On the occasion of I/ITSEC, MILITARY TECHNOLOGY publishes the Annual Simulation and Training Bosses (SATB) Series that conveys the thoughts and messages of the world’s defence simulation and training leaders, according to the question, “What drives your business to develop new innovations for national defence and regional security obligations as well as for global export?”
What drives CAE can really be found in our company vision – to be the global training partner of choice in helping our customers enhance safety, efficiency, and readiness. For the defence market, it is really the “readiness” component that is most critical and defence forces around the world are constantly challenged to cost-effectively maintain readiness.
One of the ways to be more safe, efficient and cost-effective is to increasingly leverage simulation-based training. We are already seeing the balance of live and virtual training shifting more toward virtual training, and you can see this evidenced in the strategy and direction of many militaries, such as the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Simulation Strategy 2025. This is not to say live training is going away, but we do see defence forces taking a very close look at the overall training enterprise and asking themselves whether their current training approach allows them to most efficiently and effectively accomplish their objectives. As a company specialising in training and serving as a training systems integrator, we can be a good partner to defence forces looking holistically at their training enterprise.
We are also driven to continually invest in new technologies and innovations that will enable intelligent training and help our defence customers accomplish more of their training in a virtual world. To do this, simulation-based training needs to be more networked, more interoperable, and more immersive.
Defence customers have been consistently saying that they expect the use of simulation to grow in what many call distributed mission operations. It is simply cost-prohibitive and incredibly time-consuming to conduct massive live training exercises, so we certainly expect more “virtual red flag” type of exercises to become more commonplace. A great example was the Coalition Virtual Flag exercise that took place this past summer between the US, UK and Australia in parallel with Exercise Red Flag that was happening at Nellis AFB. CAE supported the Royal Australian Air Force in linking and networking simulators in Australia to the live exercise taking place in the United States – a true example of live-virtual-constructive training systems integration.
CAE is investing in R&D that makes virtual environments more integrated and immersive so that these kind of distributed mission training exercises deliver the expected benefits. In fact, most of the simulators and training devices we deliver are fully capable of being networked; now it is up to the defence forces to leverage these capabilities into their overall training enterprise. CAE is actively promoting standard architectures like the Common Database (CDB) that help provide the foundation for making networked, distributed mission training in simulation more routine.
What drives our business? In one word: The warfighter.
I remember back to my early days in the US Navy submarine force. Unless there was another submarine for us to train against, the quality of our anti-submarine warfare training was pretty poor. However, by the time I was a submarine captain, simulation training had improved to the point where I could go to the sonar room and inject a simulated target into the picture, and my crew could not tell whether it was a real submarine or a simulated one. Thanks to such advancements, the quality of our training greatly improved, while the cost significantly declined. In other words, you no longer need a real submarine target to have quality training any more!
At Cubic, we do not do submarine training systems (yet). Our current focus is on ground and air combat forces training, and I realised immediately that great opportunity lies in bringing ground and air combat forces up to the same level of simulation fidelity that we enjoyed in the American submarine force.
This kind of insight drives us to create new solutions for our global market. We take a holistic view of our portfolio and look to design and field solutions that will benefit the widest customer base. Our existing global footprint also affords us the opportunity to develop close relationships with our customers through our regional businesses and field offices. These relationships yield many insights into the best and most pressing innovative products that we can offer.
Our holistic view guides the management of our innovation portfolio which is distributed across near-term investments and longer-term “game-changing” technologies. Our near-term investments have a shorter time horizon, often one to two years, and allow us to field upgrades and new capabilities quickly to our current customers. We are constantly looking for ways to offer greater usability of our systems and often co-create with customers to bring these capabilities to bear.
This is not just “good business” for us – but it directly benefits our customers since many of them are required to interoperate at international training events and field exercises.
The age of millennials is upon us. Children born and raised in a world where they have always used computers are now entering the services or the workforce, replacing baby boomers at an ever increasing rate. Millennials are digital natives that have used computers for education and entertainment purposes since they were first capable of holding a mouse. Using computers and technology to learn and to expand their knowledge domain is second nature to Millennials. At DiSTI, we strive to expand the technology envelope to deliver an immersive and engaging training experience for this tech-savvy generation. This includes developing compelling, immersive, and interactive 3D training solutions that will teach a future generation of maintainers.
As our weapons systems grow in complexity and sophistication, our training methods for delivering lesson materials need to continue to improve. For the past decade, The DiSTI Corporation’s focus has been on how to create these 3D virtual maintenance environments in an efficient semi-autonomous fashion. Going beyond making a pretty picture, efficient virtual environment creation means providing support for project requirements analysis, source data management, and automated software builds and regression testing. DiSTI delivers this capability in our new development toolkit, VE STUDIO.
To date, this tool chain has developed dozens of environments for maintenance trainers ranging across a variety of platforms including jet fighters, cargo aircraft, surveillance aircraft, attack and cargo helicopters, unmanned drones, naval vessels, submersibles, and tactical vehicles. Among the many benefits of these training devices is the ability for maintenance personnel to work in teams, just as they will on the flight line. The environments allow the maintainer to work with fully autonomous teammates or networked with other live maintainers. The success of this approach has proven itself time and again over the past decade, most notably in F-35 Aircraft Systems Maintenance Trainer (ASMT) where maintainers were learning how to repair the aircraft before the first squadrons were even fielded.
In recent years we are witnessing a proliferation of simulations-based training worldwide. This process includes a shift from a longstanding training concept that separates between training of individuals, and command and control training to a combined approach that increases force interoperability through the use of Mission Training Centers (MTCs).
Elbit Systems' comprehensive scope of MTCs answers that need.
At the heart of this is Sky Breaker – a networked training centre for tactical training of combat formations. The centre is considered a world-leading solution for virtual-constructive (VC) mission training.
Other Elbit MTCs include the GMTC (Ground Mission Training Center) for advanced tactical training of ground forces, and the ICTT (Incident Command Team Training) for training of homeland security personnel.
MTCs had been delivered to other clients across the globe.
What is MTC (Mission Training Center) and what are its key advantages over other training systems?
MTC’s strength is its ability to facilitate a large-scale arena with a high level of interaction between all training elements, while also ensuring an intense and sustained individualized training session for each trainee. In addition, the MTC enables forces to perform mission rehearsals with much greater realism, allowing them to enhance operational readiness. Another important advantage is its operational flexibility, as it can easily be adjusted to evolving challenges.
Our MTCs are able to deliver these capabilities through the use of cutting-edge simulation and training technologies, which include:
Incorporated into Elbit's “One Sim” infrastructure, these technological capabilities have proven and continuously push the boundaries of simulative Mission Training. MTC facilities help us to continue develop industry-leading solutions for both present and future projects.
Customers frequently tell us about the importance of effective training in today’s complex operational environment. Often, their stories tell us how our training technologies helped save lives or accomplish their mission flawlessly. That’s why we are intently focused on amplifying the power of simulation to redefine next-generation training.
For more than 90 years, Meggitt Training Systems has led the global-training arena through our legacy companies FATS® military and law enforcement virtual weapons training and Caswell International’s military and law enforcement live fire systems.
Our customers must complete diverse missions under unprecedented budgetary challenges. They need cutting-edge solutions to prepare them for the field. To train military and defence forces around the world, Meggitt offers the FATS M100 small-arms trainer, an open-architecture system that provides for efficient integration of evolving simulation technologies and software products, allowing for customisation and a wide array of options, including enhancements with multiple through-sight devices and multiple image generators; support for up to 20 weapon simulators; a shot analysis display that identifies weapon aim points, shot location and rounds fired; night-vision training; and after-action review.
The newly announced FATS 100e system solution is an extension of the FATS M100, as well as a major expansion in weapons training capabilities. The next-generation system’s new product enhancements include Crytek-based 3D marksmanship, automatic coaching tools and VBS3 collective training.
We’re always looking toward the future, and we have our eye on several innovations for upcoming solutions, including home station training, trainee immersion and virtual/live-fire integrated training.
There is a big push to keep units proficient and ready without the expense of pre-deployment training. Home-station virtual training provides cost-effective solutions to live training, especially as an alternative to unit deployment to a distant location.
For trainee immersion, the intent is to use various elements to increase immersion in the virtual training experience to suspend disbelief and create physical responses similar to those in actual events. A full suite of immersive tools would be used to engage all senses during the virtual training event.
In the Middle East there are requests to fuse training situations, including virtual scenarios and live-fire weapons in live-fire shoot houses, while in Asia, we were the single provider of a comprehensive training complex with a multi-floor, multi-range concept.
These are the kinds of innovations that will help ensure Meggitt remains a world leader in the global training arena.
Our company’s vision is to create trusted, innovative solutions to make the world a safer place. We take pride in preparing people for the world’s most important missions. We do this by developing and providing the most effective training solutions to ensure our customers’ success because failure is not an option.
In his recent presentation at the AUSA annual meeting, Army Secretary John McHugh urged more efforts to educate the US Congress about real-world challenges the US Army faces. He also encouraged a stable, predictable budget so that they can strategically plan for training to meet these challenges.
In this age of budget uncertainty and facing adversaries with technology comparable to ours, training will continue to give our warfighters a decisive advantage on the battlefields of tomorrow. As weapons systems become more complex, warfighters have to learn how to use this technology not only as effectively as possible, but also in new ways. Raytheon does this fully leveraging immersive training environments. By blending live, virtual, constructive and gaming domains in ways that also optimises scarce training resources, we not only provide the most realistic and comprehensive training environments possible, we also harness training costs. Since 2008, we have trained virtually every US Army soldier while saving more than $400 million in training sustainment costs.
We also leverage technology to add verisimilitude to training environments, using battlefield special effects that teach soldiers how to best leverage technology to fight and succeed. For example, Raytheon has refreshed a 32-acre Combat Town in central Louisiana with more than 700 sensors, cameras and special effects to better prepare soldiers to win in urban environments.
We have also helped develop a mobile, linked training system, called the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability, which allows units to train virtually and constructively together, even when geographically separated by hundreds of miles. Raytheon has also created a video game-based trainer to help Army PATRIOT crews learn how to re-load missile batteries.
By leveraging technology and working to take cost out of training, Raytheon can help ensure those who protect us get the best training possible.
Simulation and training have been an integral part of Rheinmetall’s business for more than 40 years. During this long period of time the Group has never stopped innovating, enabling it to meet ever-more demanding customer requirements while simultaneously embracing the latest technology. This culture of innovation has made Rheinmetall one of the world’s leading suppliers of military simulation and training solutions.
With military systems becoming increasingly complex, customers expect cost-effective training solutions during the entire product lifecycle. Rheinmetall offers customised solutions ranging from basic e-learning and part-task training right through to sophisticated simulators and complex training centres. This enables the Group to adapt flexibly to customer budgets while maintaining the high quality standards associated with the words “Made in Germany.”
An important driver here is the changing global security landscape. When it comes to training, armed forces all over the world are focusing more and more on mobility, foreign deployments and joint operations. Rheinmetall already anticipated this trend several years ago, launching products and services that meet these requirements, including a mobile combat training centre solution in its LEGATUS product line, a deployable set of joint tactical training cubicles known as ANTARES and the Group’s total ship training concept.
Technology is advancing in other industries, too. Rheinmetall engineers continuously monitor and evaluate all the latest trends, while the Group’s sales force discuss their possible application in future products with our customers. This drives the Rheinmetall innovation process enabling the Group to combine developments such as virtual reality or popular gaming databases with superior simulation models based on unsurpassed mathematical precision and realism. This way, customers benefit from high-end military simulation and state-of-the-art technology.
Rheinmetall understands that its future strategy needs to be shaped in close co-operation with its customers. In an uncertain world, customers need a reliable partner able to deliver training solutions that assure excellent performance by soldiers, airmen and sailors when it matters most. At the same time, Rheinmetall is committed to thinking ahead, anticipating future security scenarios and enabling customers to contend effectively with emerging threats and mission requirements.
We are driven by the constant changes and uncertainty surrounding the global security situation. Forces today are required to be more agile and prepared to respond across a wider spectrum of conflicts, ranging from internal conflicts over hybrid warfare to a conventional “show of force.” We see our role as supporting both our domestic and international customers to be ready to face this changing world, by providing innovative new technology and solutions to make the training of our customers even more effective.
Besides state-of-the-art equipment, soldiers’ skills and experience are crucial to a force’s ability to respond. However, training must now cover more requirements with lower budgets and less available time – effectiveness and efficiency is how we respond to this challenge. Modern training systems have to prepare all levels of the command chain for all possible scenarios. Additionally training has to permanently accompany soldiers and command staff over the mission preparation cycle and the mission itself To do this a customised mixture of Virtual, Live, Constructive and Embedded solutions is key for sustainable, flexible and effective training. The speed of modern operations, especially “military operations other than war” (MOOTW), is forcing our partners to need a comprehensive approach to training and a robust system to promptly integrate lessons learned into their training doctrines – and get their people trained quickly. An effective combination of realistic training and accessibility for all users remains a challenge for many forces, and so an area we are looking to innovate.
The RUAG Defence training systems provide a high end level of fidelity and quick accessibility, the premise for our development is the idea “The soldier should not come to the Training Solution, it should come to him.” Mobility, interoperability and usability are the key words, which drive our innovations for the future. These features are to be found throughout our whole portfolio beginning at our mobile virtual shooting range SITTAL, over our Mobile Live Training, through our Constructive Training capabilities, and up to our Embedded Training Solutions. RUAG Defence is the international partner for armed forces to enable effective training in an fast changing world in order to improve the soldiers performance and skills in every environment for all missions.
As the world has grown more complex, the balance between peace and conflict has become more precarious. With strained defence budgets and the need for our warfighters to be better trained than ever before, simulation has an impactful role to play. The challenge is how to equip our service men and woman to do more with less and, at the same time, ensure their safety and preparedness—and that of our great nation and allies.
According to NTSA reporting, almost 60% of military tasks trained have Transfer Effectiveness Ratios greater than 0.33. So for every three hours spent in a simulator, one hour of actual flight time training for those tasks could be eliminated. With a cost per actual flight hour of $5,000—for an F-16, for example—and a cost of $500 per simulated hour, the value of simulation goes straight to the military budget bottom line.
Then, there is the fact that pilot training is only one aspect of preparedness.
Maintenance technician training is equally important to overall mission success. Simulation here, too, offers cost benefits. Simulated training involves breaking the aircraft into lesser cost, non-flight worthy training devices. Training this way increases student throughput, lowering per student training costs and risk to aircraft.
Borrowing from civil aviation, ten years ago global civil helicopter accidents were increasing by 2.5% annually, with many helicopter accidents occurring in conjunction with pilot training. This led to efforts to gain greater acceptance of simulation for pilot training. Since 2006, the number of helicopter accidents worldwide has decreased by 2% annually.
Considering the nature and scope of defence operations, the magnitude of risk and cost of not engaging in effective simulated training is staggering. The question becomes: what makes for effective simulated training?
TRU Simulation + Training — and the industry — are using innovation to answer this question. Full motion flight simulators, maintenance training devices, state-of the art courseware and training programmes that deliver an affordable, more true-to-life experience significantly improve aircrew safety and proficiency. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training now prepares pilots for worst case scenarios. Live Virtual Constructive Training can now effectively simulate all possible weather conditions, emergency and aircraft procedures, air traffic and crew communications, mission sets, and realities to produce the best flight teams in the world—hard to place a price tag on that.
The current global military climate features a dizzying array of complex challenges for our industry’s supply chain. Changing alliances, new threats, demanding requirements, and enticing technologies all need to be balanced in a daunting spending environment where customers want both better and cheaper solutions. Innovation is critical to meeting that challenge, and innovation is equally vital to VT MÄK’s business. It has been a driving force of our success since our founding 25 years ago as a simulation industry pioneer.
VT MAK’s core business is to supply most of the world’s defence contractors, training and simulation companies, and system integrators with a broad and compelling suite of COTS solutions for simulation, visualisation and networking applications. Because of the diverse breadth of our offerings, we enjoy a valuable industry perspective on what new military and security innovations are required nationally, regionally and globally.
This breadth has several important dimensions. With 50% of our business coming from outside North America, geographic breadth contributes to our wide perspective on changing global customer requirements. Second, force and domain breadth plays a key role. VR Forces, MAK’s flagship simulation software, spans all military domains--land, air, naval, unmanned systems, joint operations, covering a wide swath of strategic and tactical needs in live, virtual and constructive training. As budgets and customer requirements shift among these various domains, our product roadmap matches them in lockstep. Recent innovations illustrating this phenomenon include: more electronic warfare features, game-like visual realism, more UAV sensors enhancements, web and mobile access, and more solutions for command staff and homeland security training. All these improvements are delivered in an open, flexible platform. Finally, MAK’s programmatic breadth greatly assists us in developing new innovations. We frequently work with customers in the delicate embryonic stages of their planning and prototyping. We help market leaders test the viability of new systems, subsystems, weapons, vehicles, aircraft, UAVs etc. long before they are sold, built and deployed. At this early stage of the product lifecycle, the key innovation skills revolve around our people, what we have always called: “The engineer down the hall.” MAK’s engineers must listen, brainstorm, take criticism, and collaborate closely with customers’ technical teams to meet every hard innovation challenge.
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CAE
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| Gene Colabatistto, CAE Group President, Defence & Security |
One of the ways to be more safe, efficient and cost-effective is to increasingly leverage simulation-based training. We are already seeing the balance of live and virtual training shifting more toward virtual training, and you can see this evidenced in the strategy and direction of many militaries, such as the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Simulation Strategy 2025. This is not to say live training is going away, but we do see defence forces taking a very close look at the overall training enterprise and asking themselves whether their current training approach allows them to most efficiently and effectively accomplish their objectives. As a company specialising in training and serving as a training systems integrator, we can be a good partner to defence forces looking holistically at their training enterprise.
We are also driven to continually invest in new technologies and innovations that will enable intelligent training and help our defence customers accomplish more of their training in a virtual world. To do this, simulation-based training needs to be more networked, more interoperable, and more immersive.
Defence customers have been consistently saying that they expect the use of simulation to grow in what many call distributed mission operations. It is simply cost-prohibitive and incredibly time-consuming to conduct massive live training exercises, so we certainly expect more “virtual red flag” type of exercises to become more commonplace. A great example was the Coalition Virtual Flag exercise that took place this past summer between the US, UK and Australia in parallel with Exercise Red Flag that was happening at Nellis AFB. CAE supported the Royal Australian Air Force in linking and networking simulators in Australia to the live exercise taking place in the United States – a true example of live-virtual-constructive training systems integration.
CAE is investing in R&D that makes virtual environments more integrated and immersive so that these kind of distributed mission training exercises deliver the expected benefits. In fact, most of the simulators and training devices we deliver are fully capable of being networked; now it is up to the defence forces to leverage these capabilities into their overall training enterprise. CAE is actively promoting standard architectures like the Common Database (CDB) that help provide the foundation for making networked, distributed mission training in simulation more routine.
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| Coalition Virtual Flag exercise involving the Royal Australian Air Force. (Photo: CAE) |
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Cubic
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| Bill Toti, Cubic Global Defense President (Photo: Cubic) |
I remember back to my early days in the US Navy submarine force. Unless there was another submarine for us to train against, the quality of our anti-submarine warfare training was pretty poor. However, by the time I was a submarine captain, simulation training had improved to the point where I could go to the sonar room and inject a simulated target into the picture, and my crew could not tell whether it was a real submarine or a simulated one. Thanks to such advancements, the quality of our training greatly improved, while the cost significantly declined. In other words, you no longer need a real submarine target to have quality training any more!
At Cubic, we do not do submarine training systems (yet). Our current focus is on ground and air combat forces training, and I realised immediately that great opportunity lies in bringing ground and air combat forces up to the same level of simulation fidelity that we enjoyed in the American submarine force.
This kind of insight drives us to create new solutions for our global market. We take a holistic view of our portfolio and look to design and field solutions that will benefit the widest customer base. Our existing global footprint also affords us the opportunity to develop close relationships with our customers through our regional businesses and field offices. These relationships yield many insights into the best and most pressing innovative products that we can offer.
Our holistic view guides the management of our innovation portfolio which is distributed across near-term investments and longer-term “game-changing” technologies. Our near-term investments have a shorter time horizon, often one to two years, and allow us to field upgrades and new capabilities quickly to our current customers. We are constantly looking for ways to offer greater usability of our systems and often co-create with customers to bring these capabilities to bear.
This is not just “good business” for us – but it directly benefits our customers since many of them are required to interoperate at international training events and field exercises.
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| Cubic’s embedded instrumentation provides an air combat training system for the F-35 LIGHTENING II, for which the company has developed a special internally mounted version of the P5CTS/TCTS designed for the unique F-35 environment. (Photo: Cubic) |
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DiSTI
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| Joe Swinski, President DiSTI (Photo: DiSTI) |
As our weapons systems grow in complexity and sophistication, our training methods for delivering lesson materials need to continue to improve. For the past decade, The DiSTI Corporation’s focus has been on how to create these 3D virtual maintenance environments in an efficient semi-autonomous fashion. Going beyond making a pretty picture, efficient virtual environment creation means providing support for project requirements analysis, source data management, and automated software builds and regression testing. DiSTI delivers this capability in our new development toolkit, VE STUDIO.
To date, this tool chain has developed dozens of environments for maintenance trainers ranging across a variety of platforms including jet fighters, cargo aircraft, surveillance aircraft, attack and cargo helicopters, unmanned drones, naval vessels, submersibles, and tactical vehicles. Among the many benefits of these training devices is the ability for maintenance personnel to work in teams, just as they will on the flight line. The environments allow the maintainer to work with fully autonomous teammates or networked with other live maintainers. The success of this approach has proven itself time and again over the past decade, most notably in F-35 Aircraft Systems Maintenance Trainer (ASMT) where maintainers were learning how to repair the aircraft before the first squadrons were even fielded.
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| Staff Sgt. Guin Duprey I, of the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, Edwards AFB, FL, familiarises himself with the F-35 using the desktop virtual-reality aircraft systems maintenance trainer, as well as a laptop loaded with joint technical data that is used for flight line operations. (Photo: USAF/Maj. Karen Roganov) |
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Elbit Systems
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| Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Elbit Systems President and CEO (Photo: Elbit Systems) |
Elbit Systems' comprehensive scope of MTCs answers that need.
At the heart of this is Sky Breaker – a networked training centre for tactical training of combat formations. The centre is considered a world-leading solution for virtual-constructive (VC) mission training.
Other Elbit MTCs include the GMTC (Ground Mission Training Center) for advanced tactical training of ground forces, and the ICTT (Incident Command Team Training) for training of homeland security personnel.
MTCs had been delivered to other clients across the globe.
What is MTC (Mission Training Center) and what are its key advantages over other training systems?
MTC’s strength is its ability to facilitate a large-scale arena with a high level of interaction between all training elements, while also ensuring an intense and sustained individualized training session for each trainee. In addition, the MTC enables forces to perform mission rehearsals with much greater realism, allowing them to enhance operational readiness. Another important advantage is its operational flexibility, as it can easily be adjusted to evolving challenges.
Our MTCs are able to deliver these capabilities through the use of cutting-edge simulation and training technologies, which include:
- Powerful computer generated forces (CGF), based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology – dramatically reducing the operating costs of systems and platforms.
- Integrated C4I systems and real radio, capable of creating and delivering a realistic representation of the entire C2 process.
- Custom-fit trainee stations which enable flexible and customised training of all combat teams.
- Site management systems for organizing and monitoring large-scale training sites and their resources.
- Advanced editors capable of changing the training settings to meet rapidly evolving mission requirements.
- Data gathering tools for carrying out effective after-training analyses, at both individual and collective levels.
Incorporated into Elbit's “One Sim” infrastructure, these technological capabilities have proven and continuously push the boundaries of simulative Mission Training. MTC facilities help us to continue develop industry-leading solutions for both present and future projects.
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| (Photo: Elbit Systems) |
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Lockheed Martin
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| Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training (Photo: Lockheed Martin) |
Amplifying Simulation to Redefine Military Training
As militaries continue to face tough budget decisions while maintaining readiness in an evolving global security environment, the training industry simply must advance technology to support more realistic and robust training. Lockheed Martin innovates solutions to address our customers’ most challenging problems because we know that simulation saves money and training saves lives.Training System Integration
As a systems integrator, Lockheed Martin develops training programmes that provide the shortest path to learning. Through our Human Performance Engineering methodology, we apply a “family of systems” approach where we match technology to each learning objective with a focus on continually improving student outcomes. This philosophy underpins our F-35 Training System, the world’s most advanced simulation-based training environment. Through next-generation programmes like the T-X, we see increased opportunities for our holistic approach that combines leading-edge technologies into agile, low-risk systems for mission readiness.Turn-key Training
Taking training system integration to the next level, our turn-key training programmes provide performance-based training solutions delivered as a service. We partner with our customers and bring all components of the training system together including simulators, facilities, instructors, curriculum, live training platforms and financing. This approach establishes a predictable training cost over decades with built-in modernisation. The result is increased graduate skill sets, shorter training times and more affordable training, all while exceeding performance requirements.Integrated Live-Virtual-Constructive Training
We see tremendous potential to provide affordable mission readiness by increasing ground-based training and decreasing live training, including through the use of integrated Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) environments. Preparing military personnel for the complex challenges and threats on the horizon requires the ability to train virtually on scenarios that can’t be affordably replicated in live environments. Such training requires integrating LVC elements into one realistic combat experience. For instance, LVC enables pilots to fly within existing, limited physical airspace constraints while simulating challenges outside of that physical airspace for a broader training envelope.Customers frequently tell us about the importance of effective training in today’s complex operational environment. Often, their stories tell us how our training technologies helped save lives or accomplish their mission flawlessly. That’s why we are intently focused on amplifying the power of simulation to redefine next-generation training.
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| The UK’s Military Flying Training System delivers a modern, streamlined flight training solution for the British RAF, Royal Navy and Army Air Corps. This turn-key training programme is a partnership between the UK MoD and Ascent, a joint venture of Babcock International and Lockheed Martin. (Photo: Lockheed Martin) |
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Meggitt Training Systems
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| Ron Vadas, President Meggitt Training Systems (Photo: Meggitt Training Systems) |
For more than 90 years, Meggitt Training Systems has led the global-training arena through our legacy companies FATS® military and law enforcement virtual weapons training and Caswell International’s military and law enforcement live fire systems.
Our customers must complete diverse missions under unprecedented budgetary challenges. They need cutting-edge solutions to prepare them for the field. To train military and defence forces around the world, Meggitt offers the FATS M100 small-arms trainer, an open-architecture system that provides for efficient integration of evolving simulation technologies and software products, allowing for customisation and a wide array of options, including enhancements with multiple through-sight devices and multiple image generators; support for up to 20 weapon simulators; a shot analysis display that identifies weapon aim points, shot location and rounds fired; night-vision training; and after-action review.
The newly announced FATS 100e system solution is an extension of the FATS M100, as well as a major expansion in weapons training capabilities. The next-generation system’s new product enhancements include Crytek-based 3D marksmanship, automatic coaching tools and VBS3 collective training.
We’re always looking toward the future, and we have our eye on several innovations for upcoming solutions, including home station training, trainee immersion and virtual/live-fire integrated training.
There is a big push to keep units proficient and ready without the expense of pre-deployment training. Home-station virtual training provides cost-effective solutions to live training, especially as an alternative to unit deployment to a distant location.
For trainee immersion, the intent is to use various elements to increase immersion in the virtual training experience to suspend disbelief and create physical responses similar to those in actual events. A full suite of immersive tools would be used to engage all senses during the virtual training event.
In the Middle East there are requests to fuse training situations, including virtual scenarios and live-fire weapons in live-fire shoot houses, while in Asia, we were the single provider of a comprehensive training complex with a multi-floor, multi-range concept.
These are the kinds of innovations that will help ensure Meggitt remains a world leader in the global training arena.
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| The FATS® M100 simulator series supports multiple, simultaneous simulation and training modes using a flexible architecture that allows customisation of Meggitt Training Systems' courseware and systems. This allows the easy integration of evolving simulation technologies and software products. (Photo: Meggitt Training Systems) |
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Raytheon
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| Bob Williams, Raytheon Global Training Solutions Vice President (Photo: Raytheon) |
In his recent presentation at the AUSA annual meeting, Army Secretary John McHugh urged more efforts to educate the US Congress about real-world challenges the US Army faces. He also encouraged a stable, predictable budget so that they can strategically plan for training to meet these challenges.
In this age of budget uncertainty and facing adversaries with technology comparable to ours, training will continue to give our warfighters a decisive advantage on the battlefields of tomorrow. As weapons systems become more complex, warfighters have to learn how to use this technology not only as effectively as possible, but also in new ways. Raytheon does this fully leveraging immersive training environments. By blending live, virtual, constructive and gaming domains in ways that also optimises scarce training resources, we not only provide the most realistic and comprehensive training environments possible, we also harness training costs. Since 2008, we have trained virtually every US Army soldier while saving more than $400 million in training sustainment costs.
We also leverage technology to add verisimilitude to training environments, using battlefield special effects that teach soldiers how to best leverage technology to fight and succeed. For example, Raytheon has refreshed a 32-acre Combat Town in central Louisiana with more than 700 sensors, cameras and special effects to better prepare soldiers to win in urban environments.
We have also helped develop a mobile, linked training system, called the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Capability, which allows units to train virtually and constructively together, even when geographically separated by hundreds of miles. Raytheon has also created a video game-based trainer to help Army PATRIOT crews learn how to re-load missile batteries.
By leveraging technology and working to take cost out of training, Raytheon can help ensure those who protect us get the best training possible.
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Rheinmetall
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| Ulrich Sasse, Managing Director of Rheinmetall Defence Electronics, President, Simulation and Training Division (Photo: Rheinmetall) |
With military systems becoming increasingly complex, customers expect cost-effective training solutions during the entire product lifecycle. Rheinmetall offers customised solutions ranging from basic e-learning and part-task training right through to sophisticated simulators and complex training centres. This enables the Group to adapt flexibly to customer budgets while maintaining the high quality standards associated with the words “Made in Germany.”
An important driver here is the changing global security landscape. When it comes to training, armed forces all over the world are focusing more and more on mobility, foreign deployments and joint operations. Rheinmetall already anticipated this trend several years ago, launching products and services that meet these requirements, including a mobile combat training centre solution in its LEGATUS product line, a deployable set of joint tactical training cubicles known as ANTARES and the Group’s total ship training concept.
Technology is advancing in other industries, too. Rheinmetall engineers continuously monitor and evaluate all the latest trends, while the Group’s sales force discuss their possible application in future products with our customers. This drives the Rheinmetall innovation process enabling the Group to combine developments such as virtual reality or popular gaming databases with superior simulation models based on unsurpassed mathematical precision and realism. This way, customers benefit from high-end military simulation and state-of-the-art technology.
Rheinmetall understands that its future strategy needs to be shaped in close co-operation with its customers. In an uncertain world, customers need a reliable partner able to deliver training solutions that assure excellent performance by soldiers, airmen and sailors when it matters most. At the same time, Rheinmetall is committed to thinking ahead, anticipating future security scenarios and enabling customers to contend effectively with emerging threats and mission requirements.
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| IDZ-ES with LIVE simulation equipment. (Photo. Rheinmetall) |
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RUAG
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| Oliver Meyer, Senior Vice President Simulation & Training, RUAG Defence (Photo: RUAG) |
Besides state-of-the-art equipment, soldiers’ skills and experience are crucial to a force’s ability to respond. However, training must now cover more requirements with lower budgets and less available time – effectiveness and efficiency is how we respond to this challenge. Modern training systems have to prepare all levels of the command chain for all possible scenarios. Additionally training has to permanently accompany soldiers and command staff over the mission preparation cycle and the mission itself To do this a customised mixture of Virtual, Live, Constructive and Embedded solutions is key for sustainable, flexible and effective training. The speed of modern operations, especially “military operations other than war” (MOOTW), is forcing our partners to need a comprehensive approach to training and a robust system to promptly integrate lessons learned into their training doctrines – and get their people trained quickly. An effective combination of realistic training and accessibility for all users remains a challenge for many forces, and so an area we are looking to innovate.
The RUAG Defence training systems provide a high end level of fidelity and quick accessibility, the premise for our development is the idea “The soldier should not come to the Training Solution, it should come to him.” Mobility, interoperability and usability are the key words, which drive our innovations for the future. These features are to be found throughout our whole portfolio beginning at our mobile virtual shooting range SITTAL, over our Mobile Live Training, through our Constructive Training capabilities, and up to our Embedded Training Solutions. RUAG Defence is the international partner for armed forces to enable effective training in an fast changing world in order to improve the soldiers performance and skills in every environment for all missions.
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| GLADIATOR can be extended in three modular stages, starting from the Basic variant. A high-tech and cost-effective harness for day-to-day training deployments. A new high-tech Swiss training system that has been developed for the realistic training of special units, the police and combat troops, from group to brigade level. It makes it possible to practice firing and movement within the widest possible variety of training scenarios in open and built-up terrain, without involving live ammunition. (Photo: RUAG) |
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TRU Simulation
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| Ian Walsh, TRU Simulation + Training President and CEO (Photo: TRU Simulation) |
As the world has grown more complex, the balance between peace and conflict has become more precarious. With strained defence budgets and the need for our warfighters to be better trained than ever before, simulation has an impactful role to play. The challenge is how to equip our service men and woman to do more with less and, at the same time, ensure their safety and preparedness—and that of our great nation and allies.
According to NTSA reporting, almost 60% of military tasks trained have Transfer Effectiveness Ratios greater than 0.33. So for every three hours spent in a simulator, one hour of actual flight time training for those tasks could be eliminated. With a cost per actual flight hour of $5,000—for an F-16, for example—and a cost of $500 per simulated hour, the value of simulation goes straight to the military budget bottom line.
Then, there is the fact that pilot training is only one aspect of preparedness.
Maintenance technician training is equally important to overall mission success. Simulation here, too, offers cost benefits. Simulated training involves breaking the aircraft into lesser cost, non-flight worthy training devices. Training this way increases student throughput, lowering per student training costs and risk to aircraft.
Borrowing from civil aviation, ten years ago global civil helicopter accidents were increasing by 2.5% annually, with many helicopter accidents occurring in conjunction with pilot training. This led to efforts to gain greater acceptance of simulation for pilot training. Since 2006, the number of helicopter accidents worldwide has decreased by 2% annually.
Considering the nature and scope of defence operations, the magnitude of risk and cost of not engaging in effective simulated training is staggering. The question becomes: what makes for effective simulated training?
TRU Simulation + Training — and the industry — are using innovation to answer this question. Full motion flight simulators, maintenance training devices, state-of the art courseware and training programmes that deliver an affordable, more true-to-life experience significantly improve aircrew safety and proficiency. Upset Prevention and Recovery Training now prepares pilots for worst case scenarios. Live Virtual Constructive Training can now effectively simulate all possible weather conditions, emergency and aircraft procedures, air traffic and crew communications, mission sets, and realities to produce the best flight teams in the world—hard to place a price tag on that.
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| TRU ODYSSEY H Visual Bowl Interior. (Photo: TRU Simulation) |
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VT MÄK
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| Dan Schimmel, CEO, VT MÄK (Photo: VT MÄK) |
VT MAK’s core business is to supply most of the world’s defence contractors, training and simulation companies, and system integrators with a broad and compelling suite of COTS solutions for simulation, visualisation and networking applications. Because of the diverse breadth of our offerings, we enjoy a valuable industry perspective on what new military and security innovations are required nationally, regionally and globally.
This breadth has several important dimensions. With 50% of our business coming from outside North America, geographic breadth contributes to our wide perspective on changing global customer requirements. Second, force and domain breadth plays a key role. VR Forces, MAK’s flagship simulation software, spans all military domains--land, air, naval, unmanned systems, joint operations, covering a wide swath of strategic and tactical needs in live, virtual and constructive training. As budgets and customer requirements shift among these various domains, our product roadmap matches them in lockstep. Recent innovations illustrating this phenomenon include: more electronic warfare features, game-like visual realism, more UAV sensors enhancements, web and mobile access, and more solutions for command staff and homeland security training. All these improvements are delivered in an open, flexible platform. Finally, MAK’s programmatic breadth greatly assists us in developing new innovations. We frequently work with customers in the delicate embryonic stages of their planning and prototyping. We help market leaders test the viability of new systems, subsystems, weapons, vehicles, aircraft, UAVs etc. long before they are sold, built and deployed. At this early stage of the product lifecycle, the key innovation skills revolve around our people, what we have always called: “The engineer down the hall.” MAK’s engineers must listen, brainstorm, take criticism, and collaborate closely with customers’ technical teams to meet every hard innovation challenge.
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For more information please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY #12/2015, available at the show on booth #453; and frequently check back for more NEWS FROM THE FLOOR.