important consid-eration for the simulation marketplace, because it can help manage operational costs,”

explained Gary Klasmeier, product engineering manager, D-ILA

Systems, JVC Professional Products Company. “The DLA-VS2200ZG delivers brightness that exceeds FAA regulations and delivers 4,000

hours of lamp life, which means fewer lamp replacements. And it doesn’t sacrifice image quality in the process—the DLA-VS2200ZG provides exceptional imagery with low latency for an outstanding simulator experience.”

Housed in a rugged chassis for motion-based applications, the DLA-VS2200ZG features wire grid polarizers and inorganic optical components for long life performance. Its 1.4-2.8:1 zoom lens offers remote zoom and focus, +/- 80 percent vertical offset, and +/- 34 percent horizontal offset. The projector also includes RS-232c and LAN connections as well as a wired/IR remote for control.

JVC is also announcing the DLA-VS2200G, which shares the same specifications but does not include a lens. Both projectors maintain the same form factor as previous models, and use the same mounting hardware and lenses, so projector replacement in existing instal-lations is simplified. The DLA-VS2200ZG and DLA-VS2200G are now shipping.

3-D Virtual Maintenance Trainer on App Store

Gets a BoostDisti’s interactive 3-D virtual maintenance trainer, Virtual

Engine Shop 2.0, for iPad users has new features including rendering optimizations to improve battery life, all new user interface system for accessing and selecting content, and all new garage environment to immerse the user. There is also an all new in-lesson status bar shows that shows lesson steps, navigation presets and lesson instructions. There are two lesson modes. The first is a watch and learn mode with

DVR style controls and the second is a fully interactive mode in which the user repeats what they learned in the watch and learn mode. New content includes the Allison 4500 SP transmis-sion.

Scott Ariotti;[email protected]

Helicopter Full Flight Simulator Sector

Elbit Systems Ltd. recently announced the commissioning of the newest full flight simulator serving Sea King naval helicopter aircrews.

The Sea King Helicopter full flight simulator is a flight and tactical full flight mission simulator designed specifically for Navy’s commando airlift and anti-submarine warfare operations squadrons. With high-fidelity aircraft and flight models—just like the actual aircraft, the Sea King full-flight simulator (FFS) is designed for Sea King pilots and observers, including initial and periodic training as well as evaluation of new procedures and doctrines.

The Sea King simulator is a PC-based system with glass cockpit, collimated visuals and an electro-pneumatic system with six degrees of freedom for the full range of flight operations experience. It incorporates a roll-on-roll-off system, so any relevant platform can be plugged in, such as that of the cockpit of an advanced special opera-tions helicopter for example.

The simulator can simulate various naval warship deck landings, emergencies and night flying with night vision goggles for a complete air crew experience. The full flight simulator is also equipped with a rear cabin crew simulator to enable joint training of pilots, system operators and crews under varying flight and operational conditions.

Dalia Rosen;[email protected]


meggitttrainingsystems.com

Join us at I/ITSEC in Orlando Dec. 2-5 in booth 1040.

That includes innovations like the enhanced realism

of BlueFire® wireless weapons and the intelligent

FATS® M100 advanced reality training simulator.

Integration of CryENGINE®3 and VBS enhanced visual

game engines, 3-D graphics and fl exible systems

architecture means the FATS® M100 provides

customized training and combat readiness solutions

in a fl exible, immersive environment. It’s one of the

many ways Meggitt Training Systems is delivering on

its commitment to tomorrow’s forces.

Proven. Reliable. Effective.

Meggitt Training Systems develops tomorrow’s virtual training technologies for global defense forces.

Selected to the Senior Executive Service in March 2003, Dr. James T. Blake became the Program Executive Officer for Simula-tion, Training and Instrumentation in June 2005. He is responsible for providing materiel solutions and services in modeling, simula-tion, training and test/instrumentation to support the soldier. The Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumen-tation annually executes a multi-billion dollar program. More than 1,200 military, government civilian, and service support contrac-tors perform the mission. In addition, the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation’s Foreign Military Sales program supports more than 40 countries. Blake is also dual-hatted as the Head of Contracting Activity.

In April 1968, Blake began his service to the nation as a private in the U.S. Army and completed his military career as a colonel on July 1, 1995. He is a dual-rated Master Army Aviator. His last mili-tary assignment was as the Army’s senior uniformed Army scientist.

During his military career, Blake served in many positions and locations, including aviation operations in Vietnam. With more than 20 years of research, development and acquisition experience in the Army Acquisition Corps, he holds level-three certifications in six acquisition career fields.

Following his military career, Blake held several technical and executive positions in industry before joining academia where he served as a senior research scientist at Texas A&M University.

While at Texas A&M, Blake joined the Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command as the Program Manager for the Institute for Creative Technologies, the internationally recognized University Affiliated Research Center for Advanced Modeling and Simulation.. From March 23, 2003, until June 2, 2005, he served as the deputy program executive officer for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation.

Blake is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, the Defense Systems Management College, and the U.S. Army War College. His civilian education includes a B.S. degree in accounting from the University of Tampa, an M.S. degree in sys-tems engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and a Ph.D. degree in computer science from Duke University.

Q: What are the top recent success stories for PEO STRI?

A: One of the Army’s landmark training programs, the Live, Virtual and Constructive-Integrating Architecture [LVC-IA], has made sig-nificant strides. We developed and fielded the first version, and we are now on pace to deliver the second iteration in fiscal year 2015. The system enables live, virtual and constructive training assets to interoperate in such a way that commanders and staffs get a bona fide training experience [through constructive training] while the

individual soldiers or crews also train in a meaningful way [via live and virtual training]. The first version provides the main building blocks for an integrated training environment by linking four exist-ing programs: the Homestation Instrumentation Training System, Close Combat Tactical Trainer, Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer and Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capabil-ity. The second version includes a gaming element and an immer-sive squad-level training capability through the Dismounted Soldier Training System, along with other enhancements.

Our efforts to upgrade range communication at the Army’s com-bat training centers [CTC] also mark a major advancement for Army training. The current communication equipment, which is the backbone of training exercises as it provides location information of troops and equipment and adjudicates between hits and misses, is out of date. The Combat Training Center-Instrumentation System program will upgrade the range communication system at the Na-tional Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., in FY15; the Joint Readi-ness Training Center in Fort Polk, La., will be modernized in FY17. From these upgrades, real-time information will flow to the opera-tion control center in a more effective manner, observer controllers can stitch together a more comprehensive after-action review, and the division commander will more easily be able to see what is going on and even throw a curveball into the training exercise.

Dr. James T. BlakePEO

PEO STRI


Training InnovatorDeveloping and Fielding a Blend of Live and Virtual Training Programs

Q&AQ&A

Work is also well underway in the upcoming award of a major contract vehicle, the Train, Educate and Coach acquisition, which is referred to as the TEACH contract. TEACH will be a multi-award, services-based contract to increase competition and provide the Army and other military components and agencies with a contract vehicle to procure cost-efficient training services.

Q: How does the LVC-IA fielded at Fort Hood in 2012 address training for hybrid threats of the future?

A: Hybrid threats are a potent and complex variation of warfare. Hy-brid warfare can be used to describe the flexible and complex dy-namics of the battlespace, requiring a highly adaptable and resilient response. LVC-IA, the primary infrastructure supporting homesta-tion training as part of the Army’s Integrated Training Environment [ITE] fielded to Fort Hood in 2012, is a key component in building a robust future training capability aimed at simulating complex op-erational environments such as the ones encountered during hybrid warfare. Not only can the ITE’s LVC-IA currently replicate the condi-tions of conventional and irregular warfare, but it also provides a persistent capability that is flexible enough to employ new training concepts targeted at other hybrid threats such as criminal and cyber activities. LVC-IA enables the Army to bring new and evolving train-ing concepts and capabilities to the soldier in a more expeditious and efficient manner.

Q: In addition to the effort to revitalize home station training, how are you upgrading Army combat training centers through the Com-bat Training Center-Instrumentation System program?

A: Upgrading the combat training centers is a key priority for the service, as stated in the Army Chief of Staff’s strategic priorities pub-lished October 2013. It identified one key tenet for keeping a ready and modern Army, specifically to “rebuild the Army’s combined arms maneuver and wide area security capabilities employing our CTCs to challenge and certify Total Army formations in a comprehensive and realistic decisive action training environment.”

CTC-IS is one of the five pillars of the Army’s Combat Training Center program, enabling high-definition after-action reviews that show cause and effect for the rotational unit using time-stamped voice and video, individual locations and engagement pairings. The majority of the Army’s CTC communications equipment, both voice and data, is late 1990s technology fielded over the last 10 to 20 years. The aging instrumentation system provides a performance challenge in keeping up with emerging Army training requirements and is in-creasingly more costly to sustain.

PEO STRI awarded the CTC Range Communication System [RCS] contract in November 2012 to replace the CTCs’ instrumen-tation capabilities. This included replacing the Observer Control-ler Communication System and Range Data Management System. The CTC RCS program uses a single high-band commercial 4G LTE network solution that provides the government the same benefits as the commercial cellular phone technologies. This is a one-time investment in a cellular infrastructure at the CTCs that allows fed-eral defense networks to keep pace with commercial advancements in technology.

At PEO STRI, we are pleased that the upcoming improvements to NTC and JRTC support the chief of staff’s intent to “accelerate the Army’s transition to decisive action” by allowing all CTC participants to be tracked on the training battlefield and included in comprehen-sive after-action reviews.

Q: How is the Joint Urban Test Capability [JUTC] planned to im-prove current urban training that the Army has to offer?

A: While the Army has a multitude of fixed sites that facilitate urban training, we have a limited number of facilities that offer a test capa-bility. JUTC provides a set of capabilities to fulfill the Department of Defense’s need for a realistic, reconfigurable and instrumented ur-ban test environment to support developmental and operational test-ing in a multidimensional battlefield. JUTC will provide the ability to vary an urban environment by reconfiguring an array of building representations, population characteristics, electromagnetic effects and infrared effects to meet the needs of a specific system under test.

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Q: The Dismounted Soldier Training System [DSTS] was deemed a success in 2012. Are there any lessons learned from this training system or plans to improve on that technology?

A: In the first 10 months of 2013, DSTS has trained more than 24,000 soldiers and conducted 5,000-plus scenarios at 27 locations worldwide. During these initial fieldings and training events, the feedback from soldiers using the system provided us with vital sug-gestions to make DSTS better.

The DSTS team is working to improve the existing technology by employing a number of different enhancements. The DSTS weap-ons on the current manned modules [M4, M320 and M249] now come equipped with collapsible buttstocks, improved safety selector switches and bolt-catch release form, fit and function. The team is also working to enhance stability and reliability of the DSTS system by incorporating new human sensor and video technologies. Addi-tionally, the new Virtual Battlespace 3 [VBS3] gaming engine will be built into DSTS for more realistic visuals and enhanced scenario generation. VBS2 and VBS3 gaming labs and other training systems will soon be able to connect to DSTS.

Q: How will the joint project upgrading targets at the White Sands Missile Range [WSMR] improve testing and training initiatives?

A: We are coordinating with WSMR to replace several existing target control systems with the Army Ground and Aerial Target Control

System. This new target control system will enhance WSMR’s ability to efficiently control aerial and ground targets for test, evaluation and training missions. This new system incorporates control of all Army targets into a single target control system with reduced life cycle costs.

This marks a key improvement over current control systems due to the improved reliability through use of communication frequen-cies that do not conflict with devices using commercial frequencies.

Q: What’s PEO STRI’s involvement with the Army’s plan to rap-idly progress the tactical network under the Network Integration Evaluation?

A: Our Project Manager for Instrumentation, Target and Threat Simulators integrates cyber, electronic warfare, physical security and operational security into an integrated threat force capability that fully stresses the cybersecurity posture of Army systems under-going test at the Network Integration Evaluation.

Q: What role is PEO STRI playing in advancing cyberspace secu-rity?

A: We are responsible for the life cycle management of threat ca-pabilities for the Army acquisition community, including cyber. We maintain a portfolio of threat cyber attack capabilities critical for assessing cybersecurity and training our nation’s cyber protection


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professionals. This includes a cadre of cyber experts supporting the research, development and operations of threat cyber capabilities on behalf of the Army and Department of Defense. These professionals and the capabilities they possess are critical to Department of De-fense efforts to identify and correct cyber vulnerabilities.

Q: What would PEO STRI like to see from industry in 2014?

A: PEO STRI is looking for integrated technology solutions that provide training capabilities. Ideally, industry would facilitate in-tegration of technology through partnerships between technology companies and development/integration companies during proposal development. These partnerships ensure development teams have a full understanding of the technology and provide seamless integra-tion of system components. This paradigm eliminates the need for PEO STRI to direct integration of technologies into stable program development baselines.

The ultimate outcome of the partnership is a higher-fidelity training experience due to the integration of leading edge technolo-gies into products we buy. This paradigm saves time and money be-cause the development contractors plan technology integration in their program schedule up front. It saves the resources required to re-baseline a program because the government directs a technology insertion after development begins.

This paradigm will greatly improve our ability to transition technology from developer to integrator. Our current technology

transition paradigm is not optimal, frankly viewed by the science and technology [S&T] community as the “Valley of Death” because of the difficulty in aligning S&T breakthroughs with development programs. This proposed paradigm will help to close the “Valley of Death” gap.

Programs in all of our training and testing domains can benefit from this particular model because we have projects in all areas that are looking for technology solutions. It doesn’t matter whether a program is new or in the process of a major upgrade, we are continu-ously looking for new technology to improve the training experience and testing effectiveness.

In addition to facilitating the integration of technology, we are also seeking more simplified and intuitive device interfaces for straightforward soldier trainability. This way, soldiers can seamlessly fill the role of an instructor-operator, a historically contractor-based task. As more and more installations experience a “full nest” and diminishing resources for contractors, senior commanders will have to look to borrowed military manpower that could be used to assist a unit going through train-up. “Red Cycle” units that are not fully resourced to complete their collective training requirements may be tasked to provide borrowed military manpower to support “Green Cycle” units that are preparing for deployment. The commanders can achieve quality training at less cost if we make it easy for soldiers to perform the tasks that contractors have been performing during the last 12 years. One of the many tasks borrowed military manpow-er units will be asked to perform is to operate training systems, thus a user-friendly system will assist in the transfer of responsibility.

Q: What is the top challenge facing PEO STRI?

A: The uncertainty in the budget, coupled with the need to adjust to meet the Army’s new force structure, presents a major challenge for our organization. As the Army drastically reduces the number of troops and only a selection of the force will be trained to deployment-level readiness, we are taking a hard look at our portfolio to deter-mine which and how many training and test enablers are needed to support the new objective force structure. Despite our projected budget reductions, we’re expected to provide relevant and realistic training, on time and within budget, to meet the training needs of tomorrow’s Army.

Q: How does PEO STRI plan to mitigate this challenge?

A: We are currently working with our counterparts at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command and Army G-3 to determine and invest in the highest priority programs to achieve the highest out-comes for the force.

Q: What programs or initiatives does PEO STRI plan on imple-menting in the near future?

A: As for the future, we see a definite need for simulation and training capabilities to support the Army’s strategy to move toward regionally aligned forces, which prepares troops for operations in a particular part of the world by immersing them in the culture, language and landscape for which they will deploy. Regionally aligned forces will also deploy as a joint task force with multiservice, interagency and coalition partners, so simulated training preparation for this level of partnership will be crucial for future success. O


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marksmanship Training.by mike casey

A recent demonstration of a new marksmanship training system showed how it helps sniper students and their in-structors.

At the Fort Benning, Ga., Sniper School, instructors requested the dem-onstration after seeing the new location of miss and hit (LOMAH) system at other Fort Benning ranges.

LOMAH uses sensors to detect hits or misses on an attached target. Then sensors at the target emplacement relay the results to android-based tablets at the shooter’s location. LOMAH has the ability to tri-angulate the shot group and provide the shooter and coach with corrective sight adjustment data. The LOMAH system can be set to provide shot group data in either inches or centimeters.

LOMAH systems have been provided to some installations for basic rifle marksmanship training. LOMAH is overseen by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Capability

Manager-Live, which is a subordinate organization of the Combined Arms Center–Training, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

During the Sniper School demonstra-tion, a student and spotter team engaged an E-Type silhouette at more than 500 me-ters with a sniper rifle.

“At the demonstration, LOMAH depict-ed the correct bullet strike location more precisely than the student spotter using current techniques,” said Dennis Terry, se-nior training analyst. “The NCO in charge saw the benefit this system provides and is eager to use this system that will ensure both instructors and students are calling shot locations accurately.”

Terry added that the LOMAH system provides a capability to more effectively prepare instructors and shooters alike while establishing a more efficient and all-encompassing training process.

LOMAH, if used properly, reduces am-munition usage. If the spotter does not see the trace of a round fired by the sniper, the

sniper must shoot additional rounds until the spotter sees the trace and relays the location data to the sniper. LOMAH identi-fies poor techniques quicker so the trainer can correct flaws without expending addi-tional ammunition, Terry said.

The system also reduces training time and increases throughput capabilities, making for more effective and efficient training events.

Terry said Benning’s Sniper School is scheduled to receive a LOMAH system in the near future that will include an addi-tional LOMAH system component called a box LOMAH, a target frame with sensors.

Both LOMAH systems being provided to the Sniper School will be standalone systems that do not require range infra-structure to operate and will be portable to allow leaders to use the systems on any live fire range.

“LOMAH will help accurately gather correct data from the previous engage-ments,” Terry said. “Once Sniper School


For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at [email protected] or search our online archives for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.

leaders get through the research and de-velopment phase of this process, they will refine the Army Sniper School and the home station sniper sustainment training strategy.”

Last year, the LOMAH system passed its government acceptance test. At the time, it was designed for the M16/M4 series weap-ons with iron sights, back-up iron sights, close combat optic or advanced combat op-tical gunsights. It can be used for BRM and advanced rifle marksmanship.

During the test, LOMAH showed how it makes rifle ranges more efficient. An active-duty platoon from Charlie Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Infan-try Division took part in the LOMAH gov-ernment acceptance test at Fort Benning.

The platoon used the LOMAH range to conduct three marksmanship tasks on one range. Tasks included:

• Grouping and zeroing (at distance).

• Practicing qualification and qualification versus using three

different ranges to complete the task of zeroing (at 25 meters).

• Confirming zero at distance (normally conducted on known distance range) and qualifying.

All tasks were accomplished using standard qualification targets.

“LOMAH will save time by allowing soldiers to qualify more quickly,” said Matt Golden, targetry development team chief of TCM-Live, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

For example, it would take a unit three days and three ranges to zero at 25 me-ters, confirm zero on the known distance (KD) range and qualify on an automated record fire range or modified record fire range.

The LOMAH system embedded on a qualification range will allow all three tasks to be completed on one range. Sol-diers move more quickly through the tasks because each lane is run indepen-dently and shooters can progress to the next task. The LOMAH range has no need

for a detail to raise and lower targets to show shooters their performance as cur-rently required on KD ranges.

Besides Fort Benning, LOMAH has been fielded to Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.; Fort Eustis, Va., and Fort Drum, N.Y.

TCM Live is the Army’s lead agent and TRADOC Capability Manager for capabil-ity development and user activities at live training systems that support unit train-ing and leader development.

CAC-T, which is a subordinate organi-zation of the Combine Arms Center, man-ages Army training support and training development, and provides unit training and leader development programs and products to support Army readiness. O

Mike Casey is the public affairs officer at the Combined Arms Center – Training, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.


Even with today’s tough environment, modeling and simulation will continue to be critical to military readiness. We are focused on finding ways to continue to deliver the best training that can help keep funda-mental operational skills sharp, and do so affordably. We are fortunate to be able to draw on the breadth of our commercial airplane efforts and other entities across Boeing to ensure what we offer our cus-tomers leverages the latest training and technology developments.

More customers may place even greater emphasis on ground-based train-ing versus live flights. We’ve seen that

with the U.S. Navy and the significant investments made in the P-8A Integrated Training Center in Jacksonville, Fla., where we’ve delivered Operational Flight Trainers, Weapons Tactics Trainers, Part Task Trainers and electronic classrooms to their state-of-the-art facility. At the start of the P-8 training program, the Navy had a vision of flipping the traditional split between the amount of training flights and those in a simulator. We’ve worked closely to create the sort of immersive environment with the ability to complete full missions to help enable that goal.

The role of modeling and simulation may also be impacted by the increased

training needs found in international markets. In the Middle East, for exam-ple, where aircraft fleets are growing, we’re able to build on our platform and training knowledge, and tailor to their unique requirements.

Readiness in the future will also require different solutions and com-mitments. We continue to work with our customers and look at industry trends to determine how we can meet their needs in the areas of more cost-effective training solutions, enhanced collaboration between military and industry, and investments in new solutions.

Winding down in Afghanistan and Iraq in and of itself doesn’t present major training issues. Rather, it was the concerted focus on these two regions that emphasized the need to refresh training for the missions and locations that lie ahead. Modeling and simulation provide the means to expose and prepare troops to a wider

range of future missions and situations, for whatever and wherever those assign-ments might be.

Budget pressures only further make the case for using modeling and simula-tion to assess and enhance training effectiveness. Model-based assessments can determine which methods are best for training which skill. Simulation-based

training will help conserve live (and there-fore more expensive) training exercises for those skills that call for the highest fidelity environments. By leveraging M&S training solutions to develop certain skills through lower cost environments, warf-ighters can also be better prepared for the more costly live event training, which increases the return on its investment.

budgeT cuTs puT more emphasis on simulaTed Training.

Mark McGrawVice President, Boeing Training Systems and Government Services

Michael J. PaleyPresident, [email protected]

20142014Budgets are being slashed across the board due to sequestration and there is potential for more cuts to come in the

near future. While funding for all programs is being affected, Department of Defense leadership has insisted that train-ing remains a high priority. This puts more emphasis on model and simulation training. Military Training Technology reached out to several industry leaders and asked: With today’s austere budget environment and conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan winding down, how do they see the role of model and simulation training changing in 2014?

Look AheadLook Ahead


CAE firmly believes that the increased and more efficient use of simulation is part of the solution to lowering costs without sacrificing readiness or capability. We are part of a market segment that is seen as offering a solution to budget challenges, so we see a bright future for modeling and simulation. That’s not to say, however, that 2014 won’t pres-ent some significant challenges. There have certainly been some headwinds for defense in general, and the simula-tion industry hasn’t been immune to the overall budget environment here in the United States. Like many of my colleagues in industry, though, we wish the budget uncertainties and continued delays would subside so we can all—government and industry—move for-ward and make the plans and decisions required to address the challenges.

The simulation industry offers a compelling value proposition that simply cannot be ignored in today’s constrained budget environment. The

simple fact is that simulation-based training is less expensive than live training. The increased cost of fuel, environmental impacts and significant wear and tear on weapon systems all point to the greater use of simulation, and we are seeing all the U.S. services move in this direction. On new plat-forms such as the P-8A and F-35, you can see how training curriculums are changing to incorporate an increasing amount of synthetic training. Perhaps just as importantly, simulation is the ideal tool for mission preparation and rehearsal, which is critical for maintain-ing readiness and doing so both safely and cost-effectively.

One thing we would like to see ad-dressed in the United States is federal acquisition regulations that make it very difficult for the Department of Defense to enter into long-term training services contracts that include the acquisition of simulators. There have been concerns about the military acquiring simula-tors with operations and maintenance

funding via services contracts, but the real question should be: What’s the best way for the military services to get the required training, keep technology current, maintain readiness, and at the same time reduce financial risks and save money in a tight budget environ-ment? There are some great examples of long-term services contracts work-ing well in other countries, enabling industry to make up-front investments and become more of a risk-sharing partner with the government. We would like the U.S. to at least be able to consider this sort of approach to training, and there is precedence in other areas—military base housing, for example—but right now there are laws in place that make it difficult for training services. With the budget challenges confronting DoD in 2014 and the foreseeable future, we believe long-term training services could be a way to save money, decrease risk, secure investment and contribute to enhanced training effectiveness.

ray DuquettePresident and General Manager, CAE [email protected]

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With tight bud-gets, shifting priorities, and the need for our military to be ever more nimble, MS&T is among the most important tools for our nation’s overall readiness. And, with the incredible advances in computing power and M&S software, we have several opportunities in the fields of modeling, simulation and training.

Let’s take the Air Force as an example. With far fewer resources, we are flying our aircraft longer and have extended their service lives far beyond the original design envelope (the B-52 is the classic example). As a direct conse-quence of this service-life extension, the lifecycle sustainment chains for support and training equipment must also be lengthened since the government cannot afford to build new trainers. Therefore, the DMSMS and logistics support issues that were once the primary villains in the

operational weapons system sustainment battle have become just as villainous in the training system domain. One could argue that those issues are even more critical in the training domain for a couple of reasons: 1) most training systems had little to no lifecycle sustainment built into their acquisitions, so CLS for them is always playing catch up in terms of concurrence and obsolescence, and 2) training systems cannot meet their primary function (i.e., proving cost savings by reducing flying missions for training) if they are down for maintenance. So, it’s a double whammy. The dichotomy is that the whole purpose of MS&T is to save costs by reducing missions and to allow operators to perform activities without the risk of life associated with real operat-ing environments; however, funding for training continues to be at the end of the feeding trough.

In terms of the readiness challenge, a logical choice is to turn to M&S, because simulation environments are extremely useful for complex planning activities (e.g., deploying for military operations in unfamiliar remote loca-tions). We have seen some movement in this direction in aerial command and control, with systems like the battle command staff training heading toward more live missions by reaching out to other air defense sectors to provide ABM controllers for real-world training. This type of operation requires close co-ordination among many command and control entities—a perfect scenario for a simulation environment. For example, NCI enabled this coordination through a TDF-based command and control structure that facilitates these real-world interfaces (i.e., EADS communications and radar inputs). O

L-3 Link sees the role of simulation and training becoming even more important to our nation’s military services and global cus-tomers worldwide in the coming year.

One example is in the area of re-duced operations tempo, and how this will have an impact on warfighters being able to maintain their mission capabili-ties. As operations in Iraq and Afghani-stan have significantly reduced, so has the opportunity for soldiers, seamen and aircrew to stay mission ready when they return home. When the pace of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan was at its peak, it was normal for aviators to operate their actual platforms anywhere from 40 to 50 hours a month. As personnel return, the opportunities to man their actual plat-forms will be reduced to five to 10 hours a month. We believe there is an oppor-tunity for industry to enhance existing

and develop new training solutions that will help ensure personnel retain critical skills.

This increased reliance on simula-tion to maintain operational skills comes at a time when the industry is fielding a new generation of simulators that are providing much improved realism. Training systems we’re fielding at L-3 Link, such as on our F-16 and F/A-18 programs, are increasingly robust, realistic and able to simulate relevant environments. For these simulation systems we’ve developed physics-based solutions that offer both out-the-window and a correlated view through all sensors stimulated by dense content, enabling the services to accomplish a broader range of training tasks through the use of simulators.

As these warfighters continue to return from theater, they will continue

to share lessons learned that will call for additional capabilities to be inte-grated into fielded training devices. One constant we’re hearing from all of our customers is that risk mitigation begins with training on devices that provide more realistic environments and have high physical and functional capability.

To that end, we expect the military services to begin to identify require-ments that in some cases will call for trainer modification efforts. Some of these modification efforts will be driven by the need for simulators to maintain operational platform concurrency, oth-ers will be driven by obsolescence, and still others will take place by inject-ing fielded systems with new training technologies. Upgrading fielded trainers to provide enhanced warfighter training is one of the smartest investments ser-vices can make in today’s environment.

Gary NestaVice President of Business Development, L-3 Link [email protected]

Dr. J. GreG haNsoNSenior Vice President and General Manager, Enterprise Solutions Sector, NCI [email protected]


13_0004_ADACEL_TRADESHOW AD.indd 1 11/8/13 11:57 AM

Students Have Hands-on STEM ExperienceWhile the majority of the focus for Team

Orlando members is on leveraging each oth-er’s work with the goal of improving human performance through simulation, there is a significant amount of time and effort they commit to stimulating the minds of young people in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

In today’s climate, with daily advance-ments in scientific and technological inno-vations, it becomes even more important to encourage students to develop their talents and interests in the STEM fields. Advocates believe STEM is the key to future careers, and if there isn’t an increase in the current rate of STEM graduates, there will certainly be a shortage of qualified workers to fill future po-sitions.

In an effort to help show students that STEM careers branch out far beyond what they have etched in their minds and get them excited about all of the possibilities, represen-tatives from the Army Research Laboratory-Human Research and Engineering Director-ate, Simulation and Training Technology Center and the Veterans Administration Sim-ulation Learning, Education and Research Network (SimLEARN) took part in a hands-on, interactive simulation symposium.

The event, “Simulation: Evolutionary Past, Boundless Future,” was presented in partnership by the Lou Frey Institute of Poli-tics and Government at the University of Cen-tral Florida and the National Center for Simu-lation on September 30. More than 400 high school and middle school students from areas throughout Florida attended.

Jack Norfleet, chief engineer for the Medi-cal Simulation Research branch at the Army Research Laboratory Simulation and Training Technology Center (ARL STTC), and his team, were part of the Healthcare Interactive Ses-sion. Here they were able to show students a few of the many projects currently underway at the STTC, including a medical hologram, an educational mobile card game, and some research and development they are support-ing focused on delivering the highest-fidelity upper respiratory training system.

“It was a great opportunity for our team to share with the students and let them experi-ence how a STEM-related education can be applied outside of what they may consider as traditional,” Norfleet said. “The students were very engaged in what we had to say and I en-joyed the interaction with them as well.”

Dr. Christine Allen, science and technol-ogy manager and also with ARL STTC, spent most of the sessions demonstrating the Com-bat Medic Card Game, developed by the STTC in partnership with the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training. The game is made for mobile devices, is eas-ily transportable, and combat medics can use it after duty hours and during mission lulls to refresh critical life-saving skills.

“The students brought so much energy to the session and were genuinely interested in how and why we were developing these products,” Allen said. “Showing them first-hand some of the areas where they can apply a future education in STEM and getting them excited about it was our main thrust in taking part in this event.”

Simultaneously in the healthcare session, VA SimLEARN team members set up multiple environments for demonstrations and to en-able visiting students to “practice” simulated medical procedures. Dr. Haru Okuda, national medical director, VHA, SimLEARN, was part of the team that participated in the symposium, and enjoys the opportunity to share the hands-on opportunity with young, eager students.

“It was very exciting to have the opportu-nity to interact with this group of interested high school and middle school students,” Oku-da said. “They all got the ‘hands-on’ experience for using various, state-of-the-art, modeling and simulation-based clinical training tools used within Veterans Health Administration for improving workforce skills in providing health care to our veteran patients. They ea-gerly participated in drills for difficult airway intubations, central line placements, resusci-tation, laparoscopic surgery and high-fidelity mannequin operations.”

“The Lou Frey Institute, University of Cen-tral Florida, and supporting partners provided

a well-organized and executed event that cap-tivated over 430 students from over 13 area high schools and middle schools,” said Harry Robinson, national program manager, Sim-LEARN. “The SimLEARN faculty and staff were grateful for the opportunity to join the team in showcasing several simulation-based training modalities that are fundamentally changing and improving clinical health care training.

“The medical domain is quickly mov-ing over the precipice to increase train-ing efficiency through simulation while maintaining the high standards historically achieved through on-the-job training, Rob-inson said. “Our student attendees certainly seemed enthused and enjoyed the chance to learn more about their future prospects in STEM.”

Students in attendance at “Simulation: Evolutionary Past, Boundless Future” also participated in interactive sessions in the areas of DoD training andsimulation, educa-tion and training, modeling and engineer-ing analysis, and entertainment. This was the 22nd symposium in the Lou Frey Insti-tute series, which features two per year, but the first time organizers have incorporated hands-on sessions with the students.

“It was at the suggestion of Lou Frey that National Center for Simulation (NCS) partner with the Institute and pursue a sym-posium focused on simulation,” said retired Air Force Lieutenant General Tom Baptiste, president and executive director for NCS. “NCS is celebrating our 20th anniversary in the spring and Lou felt this event would be a great way to kick off that occasion, and from there we received great support and encour-agement from the MS&T community.

“Growing from its roots in military train-ing, the region’s MS&T industry today con-tributes to many diverse fields,” Baptiste added. “When we can show students how a STEM-focused education can open doors in many areas of interest, we not only get them excited about the possibilities, we help to grow the much-needed STEM workforce of the future.” O

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AAI Logistics& Technical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31www.aaicorp.comAdacel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41www.adacel.comAechelon Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4www.aechelon.comAEgis Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30www.aegistg.comAero Simulation Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25www.aerosimulation.comAgustaWestland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35www.agustawestland.comAptima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43www.aptima.comBihrle Applied Research Inc. . . . 15www.bihrle.com/stallboxBohemia InteractiveSimulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17www.vbs3.comCAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20www.cae.com/mh-60Calienté . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43www.calientellc.com/thermaltargetsConcurrent Real-Time . . . . . . . . . . . . 39www.real-time.ccur.comDefense Logistics Support Inc. . . 12www.dlsmilwraps.comDigimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43www.digimation.comDisti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C1www.disti.comDisti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9www.disti.com

DynCorp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C3www.dyn-intl.comJRL Ventures Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34www.jrlventuresinc.comKrauss-Maffei Wegmann . . . . . . . . 6-7www.kmwsim.comL-3 LinkSimulation & Training . . . . . . . . . . . . 33www.link.comL-3 LinkSimulation & Training . . . . . . . . . . . . 43www.link.comMeggitt Training Systems . . . . . . . . 28www.meggitttrainingsystems.comMetaVR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C2 Gatefoldwww.metavr.comNCI Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37www.nciinc.comNorthrop GrummanTechnical Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23www.northropgrumman.com/tsRaydon Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3www.raydon.comRuag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11www.ruag.comSaab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13www.saabgroup.comScalable NetworkTechnologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32www.scalable-networks.comThe Tatitlek Corporation . . . . . . . . . . 1www.tatitlek.com

Sponsored by:

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Michael HardyL-3 Link Simulation & Training

is proud to salute Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5) Michael Hardy, an instructor pilot and regimental as-sault flight lead with Company D, 1st Battalion, 160th Special Opera-tions Aviation Regiment (Airborne). CW5 Hardy is responsible for plan-ning and executing worldwide di-rect action and short notice joint special operations missions. His 12 years of deployment have led to refining tactics, training and procedures within his unit. His experience includes leading over 20 direct ac-tion missions on two deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. CW5 Hardy earned the 2012 Army Avia-tion Association of America Michael J. Novosel Aviator of the Year award. We salute CW5 Hardy and all of the brave men and women who are helping to keep our nation free.

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Learn more on page 38:

2014 Look Ahead


W. Garth Smith Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

MetaVR Inc. W. Garth Smith co-founded MetaVR with

Richard M. Rybacki in 1997. Smith holds the position of chief operating officer of MetaVR, overseeing all corporate operations, new busi-ness development and product development strategy.

Q: Can you describe MetaVR’s history and evolution?

A: We launched MetaVR in 1997 when using PC-based graphics and COTS graphics cards for real-time simulation for the military simu-lation market was considered heresy. At that time Silicon Graphics and Evans and Suther-land were the leaders in this market. Those were the days!

Q: What are some of your key products in the DoD training and simulation industry?

A: Our main product, Virtual Reality Scene Generator [VRSG], is a real-time 3-D graphics-rendering engine that can render very large, expansive and realistic geo-specific areas.

For input to our render engine we de-veloped MetaVR Terrain Tools plugin to Esri ArcGIS, which enables users to build high-resolution geospecific terrain. We recently released a game-level like application, VRSG Scenario Editor, for creating dense 3-D scenes and pattern-of-life scenarios to run in VRSG. Now customers can build their terrain, popu-late it with culture, and then create tactical training scenarios to run in VRSG.

Critical to our applications are our ex-tensive model libraries of over 4,300 models, which are installed with VRSG.

Q: What are some of the new training/simu-lation technologies MetaVR is developing?

A: The latest release of VRSG includes two ma-jor features: VRSG’s new physics-based IR sen-sor modeling capability, which we developed jointly with Technology Service Corporation, entails real-time computation of the IR sen-sor image directly from the visual database. It combines automatic material classification of visual RGB imagery with a physics-based IR radiance and sensor model. VRSG Sce-nario Editor enables users to create and edit real-time scenarios to play back in VRSG.

A user can drag and drop culture and moving models directly onto the 3-D terrain, create paths with waypoints, assign appearances and animations, and then sequence the activities in a timeline. Users can play the scenario in VRSG, and share it in a network exercise.

Another effort is our JTAC desktop simu-lator, which we developed jointly with Bat-tleSpace Simulations [BSI] and which is comprised of BSI’s Modern Air Combat En-vironment [MACE] scenario/entity generator and VRSG.

Q: How are you positioned for the future within the military?

A: MetaVR is a 100 percent COTS software products company. We publish the prices of our software on our website. And we are sensi-tive to our market and our customers’ needs. For example, we do not charge any labor fees associated with developing features that cus-tomers request. And we have not increased the price of our software in five years.

Q: What is MetaVR’s connection with the de-fense community?

A: We have a long history of working with our customers directly. As they are the subject matter experts in their training domain, we let them guide our feature development so our products fulfill their training needs. For example, the features of our JTAC desktop simulator are based on interviews with JTAC trainers, primarily through the U.S. National Guard and Air Force Special Operations Com-mand. VRSG’s physics-based IR simulation and Scenario Editor are two more examples; feedback from UAV operator and JTAC train-ers led us to develop these features. Our visu-als have been used for a number of years in UAS training simulators, mainly through the

Multiple Unified Simulation Environment/Air Force Synthetic Environment for Reconnais-sance and Surveillance simulation system, which is used at Fort Huachuca and other UAS training sites.

Q: What is an example of your success in the military?

A: After our two-year joint and self-funded de-velopment effort with BSI, the resulting JTAC simulator was granted accreditation last year by the Joint Fire Support Executive Steering Committee for types 1, 2, 3, and day/night control, and laser target designation. The sim-ulator has the highest rating of any available JTAC simulator for these types of controls. Pri-or to the accreditation the simulator had been fielded at a handful of training sites. Once the accreditation was granted, sales for the simulator increased dramatically. This year MetaVR and BSI have fielded over 20 JTAC training simulators to customers throughout the USAF, including Air Force Special Opera-tions Command, Air Combat Command and Air National Guard units.

Recently, we, BSI, and Immersive Display Solutions were chosen for the U.S. Air Nation-al Guard Advanced JTAC Training System pro-totype immersive dome-based system, which was unveiled in September at the Ramstein Rover NATO training event.

Q: How do customers benefit from MetaVR’s varied resources and expertise?

A: Our customers have direct access to our en-gineering staff. Anyone can communicate di-rectly with us. Customers email us to request enhancements, new features and new models. As mentioned earlier, we treat our customers as subject-matter experts who greatly inform our product development. It’s a merit-based interaction.

Q: How do you measure success?

A: By being able to look customers in the eye, shake their hand, and know that we have given them something of value that they are happy with. O

[email protected]

inDUStry interVieW military training technology


KNOW-HOW

www.dyn-intl.com

KNOW-HOWTraining

When it comes to training, we know how to deliver integrated solutions that improve profi ciency, promote self-suffi ciency and increase mission readiness. At DynCorp International, we design, build and execute sophisticated training solutions to fi t the world’s most complex training needs. Whether it’s delivering global training solutions for military, government, intelligence or foreign government customers or providing specialized training as part of a logistics or aviation solution, we help our customers reduce costs and achieve new levels of performance and productivity.

DynCorp International provides our customers with unique, tailored training solutions for an ever-changing world.

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