I/ITSEC 2014: DiSTI and Havok will Integrate Flagship Programmes

December 1, 2014, 4:52 am

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Providing realistic simulation with very high levels of fidelity demands highly capable graphic user interfaces (GUI) and sophisticated simulation engines, coupled with advanced software toolkits for scenario creators to create and modify useful training scenarios rapidly and efficiently. With literally hundreds of niche organisations within the training and simulation community providing discrete aspects of the whole, it is becoming more and more the case that such companies cooperate in providing synergies to their customers – existing and potential.

At I/ITSEC 2014 in Orlando, Florida local company DiSTI Corporation– a leading provider of GUI software and customised 3D virtual maintenance training solutions – and Havok (Dublin, Ireland), a prominent provider of game development technologies, owned by Intel and  with 15 years’ experience in the gaming world, announced a formal agreement to integrate the former’s flagship GL Studio toolkit into Havok’s Simulation Framework.

As a result, Havok’s existing and future customer base will be able to create HMI content rapidly and easily with GL Studio and render it with the Havok Vision Engine, the foundation technology within the Simulation Framework. By integrating GL Studio user interface content developers can now introduce an additional level of realism in the cockpits, instrumentation, and dashboards presented to the simulation developer and end user.

Havok’s Simulation Framework is a cross-platform 3D visualisation toolkit empowering rendering of highly complex scenes at smooth frame rates. One of the standout features of the toolkit is its physics-based nature, which enables users to construct highly accurate vehicle and platform simulations with levels of fidelity to enhance the training experience.  
"Integrating GL Studio content into Vision Engine offers the two companies’ mutuaol customer base “a very powerful solution for their realtime applications,” said Joe Swinski, President of DiSTI.

End to end training solutions in immersive applications are now de rigeur for many users of military simulation solutions – and crossover into other mission critical areas of team training, such as emergency response and event security management is not lagging far behind. Cory Kumm, Havok’s Worldwide Director of Military & Simulation, said, “Through this integration we’re further extending the development possibilities of the Havok Simulation Framework. Now our users will be able to create accurate simulated instrumentation in addition to highly realistic Havok Physics based simulated vehicles for a complete range of vehicle simulation capability. ”

Tim Mahon

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I/ITSEC 2014: Rockwell Collins Introduce New Products and Present S&T Expertise

December 1, 2014, 4:53 am

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Rockwell Collins debuts its RealFires transportable trainer along with its newest mobile training and electronic publications capabilities for the first time at booth #2201.

Rockwell Collins debuts its RealFires transportable trainer

In addition to its new mobile training offerings, the Rockwell Collins booth features the following offerings designed to meet the most challenging training and simulation challenges:

• EP-8000 visual system — realism and performance
• EP-80 visual system — high performance, flexibility and affordability in a PC IG
• ProSim ultra contrast projector — with darkest blacks with simultaneous full-bright light points
• Air Combat Training — LVC-enabled, open architecture, secure solutions — mature, available, certified
• Radar simulation — realistic sensor training, lower cost of ownership
• Helmet-mounted displays — wearable high fidelity devices for head-up immersive training
• CORE simulation architecture — customisable open architecture lowers risk and enhances training
• Virtual Avionics Procedures Trainer (VAPT) — high fidelity avionics and procedural training at a fraction of the cost of live training

I/ITSEC 2014: From Gold Coast to Orange County

December 1, 2014, 5:47 am

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Ryan Aerospace, based in Southport on Australia’s Gold Coast, is one of those small but actively directed companies that regularly punches above its weight.  Specialising in helicopter training solutions at varying levels of complexity and fidelity, the company has engaged in a positive campaign of partnership, joint ventures and international collaboration almost since it first came to public notice outside Australia. At I/ITSEC 2014 in the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando this week it will reinforce that policy in several ways.

The company’s HELICREW UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter simulator will be shown integrated with a brand new software platform from Orlando-based Laser Shot. Known as Titan, the platform offers users a holistic simulation environment, expanding training capabilities beyond the normal traditional approaches. Users can create new scenarios based on a ‘whole world’ representation of the Earth, allowing the insertion of participants as virtual entities at any given spot around the globe. Custom training solutions, easily modified ‘on the fly’ thus become possible at the user level. Mission rehearsal and planning as well as tactical training scenarios can be authored and implemented at considerable cost savings compared with traditional solutions requiring networked or distributed simulation.

Also on display will be Ryan’s brand new HELIMOD Mk II simulator, for which Roy Aircraft & Avionics Simulation, Inc. (l’Ile-Bizard, Quebec, Canada) has integrated a high fidelity flight model using Presagis HELISIM software and additional motion using technology from D-Box (booth 613).

Tim Mahon

I/ITSEC 2014: Rockwell Collins Wins $26 Million for HITS

December 1, 2014, 5:57 am

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At I/ITSEC 2014 in Orlando this morning, Rockwell Collins announced it has been awarded a contract, valued at $26 million with a potential of up to $40 million, to provide an upgrade for the US Navy’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Integrated Training System (HITS).

Rockwell Collins was previously selected as the prime contractor for the HITS-A (Hawkeye Integrated Training System for Aircrew) and HITS-M (Hawkeye Integrated Training System for Maintenance) for the E-2D, the USN’s replacement for the E-2C. The new contract calls for an operational flight trainer (to be built by subcontractor ASI), modifications and upgrades to the tactics trainer and a modification to the maintenance trainer, as well as spares and logistics support.

“Our expertise and experience in developing tactics trainers has been a differentiator, resulting in our customer receiving quality and value,” said LeAnn Ridgeway, vice president and general manager of Simulation & Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins. “When customers have complex challenges, we are able to meet those training requirements with fully integrated systems.”

Tim Mahon

I/ITSEC 2014: SUMAN Warrior Utilises MASA Technology

December 1, 2014, 6:02 am

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In September 2014, Armed Forces from five countries took part in the annual SUMAN Warrior training exercise in New Zealand, using MASA's flagship SWORD constructive simulation software for the first time.

Held at the Linton Military Camp at Palmerston North, on New Zealand's North Island, SUMAN Warrior is a land-based tactical-level Command Post Exercise (CPX) which is carried out between the nations within the Commonwealth's Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), Singapore, the UK, Malaysia, Australia, and New-Zealand (SUMAN).

The exercise focused on planning, with military officers from each FPDA nation forming a battle group headquarters to respond to a fictitious security situation, and is designed to test and improve the way FPDA nations operate with each other while confronting such threats. Speaking of the purpose of the FPDA, the longest-standing multilateral security arrangement in South East Asia, Commander of the Australian Contingent, Lt.Col. Peter Conroy said, "It is in all of our interests to ensure we are able to work effectively together as a single group, should the need arise."

Participants from the Commonwealth gathered for the annual SUMAN Warrior Exercise in New Zealand. (Photo: Masa)

An estimated 180 military personnel from the FPDA nations took part in the brigade-level exercise, using a combination of SWORD and Systematic's SitaWare C2 technology. Considered to be a great success, the exercise included 100 virtual units as well as insurgents embedded within a 200sqkm field - demonstrating the advanced artificial-intelligence capabilities offered by SWORD. Additional benefits for the FPDA of using the new combination of SWORD and Sitaware provides CPX users with an increasingly realistic and streamlined 'train as you fight' environment. It also enables system animators to dynamically update and modify the scenarios.

The New Zealand Army's Mission Command Training School (MCTS) has been using SWORD for less than a year, but in that time has adapted the technology to perform a variety of internal and international activities. Explaining why SWORD was selected, Maj. Michael Chivers, Chief Instructor, Mission Command Training School of New Zealand praised its ease of use: "Using the SWORD simulation system we have made part-time personnel savings of about 50% and significant savings in the amount of computer hardware needed to support this activity. It has also enabled us to complete training activity in hours which previously had taken weeks. The simplicity of constructing scenarios, its ability to integrate the GIS information and its rich graphical interface make it a very easy tool to work with, recognizing that the manpower and computer power required are kept to a minimum. The real plus for this school has been the ability to take SWORD and integrate it into the developmental C2 suite currently being used by the Army - this process has been relatively simple but effective due to the standards-based approach of SWORD and the C2 system. The support provided by MASA has been exceptional and has gone a long way to having the product valued by the staff and users alike."

Enrico Raue, who is responsible for New Markets Development at MASA added: "The ease at which SWORD can be integrated into military training systems and exercises has been highlighted by SUMAN Warrior. It has taken only one month after the initial five-day training programme on SWORD for the New Zealand army to utilise the system for a brigade-level command post exercise. We are delighted to be working with the partner nations of SUMAN warrior and to have contributed to the success of the exercise."

MASA Group is a global company focused on the development of Artificial Intelligence-based Modeling & Simulation (M&S) software for the Defence, Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Healthcare, Serious Games and Games markets. A trusted developer of cutting-edge AI technology for over fifteen years, MASA has founded its success on products that combine scalability, adaptability and low cost of ownership, with a strong standards-driven approach to technology. The MASA product range, including MASA SWORD and MASA LIFE is uniquely designed to simplify and optimize the implementation of Artificial Intelligence capabilities for automating and driving simulated behaviors. Such capabilities allow developers and end-users in various sectors to focus their efforts on enabling a series of cost-efficient and highly realistic applications - such as command staff training, crisis management preparedness, exercise preparation, after-action review, doctrine & equipment analysis, and corporate training. MASA products are already in use by leading organizations worldwide, including the French, Swiss, and Brazilian Armies - amongst other major armies around the world - and system integrators or solution providers such as Amper Programas, CAE, Krauss-Maffei-Wegmann, Saab Training and Simulation, Thales, and Cliffhanger Productions.

I/ITSEC 2014: RUAG Defence's Scalable Solutions for any Theatre

December 1, 2014, 6:02 am

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RUAG Defence focusses on customers’ needs: Long lasting relationships, clearly defined contact persons, and an outstanding service make us your partner of choice – from individual consultancy through to maintenance or modifications of RUAG's products. Technological know-how and innovation, combined with vast experience, enables RUAG to offer a overall capability of training solutions. From individual to crew and unit training, from virtual to live training in built-up areas: RUAG maximises  safety and minimises  environmental impact with the company's smart and customer designed modular training solutions.

RUAG’s GLADIATOR system for soldier training is now in its 11th generation, representing the cutting edge in fire and movement training technology. From simple man on man training up-to complex battalion training with vulnerability models and full GPS tracking of every participants, RUAG’s GLADIATOR continues to offer its users authentic training to secure mission success. As training takes on a more international scope and joint training operations become increasingly important to forces, RUAG’s latest GLADIATOR is specifically designed to work in conjunction with those of other operators – interoperability – to be as flexible for the customer as possible.

RUAG Defence's GLADIATOR G11 CTC/MOUT version, as shown at RUAG's annual Impulstag event. (Photo: Mönch/DPM)

RUAG Defence's newly instrumented and combat simulation ready vehicles have been delivered to the Swiss Army. The GMTF armoured infantry vehicle and the 6x6 class Kommandopanzer are now both ready to take part in extended live training, working in conjunction with the full spectrum of soldier, weapon, and urban training solutions that RUAG also has available. Due to the equipment and technology that RUAG supplies, drivers can now learn to control the most modern vehicles in the Swiss fleet in the most realistic environment possible.

RUAG Defence’s laser-based firing simulators (LASSIM) mounted on a PANDUR. (Photo: Mönch/DPM)

For more information, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2014, available at I/ITSEC 2014 on booth #773.

I/ITSEC 2014: DiSTI Releases GL Studio Version 5.0

December 1, 2014, 6:06 am

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The DiSTICorporation, a worldwide provider of graphical user interface development software, recently announced the fully reengineered release of GL Studio 5, an industry leading high fidelity user interface development toolkit. GL Studio is DiSTI’s flagship software product that delivers fully interactive, high-performance, 3-D user interfaces for aerospace, automotive, medical, and training industries. This latest version is available now for immediate download.

DiSTI’s GL Studio 5 offers designers an intuitive, modernized user development experience with an easy to use interface. GL Studio’s new Designer layout is now fully customisable affording the user ultimate control over every aspect of the windowing layout. Developers now have the option to work in either single or multiscreen modes offering maximum adaptability to operate in their unique development environments.

While the Designer has been completely reengineered, GL Studio 5 preserves the efficient and flexible development workflow GL Studio is known for. GL Studio supports 3-D user interface objects, offers object-oriented content reuse throughout the development process, and supports a broad range of deployment options, such as tablet and mobile devices, desktop-based applications, and embedded displays. The portability and speed of the deployed user interfaces comes from GL Studio’s highly efficient, compact, and operating system independent runtime libraries. Designed to maximise the use of the display system’s graphics processing unit, GL Studio user interface content achieves the best rendering performance in the market while minimizing impact on the system’s CPU.

Industry pioneers such as Jaguar Land Rover, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Airbus Defence, Faria Beede Instruments, Nissan, and Northrop Grumman utilise GL Studio to help deliver high quality embedded displays, desktop training displays, and safety-critical device displays. To learn more about GL Studio visit .

“The best user interface development software just got better,” said Joe Swinski, President and CEO of DiSTI. “GL Studio 5 provides the ultimate user interface development experience for designers to build advanced user interfaces for their applications. Our users will love the flexibility and customisation capabilities they will find in this latest release.”

For more information, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2014, available at I/ITSEC 2014 on booth #773.

I/ITSEC 2014: eyevis Presents Visualization Solutions for Simulators

December 1, 2014, 6:25 am

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Innovative simulator solutions as well as robust LED projectors and LC displays for demanding simulation applications like level D Full-Flight-Simulators are presented by eyevis at booth #758.

eyevis presents professional LED projectors for static and mobile simulators for military and civil application areas. Through brilliant colour quality, high brightness and at the same time low black values and the high durability of the utilised Cluster-LEDs of more than 60.000 hours, the LED projectors by eyevis not only convinced companies like Lufthansa Flight Training, Skyguide and the German Aerospace Center (DLR); moreover, they recently received the admission of the German FAA for the application in level D Full-Flight-Simulators for wide-bodied passenger aircrafts. The DLP-LED projectors by eyevis with resolutions of XGA (1024x768 px) to WQXGA (2560x1600 px) also distinguish themselves through their robust design and the innovative heat-pipe cooling system without mechanically moveable parts.

eyevis exhibits a simulator enclosure for robot-based movement simulators by Buck Engineering & Consulting. Installed therein are two eyevis projectors of type ESP-LWXT-1000 with innovative dome lens. The projectors project the image directly onto the inner side of the simulator enclosure. The utilized dome lenses create a thoroughly sharp image despite the strongly curved projection area. Application areas for the enclosure are perceptual research up to helicopter simulations. Therefore, the enclosure is connected to a robot arm. Through the wide movement space of the arm real movements up to overhead flights can be simulated. Since the entire enclosure is exposed to realistic movement forces, eyevis projectors in this case additionally convince through their robust design.

The new dome lens of type ESP-OPT-110-100-DOME installed in the projectors was specifically developed for the application in dome simulators. The lens creates a tangent-compensated image that corresponds to a 90°-projection. Through two integrated focus rings the lens allows for the adjustment of the optimal sharpness on the curved projection area. Thereby the suitable curvature for the respective surface is adjusted through the first ring, while the second ring adjusts the sharpness of the overall image. In this way a perfectly sharp image is created.

Whether for mobile helicopter simulators, which can directly be transported into operation areas, or static vehicle simulators: the flexible omniSHAPES rear projection modules by eyevis offer diverse possibilities for seamless video walls for simulators and training stations. With the omniSHAPES even curved video walls can be realized. Pin-sharp images, reliable image and color quality through LED illumination and the robust, maintenance-free design make the omniSHAPES attractive for different applications. The latest generation additionally comes with 120-Hz-technology through which the representation of 3D-contents in combination with shutter glasses is possible.

Moreover, eyevis presents LC displays for different simulation applications. The video wall LCDs of type EYE-LCD-5500-M-USN-LD with a minimum bezel of 5.7mm are ideal for the assembly of consistent video walls. With full HD resolution, brilliant colors and a high brightness of 70 cd per square meter the eyevis LCDs feature best characteristics for video walls in training stations and simulators. The also presented eyevis stand-alone displays of type EYE-LCD-7000-LE-500 are predestined for control and surveillance systems of simulators and training facilities. 

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I/ITSEC 2014: IAI Presents Its Next Generation of EHUD AACMI- Live Autonomous Training System with LVC components

December 1, 2014, 6:28 am

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Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) presents its advanced live autonomous training systems at booth #1219.

IAI features the capabilities of the EHUD AACMI (Autonomous Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation Training System) family based programme derivatives, including a Helicopter Training and Safety System (HTS), a Naval Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (NCMI) System, and an Air Defense Training System (ADTS).

IAI's EHUD pod onboard a fighter jet

The 5th generation EHUD AACMI pod which offers a new set of features using advanced and modern technologies such as new data link (DL) communications, improved security, encryption, and embedded simulations will be on display. The system is a technology enabler for LVC (Live Virtual Constructive) training and provides a significant leap in the performance of modern joint training capabilities for air, ground and naval forces. The use of on-board systems enhances the effectiveness of live training, reduces expenses and helps increase familiarity with the systems to the operators.

IAI recently delivered its 1000th EHUD system to the Italian Air Force. This is a major milestone for IAI, representing continued success and a high degree of customers' satisfaction.

Yoav Tourgeman, IAI/MLM Division's General Manager said: "The next generation of EHUD is technologically the world's leading AACMI system, which provides an answer to the evolving training standards and requirements of modern air forces. Delivering the 1000th EHUD system to our customer marks the unprecedented importance of this advanced product, more than 20 years since its initial introduction."

I/ITSEC 2014: Elbit Systems to Unveil 4th Generation Tactical Battle Group Trainer

December 1, 2014, 6:38 am

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Elbit Systems' 4th generation of the Tactical Battle Group Trainer (TBT) has been delivered with the latest technological and operational developments, allowing land force commanders and their staff to test and improve their operational readiness, both effectively and efficiently.

Elbit Systems, a recognised leader in field-proven training and simulation solutions, is unveiling a new version of the Tactical Battle Ground Trainer (TBT) at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) in Orlando, Florida, 1-5 December 2014. Addressing the emerging requirements for affordable joint military training and effective tactical decision-making, Elbit Systems' fourth-generation TBT introduces several groundbreaking features and technological improvements that meet the current and future training requirements of land force commanders and staff. (Photo: Elbit Systems)

Recent improvements to the TBT's interface include: upgraded C4I hardware and software elements, enhanced visual displays and computer-based 3G imaging capabilities, and integration of advanced post-mission analysis and debriefing tools that can be synchronised across multiple locations. In addition, enhanced Computer Generated Forces (CGF), platforms, munitions and weapon systems have been added to provide a truly-realistic Virtual and Constructive training arena that is up-to-date with modern militaries' operational capabilities. These CGFs and virtual replicas encompass modern Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs); mini Unmanned Aircraft Systems  (UAS) – based on Elbit Systems' combat-proven SKYLARK I-LE;  simulation of new protection technologies and simulation of advanced Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection systems.

The TBT, which was developed in close cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) land forces and which has been operational for more than a decade, provides an extremely high-degree of flexibility and situational awareness at all  tactical levels of command – ranging from  the company level to complete ORBAT at battalion and brigade levels. Through its unique 'train as you fight' concept, the comprehensive simulation platform allows battle group leaders to acquire tactical doctrines and to sharpen their command and control skills while practicing various procedures, implementing C4I usage, and conducting mission-rehearsal and shared tactical training exercises within an actual geo-specific terrain.

"We have specifically adjusted the TBT to keep up with the complex and ever-changing operational environment of the IDF's land forces," said Alon Afik, VP Training and Simulation Business Line at Elbit Systems Aerospace Division.   "Due to its interoperable open architecture, scalability and ease-of-use, the TBT training platform offers an ideal solution for virtually any modern land force. Unlike other available platforms, TBT is not limited to a particular set of simulation elements, rather enables integration and reconfiguration of cutting-edge technologies within existing C4I systems and fighting procedures, as is evident in the IDF's TBT. This means military customers can save valuable time and money, while maintaining maximum multi-force interoperability and combat readiness. This is why major armies around the world already express interest in the training platform.”

For more information, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2014, available at I/ITSEC 2014 on booth #773.

I/ITSEC 2014: Rheinmetall Supplies New Virtual Maintenance Trainer for the German Air Force Technical Training Centre in Fassberg

December 1, 2014, 6:44 am

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The  Bundeswehr is currently augmenting its helicopter training programme with simulation technology from Rheinmetall. In August 2014, the Simulation & Training business unit of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics supplied a new virtual maintenance trainer from its ASTERION product line for the NH90 TTH helicopter, earmarked for the German Air Force technical training centre (TAusbZLw) in Fassberg.

With this order, the first of three existing NH 90 helicopter trainers have now been upgraded to new IOC+ configuration status, and programmed with ASTERION training software. The first of a planned total of 16 training modules, this simulator enables the Bundeswehr to train aspiring aircraft technicians in the electrical system of this complex helicopter without having to use the expensive original weapons system, as was previously the case. This new training device not only saves valuable resources, it saves time by shortening classes thanks to greater availability of the training device.

Thanks to its system infrastructure, this new ASTERION product enables a modularly designed training system, meaning that it can go into operation as soon as the first module is delivered.

Rheinmetall and its subsidiary benntec system technology have developed an innovative new system for recording and collecting original data of the weapons system for ASTERION, which is not only more cost-effective than previous methods, but also leads to faster development of individual components and subcomponents of the desired weapons system. Completion of the last of the 16 planned training modules is slated for 2015.

Visitors to I/ITSEC 2014 can learn more about the ASTERION Cockpit Trainer at the Rheinmetall booth #2213.

I/ITSEC 2014: Raytheon Warfighter FOCUS Adds more Afghan Pilots to the New Dawn

December 1, 2014, 6:45 am

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Raytheon and its partner team won a $13.5 million task order modification on the Warfighter Field Operations Customer Support (FOCUS) contract to add more Afghan pilots to the New Dawn training programme. An additional 24 fixed-wing and four rotary-wing Afghan Air Force pilots will be trained.

Based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the New Dawn programme trains Afghan Air Force Officers to a level equivalent to a commercial pilot certification. Upon graduation, the pilots return to Afghanistan for service as aviators in that nation's Air Force. So far, 102 Afghan Air Force pilots have received training in the English language, aviation theoretical knowledge, advanced mathematics and problem solving skills, in addition to commercial pilot training that includes advanced instrument flight qualification.

Raytheon provides this training via the Warfighter FOCUS contract, leading a team of more than 150 partner companies called the Warrior Training Alliance (WTA). Raytheon and the WTA maintain more than 240,000 training aids, devices and simulators and help train US Army soldiers, allied and coalition partners around the world.

Since 2008, the Raytheon-led WTA has provided training hours on WFF to soldiers and will continue to be flexible and responsive to new requirements and emerging training needs. The WTA supports hundreds of manned and unmanned training locations worldwide:

• Major training areas supported include: Ft. Benning, Ga.; Ft. Hood, Texas; Ft. Huachuca, Ariz.; the National Training Center at Ft. Irwin, Calif.; Afghanistan; Korea; Germany
• All DoD services trained (Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force); special operations forces (SOCOM); national assets such as CBIRF; allied and coalition forces

Around the world the WTA maintains training aids, devices, simulators and simulations (TADSS), ranging from individual soldier laser training devices to sophisticated multi-media and virtual reality trainers. Some major accomplishments on WFF include:

• To date, $7.9 billion has been awarded on more than five thousand task orders on WFF
• On average, 32% of all contract dollars have gone to small business
• To date the WTA has supported more than 1.4 million training events
• Most recently, we supported training the Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) in exercise Scarlet Response, one of the nation’s largest incident response exercises in Perry, Ga. from 21 to 23 July
• Task Order Support Turnaround Time (average turnaround time from when a requirement is identified to task order issuance and work begins): More than 75% reduction since contract start

I/ITSEC 2014: US Army Purchases 300 Licenses of MetaVR Visuals for UAS Training

December 1, 2014, 6:56 am

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The US Army recently purchased 300 new licenses of MetaVRvisuals for embedded training in its Universal Ground Control Stations and for Institutional Mission Simulators. The Army uses MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) for simulated UAV camera payload video for SHADOW, GREY EAGLE, AEROSONDE, and HUNTER UAS training.

MetaVR VRSG is used by UAV operators, pilots, and JTAC trainees in ground control stations and manned aircraft simulators in distributed exercises to achieve fully correlated HD H.264 simulated physics-based sensor video. The simulated payload video contains KLV metadata that replicates the actual sensor payload imagery of ISR assets.

Real-time VRSG screen capture of a simulated  GRAY EAGLE UAS in flight over MetaVR's 3D terrain of Kismayo, Somalia. Inset image is of VRSG's simulated UAV camera view. (Screenshot: MetaVR)

I/ITSEC 2014: Elbit Systems Offers Comprehensive Solutions

December 1, 2014, 7:16 am

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Elbit Systems, an acknowledged leader in the field, builds on over three decades of experience in training and simulation programmes and offers comprehensive solutions that have the unique advantage of being based on actual, operational systems that the company develops, manufactures and supplies.

Elbit Systems (prime contractor) developed and delivered the new Lavi Ground Based Training System (GBTS) centre together with Alenia Aermacchi (Finmeccanica Group), CAE, and Selex ES (Finmeccanica Group), following a selection by TOR Advanced Flight Training, which is responsible of the Israel Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft. Elbit Systems will provide the GBTS centre with logistics services for the next 20 years.

With the introduction of the M346 trainer, more emphasis is being given to ground-based training in the IAF flight school's advanced training phases, for both fighter pilots and Weapon Systems Operators (WSO's). The GBTS consists of two Full Mission Simulators (FMS) and two Operational Flight Simulators (OFS), all linked together, offering an experience which is almost identical to real flight. Both pilots and WSOs will undergo training ranging from basic familiarity with the aircraft to the highest level of combat flight competence. This training will be performed based upon a new innovative concept where a high percentage of the syllabus is being practiced at the GBTS, with the trainees visiting the GTBS on a daily basis. The GBTS, which serves as the training Centre of Excellence, is based on Elbit’s SKYBREAKER concept and technology, previously known as the Mission Training Center (MTC), and will enable flight school cadets, as well as graduate pilots and WSOs, to practice unusual and in-flight emergency procedures, and at a more advanced level, to simulate complex combat scenarios in single aircraft or as part of a formation.

Ugo Vinti, General Manager, Chief Business Officer, Alenia Aermacchi (left) and Yoram Shmueli, General Manager, Elbit Systems' Aerospace Division opening the new Israel Air Force Flight Training Centre. (Photos: Elbit Systems)

In other news, Elbit Systems has recently provided ST Electronics with a Cyber Security Simulator, enabling users, individually or as a group, to locate, respond and prevent cyber-attacks, while experiencing simulated network protection conditions. The simulator also presents various network protection scenarios, conduct follow-up debriefing and evaluate the results.

Elbit Systems Cyber Security Simulator

For more information, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2014, available at I/ITSEC 2014 on booth #773.

I/ITSEC 2014: Thales SAGITTARIUS Evolution - A Small Evolution in Small Arms Trainers

December 1, 2014, 7:49 am

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With more than 260 operational systems worldwide, Thales’ SAGITTARIUS Evolution is a small arms trainer that covers all areas of marksmanship training from law enforcement applications, close quarter combat up to full military battlefield engagement training. Using the latest CryENGINE rendering technology provided by Crytek, SAGITTARIUS Evolution provides both virtual and live firing training capability for individual and unit training.

Using the latest CryENGINE rendering technology provided by Crytek, Thales' SAGITTARIUS Evolution provides both virtual and live firing training capability for individual and unit training. (Screenshots: Thales)

SAGITTARIUS Evolution has a flexible and scalable architecture across the entire product line, hereby being able to be linked to other systems and/or additional modules, such as the door gunner, the vehicle, or the boat module. SAGITTARIUS Evolution features a new component-based architecture, which enables it to be flexibly configured to the needs of the user. Thanks to a common platform for various training modules (e.g., basic shooting skills, land, air and marine equipment, joint fire support team), the system is scalable. SAGITTARIUS-Evolution's individual modules and the complete systems can be networked, making it possible to provide training for combined scenarios both at the local site and in concert with other sites.

CryENGINE 3 provides very real video rendering, which in conjunction with the integrated 3-D sound, provides a realistic training environment. Furthermore, an integrated training management system makes the system very effective for users. The available features help reduce trainers' work load by taking care of some of the preparatory and post-training tasks. Thales went ahead based on the CryENGINE source code and introduced real physics influenced ballistics into the “game”, making it more valuable for law enforcement and military customers.

The built-in artificial intelligence (AI) of the computer-generated forces (own, neutral and enemy) raises the training and awareness impact: The situation changes depending on what the user does; realistically simulated scenario conditions (e.g., terrain, time of day, environmental conditions like wind strength and direction) affect the way the simulation evolves and require the user to change his or her behaviour, which makes the training very real. New training concepts using AI for randomised avatar behaviour also give a better outlook on the situational, perceived, and behavioural threat. Furthermore, SAGITTARIUS-Evolution enables dynamic trainee-avatar-interaction using the trainee’s natural voice as simulation input, allowing for complex scenarios like ID check, vehicle inspection, and search of buildings/people.

Last year, Thales Deutschland was contracted to integrate a new weapon into SAGITTARIUS Evolution: The new multi-purpose shoulder launched weapon, the so called Wirkmittel 90 (aka Dynamit Nobel Defence’s [DND] RGW 90), is a new intelligent weapon, developed for the Bundeswehr, including an attachable Fire Guidance Visor (FGV), used with different types of ammunition, all within the group of the Wirkmittel 90. The Thales Deutschland site in Koblenz was contracted to integrate this weapon in the existing small arms trainer of the Bundeswehr (SAGITTARIUS). The simulation version of the Wirkmittel 90 was made available prior to the Initial Operation Capability (IOC) of the real weapon. For this purpose, the small arms trainer was updated to the newest simulation platform (SAGITTARIUS Evolution) to provide a close to reality training experience. During the integration of the Wirkmittel 90 the built in intelligence of the FGV with its weapon sequence control and the control of the display symbology had to be rebuilt for simulation use as a first step. Afterwards the initial ammunition types (blast/explosive fragments) were integrated in the simulator. The customer was very satisfied by the results and contracted Thales as a follow on order to integrate further ammunition types, e.g. fog, lightening and anti-structure missiles.
The results of the project shows that the new generation SAGITTARIUS Evolution as a simulator provides a valuable contribution for training in use of complex weapon systems like the Wirkmittel 90, especially when simulated training is to be provided in parallel to the introduction of the original weapon. The benefit of an optimised and timely weapon training might be the cutting edge that leads to a successful mission accomplishment within critical operations.

The SAGITTARIUS Evolution Mobile system, build in MIL-standard certified boxes – easy to move -, compromises building blocks for a modular system that fits the training need, enabling up to two independent trainees with primary- and secondary weapons at the same time. The use of tethered and wireless weapons is possible, whereas currently the tethered version is the preferred training method. The system is ready to train in 30 minutes, which includes set-up.

SAGITTARIUS-Evolution enables dynamic trainee-avatar-interaction using the trainee’s natural voice as simulation input, allowing for complex scenarios like ID check, vehicle inspection, and search of buildings/people.

For more information, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2014, available at I/ITSEC 2014 on booth #773.

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I/ITSEC 2014: 3D Perception to Supply Emergency Management Training Centres

December 1, 2014, 8:10 am

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Norwegian display specialist 3D Perception will supply its Northstar immersive visual display system to two major international emergency management training centres next year. The company has been contracted for these systems by ETC Simulation (Environmental Tectonics Corporation, Southampton, PA and Orlando, FL).

ETC’s Advanced Disaster Management Simulator (ADMS) provides physics-based simulation of hazards such as fire and smoke, including the capacity for sudden changes of circumstance – such as wind direction and strength, for example – that make realistic training challenging and productive for students. ETC has contracted 3D Perception to provide the displays for two further international disaster management training centres during 2015 on the back of a successful Northstar installation at Concordia University’s Homeland Security Simulation Center in Portland, OR, late in 2014.
The multi-projector, large field-of-view, high resolution displays provide trainees with engagement that is not only realistic but also, importantly, life sized, in a variety of scenarios ranging from crowd control to terrorist events.

3D also won a contract in September to provide a Northstar system for an air traffic management research application in Singapore. The company will highlight both successes on booth 865 at I/ITSEC 2014 in Orlando, FL, this week, at which it will also be providing support to Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (booth 2401).

Tim Mahon

I/ITSEC 2014: CAE Medallion-6000 Launched

December 1, 2014, 10:49 am

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CAE launched its next generation Medallion-6000 image generator at I/ITSEC 2014 in Orlando today.

Based on the latest commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) graphics processors from NVIDIA Corporation, Medaalion-6000 continues CAE’s heritage of providing a realistic high-performance synthetic environment for simulation and visualisation applications in the defence and security markets. Although the company will showcase the image generator in a rotary wing mission training scenario on booth 1734 during I/ITSEC, the system lends itself as well to other domains, such as maritime training and simulation of ground vehicles in tactical training applications.

The IG is fully integratable with the Common Database (CDB,) an open, public database specification designed to make the creation, modification and correlation of run-time databases much faster to support training and mission rehearsal, and with CAE’s Dynamic Synthetic Environment (DSE), a comprehensive integrated solution that creates a virtual synthetic environment to more accurately and realistically simulate the real world. CAE's DSE takes advantage of CDB capabilities to dynamically change the terrain to introduce or modify features such as craters, weapons effects, and localised damage on any three-dimensional (3D) content or vegetation.

• Specific enhancements featured in the Medallion-6000 release include:
• Increased sustained polygon capacity of more than 400,000 polygons for extremely detailed synthetic environments and realistic night scenes; Higher resolution imagery and textures for enhanced visual fidelity; 
• Ability to modify a Common Database (CDB) at run-time; 
• Reflective model for rainy conditions and fog, including multiple 3D clouds for accurate simulation of weather and the resulting impact on training; 
• Realistic run-time lighting and shadowing effects based on various light sources; 
• Smooth dynamic shadows correlated to the sun or moon position on the ground, buildings, moving vehicles, and other entities in the synthetic environment; 
• Improved special effects such as explosions and smoke for a realistic, dynamic synthetic environment ideal for combat mission training and rehearsal.

I/ITSEC 2014: Rheinmetall to Supply the Indonesia Army with LEOPARD 2 Simulators

December 1, 2014, 10:54 am

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Indonesia has awarded Rheinmetall an order for state-of-the-art simulation technology for training tank crews. By 2015, Rheinmetall will have produced a driving- and a gunnery simulator for training Indonesian LEOPARD 2 personnel. The order is worth several million euros.

Rheinmetall is to supply the Indonesia Army with LEOPARD 2 simulators that include the LEOPARD Gunnery Skills Trainer (LGST) and the Driver Training Simulator (DTS) .

The LEOPARD Gunnery Skills Trainer (LGST) and Driver Training Simulator (DTS) are specifically designed for training LEOPARD 2A4 tank crews, and will primarily be used for sharpening the gunnery and combat skills of commanders, gunners and drivers.

Rheinmetall’s ultramodern TacSi technology features prominently in these simulators. Furthermore, as a leading supplier of defence technology systems, the Group is able to draw on its unsurpassed knowledge of the Leopard 2 and longstanding competence in the field of simulation, now coupled with the advantages offered by serious gaming technologies. As a result, Rheinmetall simulation products combine the virtues of the game engine in regard to visualization with the high-quality training outcomes its simulators assure.

A further advantage of the Rheinmetall system: Several simulators can be networked to enable tactical training at platoon and company level.

In terms of design, the simulators just ordered by Indonesia are similar to systems that have already proven highly effective in day-to-day military training operations. For example, in recent years Rheinmetall has supplied the Canadian Armed Forces with a total of 18 gunnery simulators and two driver training simulators for LEOPARD 2 tank crews. All of these systems have been up and running since March 2014.

I/ITSEC 2014: Increased International Military Support for ITEC 2015

December 1, 2014, 10:57 am

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Responding to the growing requirement for military training and simulation expertise: Developments to ITEC 2015 programme are showcased at I/ITSEC 2014.

During the last 25 years, the annual ITEC exhibition and conference has provided an important and evolving platform for the military simulation and training community. ITEC offers a unique opportunity, both to global military and civil customers, to discuss their requirements with industry, and for industry to showcase their latest innovations to meet these needs.

ITEC is seen as a key event for stakeholders in both the established and emerging modelling, simulation and training (MS&T) markets. Leading prime and SME exhibitors from around the world, use ITEC to demonstrate their cutting edge technology and services to a growing number of international military, security, government, academic and civil sector attendees to ITEC.

Participation from the United States becomes all the more important as US companies look to strengthen their international customer base in regions where there has been a significant increase in the use of MS&T technology. A key new theme of the 2015 conference will address the opportunities and challenges for industry in international procurement.

The annual Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) event provides a key opportunity for ITEC 2015 to engage with the domestic MS&T community. As part of this engagement, Rear Admiral Simon Williams, Chairman of Clarion Defence and Security, and Rear Admiral Jim Robb, President NTSA, will host an industry breakfast briefing at I/ITSEC on Wednesday 3rd December, 0930-1030 in meeting room S310B.

The briefing will publicise significant developments to the ITEC 2015 programme, including the participation of senior international military representatives, and highlight the key themes of the 2015 edition in Prague.

Tess Butler, ITEC 2015 Conference Chair and Public Relations Director of Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) will set out how the event has broadened its focus - giving increased prominence to the customer voice, while enabling industry to reach decision makers from current and emerging markets.

Ms Butler said: "The formation of ITEC's Military Advisory and Medical Advisory Panels demonstrates the increasingly close dialogue ITEC has developed with the international customer community. This engagement is reflected by the overarching theme of ITEC 2015, 'Advancing Interoperability between Nations and Institutions in a Globalised World through Enhanced Training and Education', while the addition of 'Procurement' to the conference agenda will address the challenges of transforming requirements into delivery. The ITEC proposition will be further expanded by the establishment of an Academic Advisory Panel, the first meeting of which will take place in the new year.  We anticipate that ITEC 2015 will offer the most collaborative,compelling and informative edition of the event to date."

Rear Admiral Simon Williams explains: "By working closely with armed forces from around the world, ITEC 2015 will present a comprehensive response to advancing interoperability between nations and institutions through enhanced training and education. As well as staying a step ahead of the trends in the MS&T sector, the success of ITEC has always rested on meeting current operational requirements. It is this continuity of focus on the military and civil end user that will allow ITEC to continue this success and remain a key event in the MS&T calendar."

Visit the ITEC team on booth 2182 at I/ITSEC taking place between 1-5 December 2014 at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida.

I/ITSEC 2014: to shoot or not to shoot – that is the question

December 1, 2014, 11:10 am

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After 9/11 the US military (and, it has to be said, those of many other nations) recognised that one of the imperatives for preparation for the looming conflict revolved around the question of how best to prepare troops for the milieu in which they would be operating. Language was certainly one of the issues that needed to be addressed but so, too, was the issue of cultural awareness.

The ITEC and I/ITSEC conferences of subsequent years saw a rash of companies offering solutions of varying levels of suitability for both language and cultural awareness training. Few of them provided a holistic solution – one that recognised the fact that 70% of communication is non-verbal, for example, or that provided cultural context much beyond how to ask for directions, tea or help changing a wheel.

One of the exceptions was Los Angeles based Alelo, Inc., a company that enjoyed a rapid ‘zero to hero’ growth in recognition and acceptance. Using simulation to teach both language skills and awareness of the nuances of a culture in which troops would be operating – and instilling those skills along with decision making skills in lower and lower levels of command – the ‘strategic corporal’ syndrome – the company established a prominent position in a niche market.

Co-founded by Dr. W. Lewis Johnson, a former professor at the Center for Advanced Research in Technology for Education at the University of Southern California, Alelo has quickly progressed to the next level of its development and is showcasing it at I/ITSEC 2014 in Orlando this week.
Recognising that demand is changing with an increasing emphasis on full spectrum and peacekeeping operations as well as the need for interoperability between coalition partners, Johnson and his colleagues have further developed their technologies to provide trainers with a fresh and innovative platform for more effective training – Virtual Role Players or VRP.

The behaviour files, which govern how the characters speak and interact with trainees, are written in Jason and fully reconfigurable by the trainer ‘on the fly,’ meaning that the trainee is confronted with a character who can become more or less hostile depending on the progress of the conversation or interference from external events. Role playing has become a modus vivendi for the current generation – extending this familiar environment into a training scenario is proving an effective tool for the military – which is where 90% of Alelo’s current business lies. “It widens perspective,” says Johnson. “Soldiers get plenty of practice in how to shoot – but very little in how to decide whether not to shoot.”

Looking forward, Johnson sees his business mix changing dramatically in the next ten years. Use of the VRP solution in training to deal with contentious issues – such as sexual harassment events, which can be deeply uncomfortable for those being trained – is already sparking interest among users and Alelo has multiple enquiries in areas such as corporate and management training as well as some of the more obvious domains like law enforcement.

“It’s somewhat ironic that we are using artificial intelligence to train in emotional and social intelligence – but the VRP solution is repeatable, it’s safe and it reduces discomfort levels significantly,” says Johnson. Which inevitably leads to more effective training. Job done.

Tim Mahon