MS&T Magazine - Issue 2/2006

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www.halldale.com THE INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE TRAINING JOURNAL

TRAINING TECHNOLOGY

Military Training Aircraft – Jet Review TRANSFORMATION

US Army Aviation Embraces UAVs EDITORIAL BOARD

A Visit with T2 Leadership TRANSFORMATION

Military Transformation in Europe

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Issue 2/2006

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Chris Lehman chris@halldale.com Managing Editor: Jeff Loube jeff@halldale.com Contributors Rick Adams - Technology Editor Walter F Ullrich - Europe Editor Tom Slear - US Military Affairs Chuck Weirauch - Training Procurement Fiona Greenyer - News Editor +44 (0)1252 532004 fiona@halldale.com ADVERTISING Business Manager: Jeremy Humphreys +44 (0)1252 532009 jeremy@halldale.com Business Manager, North America: Mary Bellini Brown +1 703 421 3709 mary@halldale.com Marketing Executive: Gabby McKeown +44 (0)1252 532008 gabby@halldale.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design: David Malley Production Manager: Juliet Browne INTERNET www.halldale.com/mst SUBSCRIPTIONS/DISTRIBUTION Subscriptions hotline +44 (0)1252 532000 mst@halldale.com 6 issues per year at US$92 www.halldale.com/mst PUBLISHING HOUSE AND EDITORIAL OFFICE Military Simulation & Training (ISSN 1471-1052) is published by: Halldale Media Ltd, 84 Alexandra Road, Farnborough, Hants, GU14 6DD, UK. +44 (0)1252 532000 +44 (0)1252 512714 mst@halldale.com General Manager: Janet Llewellyn US OFFICE Halldale Media Inc., 301 East Pine Street, Suite 150 Orlando, FL 32801, USA. +1 407 835 3628 Publisher & CEO: Andrew Smith

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Transformation – Technology Plus These days no other term is more omnipresent than transformation. Transformation fills conference and exhibition halls; it is reflected in doctrine as well as in order books. It is mentioned numerous times in this issue of MS&T alone. And that's as it should be, because military transformation is indeed the most determining factor at the beginning of the 21st century. Today, no one would query transformation. In a global setup, where the only reliable constant is change, unforeseen evolutionary leaps have tended to outrun conventional reforms halfway. So an open-ended process, one that lacks a predefined end-state seems to be the only appropriate way to tackle such a Sisyphean task.

While we can normally all agree on its necessity, our definitions of transformation vary, most especially depending on what we expect from transformation. The US Department of Defense describes transformation as “creating the future of warfare and national defense while improving how the department, and all of its various parts, does business in order to support and sustain our position as the world’s pre-eminent military power within current and expected resource limits”. This characterises the process well, at least from the American point of view. Those of you who walked around the exhibition hall during the last I/ITSEC saw that the United States is quite serious about retaining technological supremacy. The British Government's definition is less daunting yet still very technology-oriented; it describes a network-enabled capability as being at the heart of the transformation. The Germans see transformation as a continuous process of improving and sustaining the forces’ operational capabilities, responding adequately to the changing security-policy environment. All these descriptions are accurate, summarising analytically correct essentials, but do they not merely constitute a few pieces of a bigger puzzle? In my capacity as journalist, I occasionally have the privilege of listening to people who are at the heart of transformation. Their definitions of transformation may look less precise, but frankly, to me, they seem much more visionary. Let me quote a few.

At ITEC 2004, Rear Admiral Simon Goodall, Director-General Training and Education, UK MOD, said that we need to produce “agility between the ears, so that people are powered by and not slaved to technology”. The late Vice Adm. Arthur Cebrowski once said that transformation effort goes beyond technology. "It is more about culture, behaviour and the creation and exploitation of promising concepts to provide new sources of military power." That gets us right to the core of transformation! To cope with the challenges of transformation, given the exponential rise in the flow of data across different levels of commands, we need a great deal of training and even more education at all levels in the command structure. For Dan Gardner, Director Readiness and Training, Policy and Program Directorate of the US Department of Defense, transformation is “thinking outside the box; it’s thinking about a global construct, a global economy, a global cultural and social and political interface and network on a global scale”. I think Dan Gardner has hit the nail on the head. Transformation requires us to think beyond existing borders, a type of thinking that sometimes even leads us in diverging directions. It is my firm conviction that the Defense Language Transformation Roadmap issued by the United States Department of Defense in February 2005 is a much mightier strategic asset for future global operations than any of the technical solutions seen at last year’s military trade shows.

The way ahead of us will demand a lot of creativity and the willingness to abandon old and cherished customs. If we demand intelligent, pro-active troops, must we not completely rethink training and formation, seeking the antithesis of “hard core” basic training boot camps? Must we not fish in other social strata to catch the educated volunteer who can keep pace with our challenging training? Should we not do away with the idea that our way of life is appropriate for everyone, everywhere? Should we not create cultural expertise and impart to our soldiers even more respect for other ethnicities and traditions? The phenomenon our community is exposed to will shake us up, no doubt about it, and risks turning many beloved things upside-down. Maybe along the way we will realise that Rear Admiral Ann E. Rondeau, Commander, Naval Personnel Development Command/US Army is right when she said that transformation actually is a revolution.

Walter F Ullrich Europe Editor MS&T MAGAZINE ı ISSUE 2/2006 5

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COVER CREDIT AERMACCHI

CONTENTS

5 EDITORIAL COMMENT Finding Transformation’s Common Ground. Europe Editor, Walter F. Ullrich reconciles differing views of transformation.

8 TRAINING TECHNOLOGY

8 TRAINING TECHNOLOGY Military Training Aircraft – Jet Review. In this second part of a two part series, Ian Strachan overviews the world supply of jet training aircraft.

12 TRAINING TRANSFORMATION Reaching the Millennials. Technology savvy, and impatient, the needs of millennials are affecting how we design, develop and deliver new CBT training.

Rick Adams explains.

18 TRAINING TECHNOLOGY

24 TRANSFORMATION

V-CTC. The Virtual Combat Training Center is a PC based simulation of a CTC and an observer/controller. William R Murray, Michelle Sams, and Pat Proctor describe how it works.

24 TRANSFORMATION Military Transformation in Europe. European nations and their forces have their own unique view of transformation. Walter F. Ullrich describes some transformation initiatives.

31 INTERVIEW THALES. The Senior Vice-President Services Division, Jean-Paul Lepeytre, speaks with MS&T’s Walter F. Ullrich.

34 EDITORIAL BOARD 34 EDITORIAL BOARD

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Editorial Board and Training Transformation. MS&T’s Editorial Board meets with Training Transformation leaders. Managing Editor Jeff Loube reports with files from Rick Adams and Editor-in-Chief Chris Lehman.

38 TRANSFORMATION US Army Aviation Embraces UAVs. Fort Rucker is now the home of the Army’s UAVs. Chuck Weirauch describes the move to Army Aviation.

42 CONFERENCE REPORT Simulation and Transformation. A recent international DWT forum explored the roles of M&S in transformation and systems engineering. Walter F. Ullrich reports.

44 ACQUISITION NEWS 38 TRANSFORMATION

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Contract News and Opportunities. In this issue MS&T highlights the renewed European focus on R&T and EURON, the European Robotics Research Network.

46 NEWS Seen & Heard. A round-up of developments in simulation and training. Edited

by Fiona Greenyer.

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Military Training Aircraft

The Jets This is the second of two articles scanning the military training aircraft scene. The focus of these articles is on aircraft for training new military pilots to the standard at which they can go to an Operational Training Unit or Operational Conversion Unit (OCU). In this issue Ian Strachan overviews jet training aircraft. The survey of turboprop trainers and discussion of fundamentals was published in MS&T Issue 1, 2006. odern jet trainers are designed to bridge the gap between basic flying training and the Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) where the front line aircraft is first flown. The advanced training phase should include operational formation packages such as wing-man and larger formations, leading in to techniques used in the front line including weapon tactics and delivery and high-speed low

Because a smooth transition from advanced jet training to OCU flying on the front-line type is the aim of the end of the advanced training course, there is often a temptation to design the jet trainer with a flight envelope close to that of the front-line aircraft. National aspirations may specify an aircraft with "advanced" characteristics, rather than one designed to be more compatible with the aircraft used for the previous

Image credit: Aermacchi

M

flying. Some recent jet trainers incorporate airborne simulations of weapon systems, "embedded training", flight recorders and even realtime downlinks to ground stations.

Pre-OCU jet training is often called Lead-In Fighter Training, abbreviated as LIFT or LFT. Even so, the jet trainer must be as suitable for the trainee pilot that has just completed the previous stage of training as for the pre-OCU trainee.

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leading edge and a SNECMA Larzac 3,200lb thrust jet engine. MTOW is about 7,700lb clean and 9,900lb with weapons on five hard points.

Maximum dive speed is reported to be about 405 knots but no level speed or cost is available.

stage of flying training. These tendencies will lead to an aircraft that is more expensive to operate than it needs to be. As to "which is which", draw your own conclusions from the characteristics that are given below.

The aircraft types that follow all have tandem seating (one behind the other) with ejection seats. Some have swept wings and therefore a higher limiting Mach number than a straight wing equivalent. Maximum speeds quoted below are in terms of True Air Speed (TAS), which at altitude is greater than the pilot's Indicated Air Speed (IAS).

Argentina Pampa. The AT-63 Pampa is made by Lockheed Martin Aircraft Argentina (LMAA). It was originally designed by the Military Aircraft Factory of the Argentinian Air Force and first flew in October 1984. It has a straight wing and a Honeywell 3,500lb thrust jet engine. Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) is about 11,000lb with five weapon stations and maximum speed is about 440 knots at 25,000ft. About 30 have been built for Argentina and an option for a further 12 has been reported, also an interest from Colombia.

China, People's Republic (PRC) Guizhou JL-9 / FTC-2000. The Guizhou Aviation Industry Group (GAIC) makes the Gaoji Jiaolian9 (GJ-9). This aircraft is also referred to as the FTC-2000 Shanying (Mountain Eagle). It has a WP-13F turbojet engine with 9,700lb dry thrust and 14,200lb with re-heat. MTOW is reported as 17,200lb and 21,600lb with stores. Maximum speed is given as 1.6 Mach. First flight was in December 2003 and it is in competition to be the future advanced trainer for the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force, the PLAAF. Hongdu L-15. The Hongdu Aviation Industry Group (HAIG) L-15 twin-engined jet trainer was rolled out at the end of September 2005 and is scheduled to fly early in 2006. Designed by HAIG with assistance from Yakovlev in Russia, it is in competition with the Guizhou JL-9 (see above) for selection as the future advanced trainer for the PLA Air Force.

Nanchang/Hongdu JL-8/K-8 Karakorum. The Nanchang Feiji Zhizao Gongsi company is part of the Hongdu Group. The Nangchang-designed JL8 (export name K-8 Karakorum) has a straight wing and a Honeywell TFE731 turbofan engine with 3,600lb thrust. First flight was in November 1990. MTOW is about 8,200lb clean and 9,500lb with stores on five hard points. Maximum speed is reported to be about 430 knots at Sea Level (SL). Unit cost has been reported as about US$4 million. About 160 have been built for the China

Iran

Above A BAE Systems Hawk.

Image credit: BAE Systems

PLA Air Force, Colombia, Egypt, Morocco, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zambia.

Tazarve (Eagle). This is produced under the project name Ya Hussein by the Owj industrial complex, an agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). The Tazarve has a straight wing with a slightly swept leading edge, a GE-J85 turbojet with 2,900lb thrust and Martin Baker ejection seats. The prototype first flew in 1995. Production aircraft are intended to have a Turbofan engine, reportedly the Honeywell TFE731. MTOW is reported as about 8,800lb and maximum level speed as about 350 knots at 18,000 ft.

Italy

EADS Mako. The European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Company (EADS) is developing the MAKO (Shark) trainer and attack aircraft for a first flight in 2009. The design has a delta wing, a separate horizontal stabiliser and a Eurojet EJ200 engine de-rated to 16,900lb thrust. MTOW is reported as about 20,500lb clean and 28,670lb with weapons on seven hard points. Maximum level speed is quoted as Mach 1.5. Unit cost has been reported as about US$20 million.

Aermacchi MB-311. This is a major upgrade to the S-211 jet trainer that first flew in April 1981.

It has a straight wing with a slightly swept leading edge and a PWC JT15D turbofan with thrust up to 3,200lb. MTOW is about 7,720lb with weapons on four hard points. Maximum dive speed is about 400 knots TAS and 0.8 Mach.

About 50 have been made, some 30 for Singapore and 18 for the Philippines.

Aermacchi MB-339. This has a straight wing with a slightly swept leading edge and a RR Viper 632 engine of 4,300lb thrust. It first flew as long ago as 1978 and about 230 have been built for Argentina, Eritrea, Ghana, Italy, Malaysia, Nigeria, Peru, New Zealand and the UAE (Dubai). MTOW is about 10,900 clean and 14,000lb with stores on six under wing hard points. Maximum level speed is reported as about 490 knots clean.

Aermacchi MB-346 (pictured far left). This is a re-designed and westernised version of the Russian Yak-130 and was rolled out in June 2003.

It has a straight wing with a well-swept leading edge and two 6,250lb thrust Honeywell jet engines. MTOW is reported as 14,800lb clean and 20,900lb in the attack version with weapons on nine hard points. Maximum level speed is about 585 knots at 5000 ft and limiting Mach number is reported as 1.2. An airborne simulation suite ("embedded training") can be fitted for weapon training without the expenditure of live weapons.

India

Japan

HAL HJT-36 Sitara (Star). Hindustani Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of Bangalore developed this aircraft as a replacement for about 170 Kiran aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force. First flight was in March 2003 and deliveries are now in progress. It has a straight wing with a swept

Kawasaki T-4. This has tandem seating, a swept wing and two 3,700lb thrust engines by Ishikawajima-Harima. First flight was in July 1985 and about 210 have been produced.

There are three hard points used currently for fuel tanks rather than armament. MTOW is

Czech Republic Aero Vodochody L-59/159 Albatros series.

These are developments of the earlier L-39/139 designs which first flew in 1968 and over 2800 were built for 15 countries including 2000 for Russia. They all have a straight wing and a single engine with two intakes behind the rear cockpit. The later L-59/159 design first flew in November 1986 and has either the 4,850lb thrust Lotarev DV-2 turbofan or the Honeywell F124 with 6,300lb. MTOW is reported as 11,900lb clean and 15,400lb with stores on five hard points. The latest model offered for sale is the L-159B. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the company has found increasing difficulty in remaining viable and there are reports of major re-structuring.

Europe (EADS)

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is designed for air-to-ground and air-to-air weapon training but without the need to fire expensive weapons. The 128 will also be capable of firing the real weapons where required.

USA

about 12,600lb clean, maximum level speed is about 560 knots at sea level and 0.91 Mach at altitude.

Above The A-50 Golden Eagle developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin

Korea (South)

Yakovlev Yak-130. This has a straight wing with a well-swept leading edge and two Klimov RD-35 turbofan engines with 4,900lb thrust each. First flight was in April 1996 and reportedly the Russian Air Force has ordered 200. MTOW is 12,600lb clean and 19,900 with stores on nine hard points including missile stations on the wing tips. Maximum level speed is reported as 570 knots, clean, at sea level. Aermacchi in Italy produces a variant as the MB-346 (see above).

ATG Javelin. The Aviation Technology Group ATG-1 Javelin has a straight wing with leading edge sweep and two Williams FJ33 jet engines of 1,500lb thrust each. First flight was on 30 September 2005; MTOW is quoted as about 5,000lb and maximum speed as 530 knots and Mach 0.96. Significantly, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is partnering ATG in the programme.

Boeing T-45A Goshawk. This is a navalised version of the UK Hawk 60 trainer (see above under UK), originally a McDonnell Douglas project. For deck landings, a hook was fitted and the undercarriage was strengthened. For catapult launches, a nose launch bar was added. About 200 were built for the US Navy, deliveries being completed in 2003.

Northrop Grumman T-38 Talon. This was based on the earlier Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter and was a two-seat version designed for advanced training. Although the T-38 is now out of production, some 1200 of this twin engined supersonic trainer were built since it entered service in 1961. Over 500 remain in service today in the USA and several other countries.

Spain

Conclusions

Casa 101 Aviojet. This has a straight wing and a Garret TFE731 turbofan with thrust from 3700lb to 4700lb depending on the Aviojet model. First flight was in June 1977. MTOW is 11,100 clean and 13,900 with weapons on seven hard points. Maximum speed is reported as up to 420 knots at sea level. Some 150 have been built for Chile, Honduras, Jordan and Spain.

The market for jet training aircraft is alive and well, despite the general downturn in defence expenditure in Europe during the 1990s. In my opinion, there are too many types of aircraft in the world market for cost-effective production of them all. Some have characteristics more suited to a front-line aircraft rather than a training aircraft suitable for student pilots to fly after their basic training phase. However, facilities that are rightly becoming a requirement for future jet trainers include avionics similar to those of the front line aircraft, and the ability to operate light weapons with similar characteristics of those of the front line. In addition, simulations built in to the avionics suites of modern jet trainers can train weapon procedures without the expense and complications of carrying and firing real weapons. This capability for "embedded training" is now becoming the norm in the latest versions of jet trainers. What has not been mentioned so far is the advantage of the use of ground-based simulators for training at all stages from ab-initio to the front line. The more complex the aircraft and its systems, the more cost-effective it will be to use the powerful technology of simulation as an integral part of any modern training system.

KAI T-50/A-50 Golden Eagle. This is a new supersonic aircraft developed by KAI and Lockheed Martin. It has a straight wing with a swept leading edge and a GE F104 jet engine with 17,700lb thrust with reheat. MTOW is 21,000lb clean and 29,700 with weapons on seven hard points. Four prototypes are flying and the first production aircraft rolled out in October 2005. Maximum level speed is quoted as Mach 1.5 and price is reported to be about US$20M.

Romania Avioane IAR-99 Soim (Hawk). This has a straight wing and first flew in December 1985. It is powered by a Romanian-built RR Viper 632 engine with 4000lb thrust. MTOW is reported as 9,700lb clean and 12,300lb with weapons on five hard points. About 20 are in service in Romania and a further order was announced in November 2004. The latest model is the IAR99C with avionics by Elbit systems of Israel.

Russia MiG-AT. The initials MiG stand for Mikhail I Gurevich, the Soviet era designer. The MiG-AT (Advanced Trainer) has a straight wing and two SNECMA Larzac jet engines of 3,200lb thrust each, although later versions may have the Chernyshev RD1700. First flight was in March 1996. MTOW is about 11,500lb and 18,000lb with stores on nine hard points including missile stations on the wing tips. Maximum level speed is reported as 460 knots at sea level and 540 knots TAS at 8000ft. Unit cost has been reported as about US$12 million. The Russian Air Force reportedly has a requirement for about 200 of the trainer version, which has also been promoted abroad.

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United Kingdom Hawk. The BAE Systems Hawk has a swept wing and a RR Adour jet engine of 5,850lb thrust increasing to 7,000lb in later models. First flight was in August 1974 and over 800 have been delivered to 18 countries in several variants both as trainers and attack aircraft. MTOW is about 12,600lb clean and 20,000 with stores on up to nine hard points including missile stations on the wing tips. Maximum speed is up to 545 knots clean at sea level and Mach 1.2 at altitude.

Hawk 128. Chosen in 2004 by the UK Ministry of Defence as the future advanced training aircraft for the RAF, it will have a glass cockpit, two new mission computers, a more powerful RR Adour engine, an airborne simulation suite and airborne data link. The prototype flew in July 2005. The airborne simulation suite ("embedded simulation")

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CBT for Generation M Got a Cuisinart in your training kitchen? The new buzzwords for computer-based training are “blended” and “integrated.”

Rick Adams looks at trends and examples of CBT.

his is not your father’s Powerpoint.

Static slides are out. Real-time simulations are in. And you may want to consider porting that courseware to a videocapable iPod device soon.

Certainly the driving force for computerbased training is the now-ubiquitous Internet.

But for military training, the wonderful wacky web isn’t so much the delivery mechanism as it is the model for the user interface. In fact, there’s still an understandable reluctance to distribute military content over any connection that’s not controlled and secure.

In the near future, what you’re more likely to see is training courseware packaged for students using a wide range of terminals – handheld personal digital assistants (PDAs), largerscreen tablet devices, probably even fiber optic eyepieces attached to their helmets with a multi-gigabit microcomputer strapped to their belt.

The generation of soldiers, sailors, and airmen being trained today is known in academic cloisters as the “Millennials.” Born after 1980,

T

A screen shot from VTN’s Ole (Online Learning Environment) software.

Image credit: VTN Technologies

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they’ve grown up with the Internet, cell phones, Bluetooth earpieces, iPods, X-box, satellite radio, TiVo, and other electronic gadgets. They expect information to be delivered via the latest technology. At the same time, many Millennials are impatient. They expect instant gratification. As in text messaging.

CAE’s Keith Gladstone, military simulation and training business development director, calls the Millennials a “just in time” learning generation. “Their first question is, ‘Why do I need to know this?’” He cautions that some older instructors are not entirely comfortable adopting new technologies: “There’s a tendency to teach people the way you were taught.” Rather, “Students want to learn their way, not your way.

We need to embrace the new technologies and the power it gives for teaching in novel and exciting ways.”

Distributed Developers The other side of the CBT evolution is the manner in which content and courseware are developed. Collaborative and distributed, much like the learning side.

The “-ilities” of Advanced Distributed Learning • Interoperability: instructional components developed in one system can be easily used in another system.

• Accessibility: access components from and deliver to multiple locations.

• Adaptability: the ability to change to satisfy differing user needs.

• Reusability: use components in multiple applications, courses and contexts.

• Durability: withstand technology changes over time without costly redesign.

• Maintainability: withstand content evolution without costly redesign.

VTN Technologies President and CEO George Uhrich says large CBT development efforts with short timelines require a “production line” effort rather than the previous inefficient “cottage style” method. He has teams in Florida, Texas, and Alberta, for example, working

on the training management system (TMS) for the Canadian Air Force’s Contracted Flying Training and Support (CFTS) program. “You must be able to support geographically dispersed developers, subject matter experts, and reviewers because the best people are spread out around the continent. It’s all web-based so it doesn’t matter where they are physically.”

Adherence to SCORM standards helps enable such long-distance collaboration.

“Everything is a managed object … text, video, animation … it’s all XML based,” Uhrich says.

The advent of “smart graphics” has also been a time saving boon. Rather than having to create 300 separate graphics, for instance, to depict the various possible positions of switches, developers can now use programs such as Macromedia Flash to create interactive switches, dials, and buttons, then re-use the template over and over. And when you change one object, the changes are propagated wherever that smart graphic is applied.

The VTN founder also notes the new “sequencing” rules, which debuted with the SCORM 2004 version “are becoming more

• eLearning • Simulation • Data Collection

Hybrid Learning Systems 847 Airport Road Lemont Furnace, PA USA 15456 Tel. +1 (724) 628 6800 www.hybrid-learning.com

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A Snapshot of ADL, SCORM, and related acronyms Increased deployments. Longer tours. A drastically changing battle theater with a plethora of new technologies. Maintaining military readiness in the information age now requires an “anytime, anywhere” approach. Those impending realities were the genesis at the turn of the century of the US Department of Defense’s Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative to develop distance learning standards which support the needs of developers, students, instructors, and administrators. The ADL’s first-born standard is SCORM, but others are in gestation or planned.

Today, if you want to play in the DoD online training world, you must be SCORMcompliant. Table stakes. No excuses. Currently 143 vendors are regarded as SCORM “Adopters.”

The overarching goal of SCORM (Sharable Courseware Object Reference Model) is interoperability – content that will plug and play well with others.

>>

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important as adaptive learning strategies are increasingly being employed by instructional designers.” At the same time, he continues to see demand for older file-based protocols capable of supporting legacy content.

One aspect that has not changed is that secure content must be produced on a secure terminal. “Some things cannot be done on your home PC or over the Internet,” Uhrich acknowledges. And in the case of some projects, the Edmonton-based company uses separate servers on both sides of the US/Canadian border to satisfy export control laws.

VTN’s new Ole TMS Edition is claimed to be the world’s first totally web-based scheduling system. “It’s very user-friendly,” Uhrich adds. “It allows drag-and-drop changes, rather than waiting for properties pages to refresh.”

Another bugaboo for military training customers is trying to integrate products from multiple vendors. “There have been some failures and frustrations on big programs, software programs not talking with each other, so many people are looking for a one stop shop,” Uhrich says.

“We think we’re there at the right time with the right product.”

Integrated Everything

Blended and Balanced

Uhrich says VTN’s military customers are now requesting a single integrated database that can drive all functionality – learning management system (LMS), learning content management system (LCMS), and training management system (TMS). “They want a seamless view of data across the organization. They want to make modifications once and have them dynamically update throughout the system. And they want fully web-based scheduling.”

CAE’s Gladstone opines that even high-end computer-based training with full fidelity simulation is not intended to be the sole method of future training. “There’s a danger of applying technology indiscriminately. You’ve got to look for a balance.” Customers in the maintenance training market where he is focusing current efforts are looking for a blended solution – a mix of selfpaced CBT, instructor-led courses, hardwarebased part task trainers (for understanding

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Trained, tested and ready With a legacy that extends over more than 30 years, Rheinmetall Defence is today one of the market leader in the provision of military turnkey training solutions, specialised trainers and simulators for all customer needs. The company provides individually tailored training solutions for land, sea and airborne applications that reflect the highest levels of responsiveness and commitment to military customers.

More information: www.rheinmetall-defence.com Come and visit us at Eurosatory 2006, Outdoor Area, Stand No. T 13

Rheinmetall Defence Electronics GmbH Brueggeweg 54 28309 Bremen Germany Phone +49 4 21 457-01 Fax +49 4 21 457-29 00

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>>

The SCORM library of technical standards enables web-based learning systems to find, import, share, reuse, and export learning content in a standardized way. Basically, SCORM governs two things: packaging content and exchanging data. The core “manifest” document contains XML code that describes both the physical file and the structure of a course from the learner’s perspective. Runtime communication code specifies how the content talks to a Learning Management System while the content is playing. The current version is SCORM 2004 2nd Edition, Addendum 1.1, and in February the ADL released SCORM 2004 3rd Edition Public Draft for comment (through May 1st).

The next step in the ADL scheme is developing places to store all of the SCORMcompliant content. That developing set of standards will be known as CORDRA (Content Object Repository Discovery and Registration Architecture).

Think of CORDRA as the Google of distributed learning content. There are some similarities, such as a simple portal-style interface, and some differences (CORDRA is an open model, Google is closed). But essentially both are intended to search and share content. The first CORDRA “instance,” ADL-R (which stores XML metadata that describes content objects), went operational December 1st through March 1st, then moved to an authentication phase. A future CORDRA governance organization is expected to build a “registry of registries” so other implementations of CORDRA may be searched outside of DoD. Other technologies which the ADL is exploring: • Performance aiding (aka performance support) – through automation, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, wearable PCs, wireless networks, etc.

• Games – more specifically, the potential learning benefits of massive multi-player online gaming (MMOG). So you see, Johnny’s not just wasting time when he’s playing Pirates of the Caribbean online for hours with hundreds of other carpal-thumb teenagers – he’s just doing preparatory coursework for the DARWARS Ambush training he’ll receive in the Army National Guard.

• Intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) – ie, virtual instructors … computers mimicking humans, which sounds simple but involves complex interactions of artificial intelligence, language, and cognitive science.

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Above CBT screen shot from the SLQ-25A torpedo countermeasures acoustic decoy system.

Image credit: Hybrid Learning Systems

hydraulic pumps, weapons loading, and so forth), and hands-on with the real equipment.

“We’re not saying you don’t need to touch the airplane anymore. You still need to get your hands dirty.” At the same time, a lot of maintenance training “is pretty much done the same way as it was 30 years ago.” But oftentimes, access to an actual aircraft is not available and hardware trainers may be broken. So the virtual CBT needs to be extensive enough to serve as a backup for any aspect of the curriculum. Virtual training can be applied for “familiarization, procedural, troubleshooting, and maintenance repair and overhaul training in a cost-effective, deployable package.”

Gladstone says CAE adapted its Simfinity full flight simulation from the Royal Australian Air Force’s Black Hawk helicopter pilot program, incorporating active schematics, built-in test, diagnostics, and malfunctions so maintainers could visualize what different systems were doing in real time.

“If you want people to truly learn, they have to participate,” Gladstone insists. He cites an ancient Chinese proverb (probably written a few years before the Internet): “Tell me, I forget.

Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.”

Any Training Need, Any Device Hybrid Learning Systems is one of the companies exploring alternative delivery devices.

They’ve developed prototype software for delivering content to a handheld Nokia device – “the exact same content” as the student would see on a desktop or laptop computer, according to Hybrid’s President and CEO, Kris Rockwell. “It took us one day to migrate to what Nokia calls their Internet Tablet.” The size of a PDA, the handheld runs Linux and uses a wireless local area network (WLAN) to

communicate, but there’s no cell phone component.

Based in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, the three-year-old Hybrid is chasing markets “where training is not so readily accessible for many people,” Rockwell says.

For example, they’ve developed a CBT program through ArgonST for the SLQ-25A torpedo countermeasures acoustic decoy system commonly referred to as Nixie. Whereas Nixie training used to take place during brief periods when sailors were shore-based, now they can train anytime onboard. The Hybrid CBT incorporates 3D graphics representing the SLQ-25A system in deep water and shallow water states, and provides the student a perspective of observing the decoy behind the ship (which he cannot see using the actual equipment). “It allows the students to understand what happens when they go through certain actions,” Rockwell explains.

Other niche areas Hybrid has exploited include training for the GEN-4 digital communications receiver, Inmarsat satellite signal acquisition, a perimeter security radar tracking system, and even VIP protection – how to escort people to and from cars, airplanes, and related bodyguard tactics.

Rockwell leans to audio and animations, but minimal video. “A video doesn’t provide interactivity.” He likes the lock-step methodology of procedural training and testing before graduating to full simulation. “You have to learn the procedures before you get to play with the software.”

Although the principals of Hybrid are former US Airways pilots, 90 percent of their business is military. “Our expertise is content development and desktop simulation,” says Rockwell. “We developed a solid course content platform, and we populate it with content in a very flexible manner.” As one proof point, he notes they completed conversion of one course into Japanese within a day of receiving the translation.

What’s the Difference?

Some folks don’t distinguish between LMS and LCMS, but to others there is a difference.

A Learning Management System (LMS) is software that generally focuses on student registration, tracking courses and testing, and perhaps managing instructor-led classes.

A Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is geared to organizing content and presenting it to students via an LMS.

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ROYAL NETHERLANDS ARMY NEWSLETTER

Delivering Federated Interoperability through the application of Modern and Smart Technologies Modern warfare threats, subsequent changes in military Doctrine, rationalisation and budget constraints, modern students and advancements in platforms and learning technologies are but some of the factors that have created new challenges for the Royal Netherlands Land Army (RNLA).

A number of companies have been consulted to investigate a potential solution to support to RNLA future training aspirations, under a project entitled EOS System 1.

A roadmap of innovative technologies and solutions are being introduced to enhance the ‘Crawl, Walk and Run’ phases of RNLA training whilst sustaining training output and quality.

A Modern web based Training Management Information system (TMIS) and integrated Federated Digital Repository will provide the functionality necessary to deliver true Federated Interoperability of Knowledge and information sufficiently flexible and versatile to meet the fluidic and dynamic nature of operational and learning environments.

The RNLA have regularly embraced and implemented technological and training change requirements where deemed applicable.

As alluded to, the dynamic nature of training, cultural changes and information management requirements dictates that a greater management and understanding of the future ‘Knowledge and information Economy’ is required.

‘Federated interoperability’ linking all knowledge, Learning and Management information with modern technologies through communities of practice will enable the RNLA to achieve their knowledge and training management objectives.

The solution proposed by this consortium will deliver knowledge, training, management and learning information from multiple inputs, to multiple delivery output channels and Virtual Learning Environments simultaneously and dynamically within an integrated and distributed framework.

The future of Learning and Development does not stop at the gates of the lead training Garrisons and establishments or learning providers!

Seamless transition into operational training environments aligned to the needs of the RNLA Rapid Reaction Forces is now a real time requirement.

This can be enhanced through the design and application of modern training philosophies and gaming technologies, the design and implementation of modern learning environments to augment training and the introduction of mobile, wireless and Smart solutions. Underpinned by “robust evaluation and analysis of requirements”, RNLA students will be stimulated, motivated and supported across the full spectrum of training up to Operational Readiness status and beyond. Today’s issues are tomorrow’s solutions!

Additional information and demonstrations on these solutions can be found at ITEC 2006 on stand 352.

Please phone: +(44) (0)7746597534 or +44 (0)7961178919 for further information

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The Virtual Combat Training Center:

An Intelligent Tutor for a Tactical Simulation A PC-based simulation of a combat training center (CTC), an intelligent agent observer-controller (O/C), popup guidance and After Action Review (AAR) all make for a “Virtual CTC”. William R Murray, Michelle Sams, and Pat Proctor describe the V-CTC and how it works. he Virtual Combat Training Center (V-CTC) is a PC-based simulation of a combat training center (CTC) and an observer-controller (O/C). The virtual O/C provides pop-up guidance during a mission, followed by an After Action Review (AAR). The virtual O/C capabilities are based on intelligent tutoring system (ITS) technologies that are typically labor intensive and expensive to develop.

V-CTC, however, amortizes this cost across simulations by separating the ITS component from the simulation and through an architecture designed for reuse. V-CTC tutor capabilities are demonstrated in an example for battalion fire support officers using the tactical simulation Armored Task Force.

T

The Need and Opportunity Army training in most FORSCOM units revolves around preparing for and participating in Combat Training Centers (CTC). At these centers, the troops fight against intelligent, experienced live opponents using equipment and tactics of enemy forces. The CTCs provide invaluable live training opportunities, however these training experiences are limited due to their availability 18

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Above Figure 1. Virtual O/C advice with suggested targets highlighted by red circles

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and expense. For example, in a typical National Training Center (NTC) rotation, there is only enough time to practice two to three missions on offense and on defense. According to some estimates, it costs one million dollars a day for a brigade to train at NTC. Commanders are often reassigned to new positions after a CTC rotation, leaving the new commander of the unit to learn anew what his departing predecessor has just learned.

The benefits of these live training experiences can be extended by providing low-cost, readily available, realistic, and relevant PC-based training prior to CTC rotations to better use the time there and subsequent to rotations to enhance retention. The purpose of V-CTC is to provide this training.

It could allow commanders and staff officers to better learn tactics prior to an NTC rotation, for example, in LTP (leader training programs), allowing a greater focus on TTPs (tactics, techniques, and procedures) while at NTC itself.

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20 YEARS OF SOFTWARE TOOLS INNOVATION. EXACTING STANDARDS. INDUSTRY LEADER. FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF MISSION CRITICAL AVIONICS DISPLAYS TO CUTTING-EDGE SIMULATION SYSTEMS, ENGENUITY IS SETTING A NEW STANDARD WITH ITS INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE TOOLS.

An Example of Operation It is best to describe the V-CTC tutor’s capabilities with an example. In this scenario the commander is defending the Brown-Debnam passes at NTC. Before the first wave of enemy battalions descends a combat reconnaissance patrol (CRP) is sent out. Let us suppose the trainee, who takes the role of the lieutenant-colonel of the defending battalion, targets the CRP lead tank with BBDPICM (base-burn dual-purpose improved conventional munitions) from the 3 M109A6 howitzer batteries available.

There are several problems with this action that most players would never find out about without tutor feedback, or another player’s helpful guidance. In this case the tutor pauses the simulation and pops up the guidance shown in Figure 1.

The tutor points out that the most important targets are now are enemy observer targets. Why? These observers will call in enemy artillery on friendly units that are dug in (i.e., they have no place to go, or if they do displace, they will lose their defensive advantages). First, the enemy will take out the fire direction centers (FDCs), disabling friendly artillery, and then other high value targets such as Bradley Linebackers (air defense units).

Fortunately, the player takes the advice and dispatches the observers with 1 BN HE (1 battalion high-explosive, or 18 M106A9 rounds) each.

Later, he sees enemy tanks coming down the inlet to the right side, coming through the large red arrow shaped like a rotated shepherd’s crook, near the red 2 flag. He decides to block them by firing 3 BN FASCAM (3 volleys of 1 battalion (i.e., 18 guns) of FASCAM). Again, the tutor intervenes, but this time presenting a mini-tutorial on FASCAM. Unfortunately, now is not a good time to use FASCAM, as it will take too long to fire the field of mines, and the tanks will slip by before it is set up. So this mini-tutorial discusses when it is, or is not, appropriate to fire FASCAM. See Figure 2.

Upon completion of the mission, the tutor provides a diagnostic AAR. The AAR includes expert solutions for each mission, along with an analysis of the pattern of errors the learner made, and recommendations for improvement.

As an example of the kind of sophisticated evaluation that such a tutor can provide, V-CTC provides four types of scores for each fire mission in the AAR: • Target selection – how appropriate the user’s target selection is, compared to that required for the current phase of the maneuver plan, which V-CTC tracks, • Munition selection – given a choice of target, was the type of munition and amount selected sufficient for the goal intended (destroy or suppress target)?

• Observation planning – given the enemy’s high value targets, how appropriate is the placement of the player’s scouts, COLTs, and FIST teams?

• Observer survivability – have the observer assets been placed in locations where they can survive long enough to be useful?

Redraw the line between human and machine with a powerful solution that seamlessly blends prototyping, embedding, simulation, and artificial intelligence applications.

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www.engenuitytech.com © 2006 Engenuity Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. Engenuity, the Engenuity logo, VAPS, STAGE and AI.implant are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Engenuity Technologies Inc., in Canada and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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In the AAR a timeline display shows each of these four measures for each fire mission. For example, Figure 3 shows the feedback for a fire mission where 1 BN of BBDPICM was fired at a BRDM-2 ATGM. The munition selection score is only 60 since one battery alone is typically sufficient to destroy a BRDM-2 rather than 1 battalion. Observer planning was scored as zero as there was another, higher priority target that the player could not see as the scouts were not well placed.

A mini-tutorial may be triggered by poor observation planning, as in the case above, or by poor observer survivability, e.g., if too many scouts are destroyed.

These examples illustrate how the tutor assists the trainee tactically in a similar way to a human O/C.The tutor’s advice is, in fact, modeled after the advice that an observer / controller would give at the Army’s National Training Center.

Left Figure 2. A mini-tutorial on using FASCAM Above Figure 3. Feedback for one fire mission in the AAR

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Technical Approach Typically, an intelligent tutoring system can be very expensive to build as it may require multiple knowledge-based systems to be built and coupled with a domain simulation.V-CTC is designed to provide a cost-effective solution since: • The cost can be amortized over many applications – since the ITS component could be coupled to different tactical simulations, and tutoring could occur for different duty positions.

• The GUI’s are reusable – a large amount of time is often spent in building the graphical interface for an ITS, and by providing ready-made templates for tutor interactions and mini-tutorials a considerable savings can be realized.

• The O / C teaching strategies are reusable – the specific AAR template and approach to tutorial interventions may be reused for multiple tactical applications.

• Knowledge is represented in an ontology – allowing reuse of shared concepts wherever possible.

The philosophy of V-CTC is to leverage existing high-fidelity tactical simulations built by domain experts rather than to attempt to build new simulations. Developer cooperation is required to modify an existing simulation so that its internal event stream is made accessible over a TCP-IP socket link.

Furthermore, information needed for instruction (e.g., what enemy vehicles can the friendly side see?) needs to be made accessible at tutor request, along with facilities for pausing the simulation and highlighting screen areas.

V-CTC uses several AI technologies, such as a blackboard architecture and Bayesian reasoning, that are described in detail in the project final report, and more concisely in an I/ITSEC 2005 paper. Basically, its operation can be viewed as that of a rule-based system, with modifications to accept real-time events, and with knowledge bases to model knowledge about tactics (the domain) and when to intervene and what to say (feedback and instruction).

ASYMMETRICAL WARFARE. IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES.

ARE YOUR SIMULATIONS PREPARED FOR THE MASSES?

Status and Summary V-CTC is available under a government rights license to those working on government contracts or for the government. V-CTC runs as an overlay (patch) to the commercially available tactical simulation and game Armored Task Force available at www.prosimco.com.

V-CTC is currently at the level of beta-test code and a proof of concept.

Testing is still pending. Four scenarios are implemented for battalion fire support officers and two for company team commanders, either mechanized infantry or armor. One scenario is situated in Baghdad, three in NTC, and two more nearby in Death Valley. For more information about V-CTC and to see Flash demonstrations of V-CTC operation please go to www.v-ctc.com/v-ctc/ V-CTC shows what can be accomplished now by combining ITS technology with today’s modern tactical simulations available via a laptop. Such a tool can leverage the appeal of popular tactical simulations to provide the hundreds to thousands of hours of practice required to develop expertise in combined arms warfare. It can increase retention of CTC skills, and greatly leverage the value of time spent during CTC rotations.

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The Way Ahead Learning environments, such as high-fidelity simulations, are more effective (i.e., we learn more in less time) with a human tutor/mentor. An intelligent agent that approximates the full capabilities of a human coach/tutor is a challenge for the science and technology community. For example, it is relatively easy for an agent to evaluate quantitative performance in simulations (e.g., ammo expended, number of kills) but it is more difficult to evaluate qualitative aspects (e.g., adaptive thinking, leader skills). Some key areas for further research include: • Knowledge representation and reasoning; • Models of learners (individuals, teams, organizations);

www.engenuitytech.com/AI ©2006 Engenuity Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. Engenuity, the Engenuity logo and AI.implant are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Engenuity Technologies Inc., in Canada and/or other countries.

All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

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• Coaching/tutor strategies; • Natural language understanding and generation; and • Authoring capabilities for tutor agents and simulations.

Development and delivery costs of intelligent agent systems can be made more reasonable by adopting the goals of reuse, extensibility, and interoperability.

In the years ahead, training will evolve to a more continuous, life-long learning process. Intelligent agents will be able to utilize a persistent, evolving model of an individual learner and create customized learning activities, as well as dynamically adjust their on-the-job performance support and decision aiding.

Acknowledgments The V-CTC project was a Phase II SBIR (Contract No. DAAH01-03-C-R302) funded by DARPA's Training Superiority (DARWARS) program. The authors would like to thank Dr. Ralph Chatham, Program Manager, for his visionary concepts and commitment to revolutionizing training. We would also like to thank Pat Proctor, President of ProSIM Company, for assisting us by sharing his expertise in the areas of tactics, combined arms warfare, Army training, and the operation of the ATF tactical simulation. Dr. Murray and Dr. Sams worked on this project while at Teknowledge Corporation.

The Authors William R. Murray – Boeing Phantom Works william.r.murray@boeing.com Michelle Sams – U.S. Army Research Institute michelle.sams@us.army.mil Pat Proctor – ProSIM Company pproctor@prosimco.com

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Wargaming and Future Instruction in PC-Based War Games Military units get to pick what methods they use to train. If the training method is like taking medicine, and alternative methods are available, units will find another way to achieve the same training objectives. I believe that computer-based training has proven itself as equally effective to (and in many cases superior to) live training. Now we must cross the next hurdle, and make it more DESIRABLE. In its infancy, the simple fact that training was computer-based was enough to encourage units to use the tool. But, as service members become increasingly more sophisticated in their computer knowledge and skills, computer-based training must become increasingly innovative and entertaining to compete with other training methods.

This is where commercial wargaming holds the most promise as the basis for future computer-based training tools. Commercial entertainment products have proven themselves in the marketplace, and are designed with entertainment in mind.

Wargaming's obsessive focus on realism, coupled with its entertainment value, provides a strong foundation for future military training tools.

But right now they are like the CTC without the O/C. In the V-CTC work I could see a first step to providing simulated O/C capabilities. In the future, simulated instructors coupled with high-fidelity simulations, like ATF, can provide the best of both worlds: the most realistic tactical simulations possible, coupled with the best tactical tutoring systems possible, both delivered in highly portable computer environments. – Pat Proctor

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European Military Transformation European nations have their own unique approaches to transformation, albeit within an Alliance framework. Walter F. Ullrich overviews transformation approaches and initiatives in Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Switzerland, and the UK. He would like to thank the Bundeswehr Centre for Transformation for providing information about the German Transformation Process.

urope’s armed forces are changing.

They are undergoing the most radical restructuring process ever. It all started in the aftermath of the Cold War when strategies had to be adapted to the new situation in Europe.

Other driving forces were the emergence of ethnic conflicts within Europe, just across borders; an escalating, all-embracing globalisation; and all accompanied by the appearance of new threats that are even affecting some nations on their own territory. For the European nations, NATO is the political and military centre of gravity; transformation is firmly embedded within the Alliance.

This is also true for a European generated defence, which does not compete with but complements NATO endeavours.

Transformation, as seen by Europeans, is much more political than technical, with sociopolitical and human aspects. Novel concepts enabling network-centric warfare, heavily powered by the United States, are less radically pursued in Europe. The Old Continent does aim at narrowing the technological gap through tailored network enabled capabilities; but many of these high-end solutions are still out of reach for most European countries. European transformation therefore consists of integrating some capabilities into the overall process, for the good of

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the Alliance. So, transformation in Europe may also mean specialisation. European nations will give to the Alliance what they do best – and what they can afford.

Germany: New Defence Position Officially, transformation in the German Armed Forces started on 1 October 2003, when the Minister of Defence issued the ‘Directive for the Further Development of the German Armed Forces’. The guiding principle is the sustainable

improvement of the forces' capabilities across the entire task spectrum specified in the Defence Policy Guidelines. These are primarily multinational conflict prevention and crisis management operations. Anything that is not beneficial to this goal is considered secondary. Structures, organisational processes and training will be adapted accordingly; materiel and equipment planning will focus on that goal and will be brought in line with available funds. A concept is being prepared addressing the unlikely event of the need

The A400M will give strategic deployment capabilities to Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and United Kingdom.

Image credit: EADS

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for traditional home territory defence operations against a conventional attack.

In fact, this new defence policy signalled a completely revised position regarding Germany’s ability and willingness to send troops to participate in multilateral missions – theoretically worldwide. "German security is now being defended at the Hindu Kush," said the then Defence Minister, Peter Struck, to illustrate the new maxim.

The 2004 ‘Bundeswehr Concept’ described transformation as a continuous process of improving and sustaining the forces’ operational capabilities, responding adequately to the changing security policy environment. To this end, progress in information and communication technology is being proactively exploited and developments in the fields of concepts, doctrine, training, organisation and structures are consistently being followed up. Contrary to all former reforms of the armed forces, this transformation process has been launched with no pre-defined end-state. Transformation continuously takes into account the speed of technological and political changes. This allows in-time adjustments to the armed forces' development and avoids former tiresome experiences, namely that reforms tend to be overtaken by unforeseen changes or unexpected change rates.

Germany has created three categories of forces: response forces, stabilisation forces and support forces. These force categories will be specifically trained and equipped for their respective missions. Regarding materiel, those which protect forces while abroad are second to none – Germany currently has about 10,000 soldiers deployed worldwide, the second-largest military contribution after the United States. Next, capabilities will be acquired which are currently not available at all or only inadequately, for example those needed for strategic deployment, global reconnaissance, interoperable command & control capabilities and operational effectiveness (see sidebar for acquisition requirements). Likewise, basic capabilities for joint and combined operations will be built up. They are the prerequisite for network-enabled, joint capabilities.

German Transformation Enabling Acquisition Requirements • FüInfoSys SK, the Command and Control Information System for the German Armed Forces • SATCOMBw, Satellite Communications for the German Armed Forces • SAR-Lupe, a Synthetic Aperture Radar reconnaissance satellite imaging project, • AGS, the Alliance Ground Surveillance • SIGINT UAV, EuroHawk-type unmanned aircraft

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Technology Beyond Limits

Competence – Innovation – Solutions Our insistence on optimising the reliability and quality of our products has given us an outstanding position on the world market for simulations of armored vehicles. As a result, many institutions around the world now use our state-of-the-art technology with great success. www.kmwsim.com

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ITEC is Europe’s Only Conference and Exhibition Dedicated to Defence Training, Education and Simulation

TRAINING

SIMULATION

EDUCATION

ITEC delivers training and simulation senior officials and procurement officers from the international military and defence industry ■ ■ ■ ■

Sharing valuable lessons learned between key players Establish International business partnerships Latest developments in industry Target specific procurement projects

For further information please contact the ITEC Team Tel: +44 (0) 208 910 7817 or email itec@reedexpo.co.uk

ORGANISED BY

www.itec.co.uk

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• A-400M transport aircraft • NH-90 helicopter and the MH-90 navy version • CH-53G, product upgrade for the German Army's transport helicopter • EF 2000 combat aircraft • TIGER attack helicopter • MEADS, a tactically mobile and transportable air and missile defence system • Frigate 125 • SSC Type 212 submarine • Wheeled armoured personnel carrier • Supply Vessel • Infantryman of the Future • New Soldier Concept • Identification friend or foe The German Armed Forces are presently in a transitional phase: they are still completing the last reform step but already developing a future system of transformation in terms of structures, procedures and main activities. The first projects of transformation, mainly in the area of concept development and experimentation have been launched; Germany is currently focussing on its present and future commitments and contributions within NATO, the EU and UN in order to gain momentum and support for the transformation. The majority of measures will commence in 2007 and will be reflected in new structures, tailored procurement of materiel and equipment, and demand-oriented stationing of troops.

The newly established Bundeswehr Centre for Transformation (ZTransfBw) plays a pivotal role in the transformation process and in co-ordinating transformation activities. At the level of

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Coordinated Approach to Transformation, CD&E and M&S in the Bundeswehr Credit: ZTransfBw

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Chief of Defence Staff D/ChoD - Transformation Agent

Ministry of Defence Division Level

Transformation Coordination Group • all military and civilian departments represented • Chair: Chief, Bundeswehr Planning Division

Branch Level

M&S WG • Chair: IT C2 Spt Br.

CD&E WG • Chair: Planning Br.

Transformation WG • Chair: Concept Br.

Senior Commands level cooperation BWB 1 CD&E M&S

IT Office CD&E M&S

Centre for Transformation CD&E OR/M&S

“CIB” WG 2

“CD&E” WG

Service Commands and Offices Development Div.

“M&S” WG

1 Bundeswehr 2 CIB

the Ministry of Defence, the deputy of the Chief of Defence (D/ChoD) is in charge of transformation.

He heads the Transformation Board on which all services as well as the non-military directorates of the Ministry of Defence are represented. At ministerial level the military staffs and the civilian directorates, two of the latter in charge of the development and procurement of armament and information technology, are co-ordinating their activities in permanent working groups. At the senior commands level, the ministerial guidance is translated into transformational activities and their execution directed and co-ordinated. These commands are direct partners of the ZTransfBw.

Office for Defence Technologies and Aquisition = Centre for Transformation, IT Office BWB

The civilian industrial and research base represents the third level.

Transformation is under way in Germany.

Its progress largely depends on flexible, unbureaucratic co-operation between the organisations involved and a change in many people's heads – at all levels. But even more importantly, it relies on consistent funding. Progress in the transformational process is extremely sensitive to these factors. Ultimately, the success of transformation in Germany depends on how much importance German politicians are willing to attach to the nation’s active participation in international security policy.

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Czech Republic: Trying to Catch up For the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic (ACR), transformation actually began in 1991, when NATO invited the Eastern European nations to join its newly formed North Atlantic Co-operation Council. That marked the beginning of a strenuous, decade-long preparation phase during which old Cold War structures – both mental and organisational – were abolished and the Armed Forces modernised and standardised to ensure interoperability with the Western Allies. Fully-fledged NATO membership was finally achieved in March 1999, after having met the minimum military requirements for NATO accession. In May 2001, the Centre for the Preparation of the Reform of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic was established, and tasked to complete a comprehensive defence review of the ACR. The 2001 Reform of the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic (AF CR) – Objectives and Principles aims to make the Czech Armed Forces a ‘compact, intrinsically balanced and efficient part of the Alliance’s forces, capable of fulfilling tasks across a broad range of operations and all over the area of interest of NATO’.

As of today, the Czech Republic has implemented numerous structural and organisational changes. How things will continue, however, largely depends on the flow of economic resources. The government’s decision in 2003 to drastically reduce the Army’s budget as part of an overall austerity package will probably delay the goal of implementing a radical military reform.

France: Taking Transformation Seriously The changing world has led France to completely rethink her aims and the defence capability needed. France's borders are no longer under threat. However, the nation’s regular participation in peacemaking and peacekeeping forces, committing armed forces to controlling conflicts, enforcing cease-fires and protecting civilian populations – often at a great distance from France – call for specific organisation. All this led to a reform of France's defence capability, which was completed in January 2003. Known as the 2003 to 2008 Military Planning Act, it provides for the suspension of conscription, more compact forces and reorganisation of reserve and active forces.

Transformation, according to the French definition, “illustrates the will of the Ministry of Defence to dynamise and federate initiatives, in order to improve the effectiveness of military actions”. It is a new state of mind, implying new ways of working, but it is not a frantic technology race.

The three pillars of transformation are coherence between organisation and chain of command, optimisation of capabilities and adaptation of human resources. Man is at the 28 MS&T MAGAZINE ı ISSUE 2/2006

Above Skynet 5 will provide next generation global military satellite communications for the UK MoD. Image credit: EADS

heart of transformation. The Joint Chief of Staff and the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement) manage a global action list that steers transformation.

France sees the military modernisation process as based on the nation’s legacy forces, an approach that might not look too exiting. Yet there are ambitious projects on the agenda, indicating the shift towards network centricity: BOA (Bulle Operationelle Aéroterrestre), the French Air/Land Operational Bubble, a networked closecombat system; FÉLIN, the French Soldier System, a modular infantry combat suite; and the system architecture and concept evaluation tool SIM-EC3.

Contrary to many others, transformation in France is backed by solid funding. La Grande Nation is determined to give her military the financial wherewithal to achieve the Armed Forces Model for 2015 and thus to implement the President's commitments.

Switzerland: Adapting Traditions The Swiss Confederation is built on three pillars: neutrality, direct democracy and military sovereignty. Since the birth of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, the militia army, safeguarding sovereignty, is firmly embedded in the society.

Following good old Helvetian traditions that place the shaping of the nation and its institutions in the hands of its citizens, the transformation of the armed forces is the outcome of several plebiscites.

For example, in a referendum an overwhelming majority approved the Armed Forces XXI plan.

In 2002, the Swiss Federal Assembly adopted the Armed Forces White Paper, transforming the forces and decreasing personnel strength from 400,000 to 200,000 and reserve forces to an end-state strength of 80,000. The process will move Switzerland from a territorialbased defence to a more dynamic manoeuvre-

based policy. According to the novel army concept “New Swiss Armed Forces” (former Project Swiss Armed Forces XXI), Switzerland is striving to improve its peacekeeping operation capabilities under UN or OSCE mandates. In the medium term, forces of up to battalion strength or, alternatively, two reinforced units will be provided.

The implementation of the new concept and structure started in January 2004. As Switzerland is enhancing its international co-operation with neighbours and NATO/PfP partners, it has to give up some national sovereignty. This might turn out to be a too unreasonable demand for some tradition-conscious Swiss.

United Kingdom: Rebalancing the Forces In 2004, the then British Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon, announced far-reaching changes in Britain's armed forces. "Our need in the future is for flexible and adaptable armed forces properly supported to carry out the most likely expeditionary operations," he said in a report presented to Parliament. The re-shaping will make the forces fit to meet the requirements of changed threats, by using new weapons technology.

At the heart of the transformation, which will affect all service branches, is Network Enabled Capability (NEC). The UK has defined a set of priorities to deliver NEC over three interconnected phases, which will improve the connectivity of currently planned equipment, further integrate organisations and systems, and then synchronise all aspects of military effect.

Within the next five years several major programmes will contribute to the high-capacity network required to support NEC: Skynet 5 will deliver the next generation of military satellite communications services to support all UK operations; Cormorant will link the strategic satellitebased communications with operationally deployed headquarters; Falcon will provide a secure communication system at operational level; and Bowman will meet tactical voice and data communications needs. Building on these foundations, the Defence Information Infrastructure will provide the capability to exchange and share electronic information across the complete set of assets. Standoff sensors like Watchkeeper, an Unmanned Air Vehicle and ASTOR airborne surveillance system will meet the Army and RAF requirement for surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition information, as well as providing the UK’s contribution to NATO’s Alliance Ground Surveillance project.

The UK has decided to prioritise expeditionary operations capacities, to the detriment of flagship programmes like Astute, Nimrod and the Eurofighter. One can spend money only once, that's the way it is.

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MS&T INTERVIEW

Setting Ambitious Goals MS&T’s Walter F. Ullrich spoke with THALES’ Jean-Paul Lepeytre, Senior VicePresident Services Division. Lepeytre, a graduate of the Ecole Supérieure d'Optique, joined the Thomson-CSF Group in 1972. In July 2004, he was appointed Senior Vice-President of the Services Division, one of the THALES Group's six divisions.

n its many years of existence, THALES has undergone a lot of changes in terms of structure, even in name, many of them only recently. What has been the ultimate goal of all this restructuring?

The life of an enterprise is complex; it must adapt to its surroundings, to its market. Changes are an indication that an enterprise is evolving.

There are three principle facets to the Group's development over the past 15 years. First of all, the French group became really international with a strong presence in countries in which it hadn't been active before, including a strong branch in Britain. After the acquisition of the British company Racal Electronics we became the number two supplier of the British Ministry of Defence. Secondly, there was a strong increase in civil activities in sectors like air transport, terrestrial transport and e-government.

Today civil activities account for about 40%, defence for 60%. Ten years ago civil activities only accounted for 10% and the military for 90%. Thirdly, information technologies have emerged as the core skill, one of the Group's basic competences. Naturally, there are many more aspects; we have made a lot of acquisitions and have doubled our business figures over the past five years! However, these were the three main drivers we could quote in terms of

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Jean-Paul Lepeytre, Senior Vice-President Services Division, THALES. Image credit: THALES

the evolution THALES has undergone. The name change in 2000 was intended to indicate the profound change the Group has undergone, saying: Look, this is the new Thomson CSF - THALES.

THALES claims to be a global leader with a ‘multi-domestic’ approach. What is so special about this strategy?

That's very easy to explain. 'Multi-domestic' means being French in France, British in Britain, Australian in Australia, and German in Germany.

It means that we want to be recognised as being from a country in that country. We believe that MS&T MAGAZINE ı ISSUE 2/2006

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the decisions in our business domains - defence, security or the corresponding services - are made at national level: the decision-makers are in those countries! Being multi-domestic means having local engineer teams serving the customers in these countries, convincing them to chose us as a domestic provider. We find expertise in the country in question; we use local manpower. There is a local management: in England an Englishman, in Germany a German. We understand the culture. We answer to a specific national need, recognise its importance and the options that country has. At the same time, however, we let customers benefit from the expertise we have in other countries.

You have been head of the newly established Services Division since July 2004. How is the division positioned within the Thales group and what services do you provide?

The Services Division is one of Group's six divisions. Its establishment demonstrates the priority the Group is attaching to the development of service activities. As a matter of fact, this is a new demand from our customers - we are just responding to our clients’ requests. We built our service activity around two principal competences: the simulation competency, which includes training services, and the IT capability, including informatics services. These are the two pillars, although it is our aim to merge the two.

Let me give you an example. When we deliver a new system to a customer, the customer has to deal with what we introduce. The personnel affected need regular, special training in order to be able to handle the transition. Virtual environments will help to present the new surroundings to the operators. So, two pillars - simulation, virtual environments, training services, along with IT and IT services, and a combination of the two - help the customer to manage the transformation of his workspace.

What share of business do services represent within the THALES Group?

In total, services represent 25% of the Group’s activities. The divisions, which control specific equipment, account for half. For example, services related to visualisation of the Airbus system are handled by the Aerospace Division. About half of the services are in the Services Division, which today represents €1.5 billion and more than 10,000 employees.

What part do simulation and modelling technologies play in the Services Division?

There are two aspects to this question. Firstly, simulation and training of pilots and crews, civil or military, is manifesting itself more and more 32 MS&T MAGAZINE ı ISSUE 2/2006

often in service contracts. Training is sold as a type of service, a relation with the customer, which is no longer one of equipment supplier but of a service provider. Secondly, simulation stands for the technologies of synthetic environments, the presentation of situations. In the defence sector, we offer these technologies to allow customers to prepare their future strategy or new tactics. In the civil sector, this could be how to prepare utilisation of the new systems the customer has bought, allowing the representation of what will be the new environment.

Above THALES was recently awarded new contracts for the TRUST3000 driving simulator in Finalnd and Germany.

Image credit: THALES

Could you name some of the major achievements in that area under your aegis?

The main achievement was the extraordinary increase in purchase orders for civil simulators, which doubled in 2005 compared to 2004. In particular, I would like to mention an important contract with Boeing for the 787 Dreamliner. This obviously positions us pretty well, allows us to win market share - and we have both the A380 and the Boeing 787.

You described your European involvement. What about France?

In France we are participating in so-called competitiveness clusters, an initiative launched by the French Government last year, which groups together businesses, research centres and governmental organisations in regional clusters around certain projects. We are involved in two competitiveness clusters.

One, called “Systematic”, in the south of Paris grouped around the Ecole Polytechnique campus, deals with complex systems design and management.

The second in the Toulouse and Bordeaux region concerns aerospace.

THALES has traditionally invested in R&D. What is being done in that area in view of decreasing public budgets?

Our method for countering the falling R&D budgets is to be present in Brussels, where the future European Union research policy is made.

We are there involved in preparing the Seventh PCRD, the Seventh Research Framework Programme, carrying on the 2007 - 2013 budget of the European Union. Thales is leading two Technology Platforms. One deals with aeronautics, i.e. the development of future aircraft, future aeronautic systems; the second involves software and services, of which I myself am chair. It is called NESSI - named after the Loch

Ness Monster - the Networked European Software & Services Initiative. So, being very present in the European Commission, influencing the investment choices for the seventh research plan, starting in 2007, is an investment in R&D. This is the financial source that allows us to continue to develop.

Which emerging technology will have the biggest impact on your Services Division?

Today, information technology is THALES's core business. This is true for the Services Division and for simulation. We are now seeing the emergence of open source software technologies, which we are working with and which we are investing a great deal of money in. So it is open software development which is, I believe, the emerging technology which will influence IT overall and, especially, simulation technology.

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ITEC is just around the corner; what will THALES be taking to the trade fair?

THALES will not be present at the 2006 European exhibition; that is our decision for this year. In terms of exterior communication we have in fact decided to focus less on trade fairs and to be closer to the customer, to organise customer conferences to which only customers are invited so we can get closer to their needs.

We have decided to be present only at I/ITSEC in Orlando, a truly global trade fair. We want to demonstrate that we are a global provider.

Regarding Europe, we are in a safe position. We now want to access a larger market and place ourselves in the position of a global, not just European, player.

Last year EADS was about to buy THALES. This year rumours have named ALCATEL as the potential buyer. THALES itself had its eye on STN Atlas. Would you like to comment on that?

As regards EADS and ALCATEL: No comment!

We did indeed participate in the competition for STN Atlas and we weren’t chosen. That's a pity, we believe, for industrial consolidation in

Europe, because we had offered a very European solution which would have created a global leader in underwater technology. That's all I'd like to say on that subject.

Where do you see THALES Services five years from now?

First, we would like to position ourselves as global leader in the field of civil simulators, both aeronautical and non-aeronautical, and also as one of the global leaders in military simulation. In terms of European programmes, we have been positioned very well over the past few years. We now want to position ourselves in the upcoming U.S. military programmes. Today we are number two in the world. It is our aim, our ambition, to become the global leader in simulation. That's not very modest, but it's our ambition. On the one hand, THALES's strategy is, as you said, multi-domestic. As regards simulators, we are present in Britain, in France, in Germany, in Australia and in the United States.

We are present in five countries today, yet I wish we could develop this presence in other countries, particularly in Asia. The Group’s second strategic element is the 'civil-defence' dual-

ity. With respect to simulators we are also present in the defence area for rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. Regarding the two big aircraft manufacturers, we are present at both. The third element is to cover our customers' entire quality chain, both equipment and services.

During the next five years I intend to increase the service part, which today has a very strong position in Britain with a number of PFI, Private Finance Initiative, contracts. We won the first in Germany less than a year ago for the NH-90.

There will be more to come for various European programmes, so the services part will develop over the next five years.

Today, one-and-a-half years after the Services Division was built, the division is fully functional. We are ready to continue to develop in areas linked to IT and simulation technology.

We believe in the convergence of these two technologies; and that it is in our customers’ interest. That is our technical challenge.

Moreover, we believe that our presence in a number of countries will allow us to be the confirmed world leader in a few years from now. So, a lot of ambition - both commercially and technically. That's the way forward for us.

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EDITORIAL BOARD

MS&T Meets Training Transformation MS&T invited Dr Paul Mayberry, Mr Dan Gardner, and Dr Bob Wisher to participate in an Editorial Board meeting at I/ITSEC 2005.

Managing Editor Jeff Loube reports on the meeting, with files from Rick Adams and Editor-in-Chief Chris Lehman.

/ITSEC is a pivotal event for the global military training community and therefore for MS&T. It is our single most important opportunity throughout the year to meet friends, detect trends and check out the issues. We use the occasion to get feedback from our readers and our clients. We like the feeling we get when we’re told we’re covering the right issues. We certainly like to hear that we got the story right. We appreciate the advice we get about what we should be covering, and where we could improve – it’s how we grow. We do our best to reflect the feedback.

Back in the fall we, like many of our readers, were preparing for I/ITSEC. One of the things that we arrange is a program of meetings in which we can get input from key personnel in industry, academia and defense agencies. As we were considering our strategies, the US Department of Defense (DoD) Training and Transformation (T2) Office advised

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us that they were putting together the media program for their key personnel. What an opportunity! We proposed that, instead of runof-the-mill interviews, we set up a meeting with the Editorial Board. Why? Because we wanted to get their input on issues, user needs and the course we should be charting for the near future – not just report on an interview.

We were delighted to receive the news that Dr Paul Mayberry, Mr Daniel E. Gardner and Dr. Robert Wisher would participate in our Editorial Board meeting. Dr Mayberry is the US Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Readiness. He is the focal point on all issues and activities related to the readiness and training of U.S. armed forces. Dan Gardner is the director of the Readiness and Training, Left Dr Paul Mayberry – the US Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Readiness.

Image credit: US DoD

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Policy and Program Directorate. He leads the Training Transformation Initiative and its three major capabilities of Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution, Joint National Training, and Joint Assessment and Enabling.

Additional responsibilities include oversight of the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative and its associated ADL Co-Laboratory structure. In addition, as the OSD focal point for training and training-related activities, Mr. Gardner is the U.S. national coordinator for DoD training policies and programs impacting NATO and PfP (Partnership for Peace) training.

Bob Wisher is the director of the ADL Initiative.

He is responsible for directing and implementing the ADL Initiative within the Department of Defense, as well as other government organizations, academia and industry on an international basis.

And so, we -- MS&T’s Editor-in-Chief Chris Lehman, Managing Editor Jeff Loube, and Senior Technology Editor Rick Adams -- found ourselves at I/ITSEC discussing current and future issues with Training Transformation’s leaders.

Above Dan Gardner is the director of the Readiness and Training, Policy and Program Directorate.

Image credit: US DoD

We had considered that one of the major barriers to Training Transformation would be found in cultural resistance and the need to change cultures. While Dr Mayberry agreed that many people would respond that that was a major barrier, he noted that the real challenge is to develop leaders and individuals. The success of US Forces stems from the adaptability of individuals. Leaders need to be developed in a dynamic environment, and be able to turn on a moment’s notice. Gardner added that this is a significant challenge – military personnel go from support to humanitarian interventions to full-on combat and back again. If you train that way, and are exposed to that environment, you will be able to do that in-theater. The solution lies in more than technology.

“You cannot build a ‘field of dreams’ and everyone will come. The field of dreams approach doesn’t work,” according to Mayberry.

JKDDC (pronounced j-kidic), the Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability, is intended to prepare future

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decision-makers and leaders to employ joint operational art, understand the common relevant operating picture, and respond innovatively to adversaries. It will develop and distribute joint knowledge via a dynamic, globalknowledge network that provides immediate access to joint education and training resources. However to avoid being a ‘field of dreams’ it is necessary to address key issues such as: getting folks to take the courses; recognizing the value of the courses, overcoming the generational gap between distributed learning vs. the schoolhouse, and getting general acceptance and backing for the methodology. There are some cultural issues underlying these challenges, but they are being overcome. Internationally, according to Wisher, we are seeing a new sense of jointness with ADL coming out of the NATO working group and use of the technologies for the NATO response force.

But how joint is joint? How far down does jointness penetrate? In order to understand that one needs to understand the foundations of success. Dr Mayberry feels that the successes of the US Forces, and military capability, has grown out of the individual ethos and differences of each of the services. Each of the services brings a different thought process and a different way of attacking the same problem. It is essential to maintain the legacies, traditions and characteristics in the services that have led to success – but, he says, we must focus on the overall enterprise.

“We must be careful about what is jointness and what isn’t,” Mayberry noted. “Going to the lowest level is not what is meant. For example, there is probably very little jointness on the flight line.”

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Above Dr Bob Wisher - responsible for directing and implementing the ADL Initiative within the Department of Defense.

Image credit: US DoD

Appropriate levels of interchange must be worked out – and they continue to develop. “Jointness could extend down to areas such as communications and fire support.”

The four underlying principles that T2 is bringing to joint training are: • Provide realistic joint scenarios; • Provide coordinated, adaptive, thinking, dynamic opposing forces; • Ensure instrumentation to gather and exchange data: and • Ensure there is an After Action Review process.

The path to joint capability starts with the Service CTC’s and exercise programs, which lead to Joint exercises, which lead to Readiness. The keys to this path are accreditation and certification. Service training programs are accredited as having a sufficient joint context to train joint tasks and service training sites and systems are analyzed to determine if they meet technical standards. Accreditation and certification are not reports, but rather processes to identify shortfalls and how to deal with those shortfalls.

Dr Mayberry noted that the outcomes will be service exercise program within an appropriate joint context – without losing sight of the training audience – and a communications infrastructure that could be described by adjectives such as persistent, “plug and play,” common operating picture, distributed, and, of course, secure.

“With JNTC we started out with 2 events, then 18, and are planning on 60 for next year. Our goal is to make every service event where 2 or more players are gathered together a joint event.”

Security is a constant challenge. The most recent Red Flag combined with Roving Sands had a head-on collision with the multi-level security issue. German Patriot crews were going to participate in Roving Sands (on an internal self-contained network). Then the combined Red Flag plugged in other networks outside the closed loop, raising security issues.

Dr Mayberry explained that the effect is to short-circuit the types of participation in the exercise. The reasons for the security issues lie partly in technology but “a lot of it is policy.” He noted that there is a need to determine “what are the appropriate barriers and what can pass through the barriers.” One of the significant contributions of T2 is to address those barriers.

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“What we really need is alignment of laws, needs and technology – certainly if we are to ‘train the way we fight – with coalition partners.’

JFCOM is working on that,” Dr Mayberry explained. Wisher added that even ADL faces security issues with some access to training content being constrained by existing foreign military sales and foreign military training laws.

Training with coalition partners has its challenges, but so does training and operating with civilian agencies. Interagency training, and operations, continues to be challenged by differences in people, practices and processes.

He explained that agencies operate under the “tyranny of the urgent” with the result that they often feel they don’t need to train – they do it every day. Clarity of roles is a sensitive issue with the public – as it should be. The rules of engagement are not always clear and this poses difficulties. However, it all comes down to command and control, coordination and integration and, of course, it is here where many of the obstacles and barriers to jointness are to be found. There are complex decision processes, and leaders don’t always know who to call and what resources are available.

“We need to continue exercises like Determined Promise to identify the walls and barriers.”

Gardner added that OSD policy is to implement Interagency METLs (Mission Essential Task Lists) but opined, “There is tough slogging ahead.”

This is significant new ground.

Dr Mayberry explained that this is significant because the METL is

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the foundation of readiness assessment and reporting. Reporting will ensure that FEMA or FBI commanders will know what capabilities they have at hand – where physically and at what state of readiness.

Tying many of these issues together is the ongoing need for standards – particularly data standards. SCORM meets the need to provide standards for the interoperability, accessibility and reusability of learning content. Likewise there is a need for standards for spatial data and databases. According to Dr. Mayberry, “We don’t need 40 databases of Baghdad.” What is required is a way to pull this data together, and create a dynamic database that meets all user needs.

As the board meeting closed, we asked Dr Mayberry, Mr Gardner and Dr Wisher what they see as key emerging or critical issues. Look for the Defense Language Transformation Roadmap, a major initiative to develop foreign language and cultural expertise among military and civilian members. Amongst other things it intends to improve the language skills of the officer corps in general, and consider language ability in the promotion of general officers. Look for a continued emphasis on gaming and measuring learning from gaming. Look for a continued emphasis on multilevel security and strategies to minimize constraints.

And finally, look for continued development and growth of on-line training.

This Board Meeting confirmed several of our editorial directions for MS&T. We intend to continue our regular coverage of Training transformation, JNTC, ADL, and gaming technologies - and we plan to pay more attention to language and cultural training.

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TRANSFORMATION

Playing the UAV Hand UAVs are proving to be a winning hand in today’s war environments.

And the US Army is in the game. Charles Weirauch explains.

A Boeing J-UCAS X-45A undergoes a preflight systems check prior to a recent test flight.

Image Credit: Boeing/Ron Bookout 38

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n the near future, air force pilots may be flying F-45C unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) instead of jet fighters on combat missions against targets considered too dangerous to approach with conventional aircraft. In the meantime, however, the success of present-day UAVs has spurred their worldwide spread. Numerous, striking examples of their effectiveness have come from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Picture this: a Predator UAV firing a Hellfire missile at three ‘insurgents’ planting a roadside bomb near Balad Air Base north of Baghdad, killing all three.

Cameras on the Predator had previously sent back live pictures of the three men as they dug a hole in the road, placed the explosive and ran triggering wires to a ditch near the road. This mission is important to the US military, and particularly to the Army. It shows how UAVs can be used to detect the emplacement of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), then take action – and thus protect convoys. IEDs have been responsible for most US armed forces deaths and injuries in recent months.

Many other countries have also had widespread successful employment of UAV systems for intelligence-gathering missions for internal and external combat-related and security operations. More than 150 types of UAVS have been developed, are currently under development or being produced in a total of 17 countries. Even as the applications of UAV systems expand and the complexity of their missions grows, so does the need for training their operators and pilots.

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US Scope The proliferation of UAVs is perhaps no more marked than that within the US armed services. The US Department of Defense (DoD) plans to spend over $10 billion on UAVs by 2010, which includes $4 billion for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAVs). The X-45, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Air Force UCAV Advanced Technology Demonstrator and prototype for the F-45C, first flew in 2002. An operational version may be flown in exercises this year. In addition to UAV capabilities to conduct intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, the UCAV has the ability to conduct first-strike missions on such ground targets as aircraft radar early warning systems and airfields The US Army, capitalizing on successes with UAVs in Iraq and Afghanistan, is continuing to play the UAV hand, deploying more Hunter and Shadow UAVs. The man-portable Raven UAV system has proven its worth and will also be seen in the battlefield in increasing numbers. As important a metric as the intent to increase the number of fielded systems, is the recent (April 2006) reorganization of the Army’s UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) operations The Army Aviation Center at Fort Rucker, Alabama will now serve as the service’s Proponancy Center and Center of Excellence for all Army UAS operations, including UAV doctrine, training, standardization and safety. Fort Rucker is the operations and training center for Army aviation, so the move of the Proponancy Center from Fort Huachuca in Arizona conveys the increasing importance the service is placing on UAVs in its airborne operations and it implies the integration of manned and unmanned aircraft operations in the future.

The Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) UAVS Manager at Fort Rucker will work with the Director of Training Development (DOTD), Director of Combat Development (and its Air Maneuver Battle Lab), Director of Simulation, Director of Evaluation Standards and the Aviation Safety Branch to provide the integration of the systems into the Army force. According to TRADOC UAV Manager Colonel Jeffrey Kappenman, his organization “will manage all facets of user activities but must ultimately ensure all aspects of training are synchronized with the fielding of assigned systems.”

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TRANSFORMATION

Other UAV stakeholders across the Army linked into the Fort Rucker UAV organization include the United States Infantry Center for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), Army Field Artillery Center for Effects Integration, Army Intelligence Center for Air Sensor Integration and the Army Signal Center. Fort Huachuca remains the site of the Army’s UAV Training and Simulation Center, however, as of April 19, 2006 all UAS training is conducted by personnel assigned to Fort Rucker under the 1st Aviation Brigade.

According to Assistant TRADOC Systems Manager for UAVS Major Oliver Hasse at Fort Rucker, the change at Fort Huachuca is in its leadership. The implementation of aviation lessons learned, safety standards and culture at the Fort Rucker Aviation Center will be reviewed and applied to training at Fort Huachuca as necessary, he said.

“Fort Huachuca has developed a fantastic training base that the Aviation Center will continue to use to train its UAS operators,” Hasse said. “The current plan is to have ERMP (Extended Range Multi-Purpose) training fall under the UAS Training Battalion at Fort Huachuca. The Army plans to integrate lessons learned from the Air Force Predator into the ERMP.” The Army awarded a contract in August 2005 to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to develop the Warrior ERMP UAV. This aircraft is a variant of the Predator UAV the company provides for the Air Force. Fort Huachuca has been the training center for Army Hunter and Shadow UAVs and will continue that operation.

The Army UAVs

Above Launching the Raven to provide area reconnaissance north of Baghdad.

Image Credit: US Army/David J. Olson Top A Hunter taking off on a training mission from Fort Huachuca.

Image Credit: US Army

The Warrior is designed to carry multiple payloads and will have wing hardpoints to carry external stores that include expendable sensors and weapons, which could be Hellfire or the new Viper-Strike missiles under development. The Warrior is expected to eventually replace the older Hunter UAV now in the field. Unlike the Predator, the Warrior is designed to operate autonomously. According to Hasse, in fiscal year 2009 the Warrior will provide the Army division commander with a capability that he cannot provide with his current UAV assets. The Warrior is just one example of how the Army is working to provide the kind of UAV operations support that is being increasingly called for by commanders in the field.

“The Army has been able to rapidly bring UAS to the field,” Hasse said. “During the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, we had one Hunter company and only a few Shadow platoons. We continue to support OIF with One

Hunter company, and every Brigade Combat Team deploys with its own organic Shadow platoon. The active duty force will have one Shadow platoon per Infantry Brigade Combat Team by the end of fiscal year 2006. This pace of fielding is very rapid, especially when you consider the material procurement and personnel training that must occur for each Shadow platoon.”

The Hunter is perhaps one of the oldest UAV designs currently in operation across the widest scope of usage. It was originally developed for the Army in 1988 by TRW (now Northrop Grumman) and Israeli Aircraft Industries and entered service in 1996. The Hunter previously supported NATO operations in Kosovo and has been used for border patrol operations by the Department of Homeland Security in the US and with the French and Belgian military services. Newer versions have

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provided extended range and improved intelligence capabilities. The smaller Shadow UAV is produced by the AAI Corporation and entered production in 2002. Like the Hunter UAS, it incorporates embedded operator training capabilities into its operator stations.

At just over four-and-a-half pounds and a little over three feet long, the Raven SUAS is the smallest of the Army UAVs, with a range of six miles. Still, with its one infrared and two optical cameras, it has been highly effective as a forward scout for Army field units, and has recently been most of service in detecting IEDs and transmitting images back to its three-man crew. The AeroVironment Corporation of Monrovic, California, builds the Raven.

According to Hasse, the Raven SUAS was originally based on an Operational Needs Statement from commanders in the field to provide an over-the-hill, around-the- corner reconnaissance capability to the field. He said that the Army has now successfully provided 185 Raven systems to operation Iraqi Freedom. Recently, the Army has source selected a SUAS Raven B that would meet the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) rucksack-packable requirement.

Training, Doctrine and the Warfighter The consolidation of all UAV operations responsibilities at Fort Rucker has several advantages for the Army, including more advanced and up-to-date operator training.

With the TRADOC Director of Training Development (DOTD) working with the Director of Simulation (DOS), along with the Director of Combat Development (DOCD) and Director of Evaluation Standards, UAV training will be kept

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current with developments in all of these areas.

The DOTD has overall responsibility for all UAS training.

“UAS training will not lag behind doctrine, since the DOTD Training Division is working closely with the DOTD Doctrine Division to synchronize training with doctrine,” said John O’Dell, lead DOTD Training Specialist. “The DOTD is also working closely with the DES and TSM UAS to ensure that training is responsive to the needs of the Warfighter in the field. The DOTD will design, develop and employ any and all training needed to meet the needs of current and future UAS. All training will be designed to use the most effective training methods available to ensure that the most technically and tactically proficient operator is produced.”

While other sites may be chosen besides Fort Rucker and Fort Huachuca for new UAS training in the future, for now the two will be the primary ‘hands-on’ training locations.

“Each additional UAS training location will be assessed on a case-by-case basis,” Hasse said. “Raven is a great example that will be trained with the SUAS lead at the Infantry Center. Fort Rucker may see UAS in the future,

Above The Shadow UAV is produced by the AAI Corporation and entered production in 2002.

Image Credit: US Army

but currently only the Army Aviation Tactical Test Command here is scheduled to get UAS assets, Additionally, as we integrate level IV control of UAS into our attack aircraft and A2C2 platforms, a requirement for manned-unmanned team training may develop here at Fort Rucker.”

Simulation and Training Regardless of the training content, simulation is

sure to play a primary role in any UAV training.

While there will be unique focus to training, each will be developed to share the same terrain databases and architecture.

Both the AAI Corporation and Northrup Grumman provide simulation-based training courseware and trainers that feature embedded operator training at Fort Huachuca. These courses run anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks AAI also provides a training program for the Raven.

However, this 10-day training courseware is unique because it can be and has been delivered in the field rather than at a CONUS schoolhouse. That company also will provide ground station operator equipment for the Warrior UAV and is certain to incorporate embedded training technology into those stations as well.

“The UAS simulation must be able to simulate the Common Operating Environment and other threat environments to be able to train operators and commanders the capabilities and limitations of our UAS,” Hasse said. “All UAS currently have embedded trainers for the crew, but we must drive to better collective training in the future.”

Industrial Smoke and Mirrors, Inc.

Upper Motion Platforms and Cockpits

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CONFERENCE REPORT

An International Modelling & Simulation Forum M&S plays an integral role in transformation and this DWT sponsored conference explored that role. Walter F Ullrich reports on the highlights. he International Forum with Exhibition: Modelling and Simulation in Transformation and System Engineering took place on 7 and 8 February 2006 in the Civic Centre of Bonn-Bad Godesberg, Germany.

The event was the third in a series of DWT forums illuminating transformation from different angles. It was organised by the Centre for Studies and Conferences Ltd., an affiliate of the German Association for Defence Technology (DWT), and chaired by Erich Schwan, Head of the newly established Service Area for System Technology - Transformation/Network Centric Operation within the Federal Office of Technology and Procurement (BWB).

In his keynote, Harald Stein, Vice-President of the BWB, outlined the restructuring of the BWB, a consequence of the transformation process. He also referred to the increased need for co-operation, which manifests itself, amongst other things, in the ZIB Working Group, where the commander of the Bundeswehr Centre for Transformation’s (ZTransfBw), and the vice-presidents of the Office for Information Management and Information Technology (IT-Amt Bw) and the BWB address overarching transformation questions.

Alain Dohet, Head of the System of System Area at the DGA (Délégation Générale pour l'Armement) explained the French approach to transformation. He also described the hard way

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to introduce new technology. Very often more pragmatic and less theoretical experimentation can help to find out which is the most useful technology from an operational point of view.

Jack Lemon, Research Director MoD, UK Research Acquisition Organisation referred to the great importance that people have in netcentric operations: “For many of us it is the ‘people’ dimension that represents the real challenge

Above Erich Schwan, conference chair, spoke with MS&T about transformation.

Image Credit: J Humphreys/Halldale Media in the years ahead in modelling and simulation.” Colonel GS Ingo Reindl, ZTransfBw, elaborated on how M&S could be used to develop a generic CROP (Common Relevant Operational

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Picture). Some discussion arose about what ‘relevancy’ really means. For Reindl, experimentation is the only way to find that out; and M&S is the only reasonable method to obtain that information.

The debates that followed identified various experiments, demonstrators, concepts and possible approaches in the area of transformation and system engineering that make use of M&S. It was interesting to observe the many parallel experiences. This prompted the conference chairman and some attendees to ask for more co-operation between the different companies to spare resources - certainly not a simple undertaking in a world of keen competition.

Taken as a whole, the conference was a success. Nobody had expected to find exhaustive answers, but one did learn about the increasingly significant role of M&S as the transformation process gets underway. And, attendees found out how partners in the Alliance are approaching network-centricity. One could have only wished for more attendees. Regrettably the international participation was meagre, which was too bad because the organisers had set up a perfect simultaneous translation system for both English- and French-speaking guests.

The BWB Role in Transformation MS&T spoke with the conference chair about the issues.

MS&T: The German Armed Forces are currently undergoing the toughest conversion process since they were founded about 50 years ago. How do you see the BWB’s role in that process?

E. Schwan: The changes in Germany’s security situation, and the altered tasks of the Bundeswehr resulting from that, do indeed require a far-reaching adaptive process which is generally referred to as transformation. In a joint and combined approach, capabilities and, most of all, the materiel must be harmonised with possible tasks - within the available budget ceiling. NetOpFü - the German acronym for NetworkBased Operation - is of utmost importance in the transformation process. In a multi-national environment, NetOpFü makes use of secure, stable, networkbased information technology. The aim is to guarantee reliable, relevant and on-time information-sharing for all those who are part of an international force in a crisis zone, thus ensuring that resources are employed more safely and more effectively. The BWB is responsible for the procurement of network-capable sensors, effectors and systems. In addition, the

BWB is tasked to integrate different systems into ‘system of systems’, thus exploiting synergy effects.

MS&T: What does Modelling and Simulation contribute?

Erich Schwan: M&S encompasses the development, provision and utilisation of methods, models, scenarios and data for analysis, planning, development and procurement of material in accordance with the national CPM-procedure (Customer Product Management), training and exercises, as well as mission rehearsal. By consistently using M&S, the outcome of different solutions can be tested before they are actually implement in the real world, and checked for their cost-effectiveness in supporting the transformation process.

MS&T: What did DWT's International Modelling and Simulation Conference, which took place recently and which you were Chairman of, contribute to the transformation process?

Erich Schwan: The forum was worthwhile to come – for all – the public sector because their knowledge in this complex matter was updated, and even more so for the industrial sector because they may have got a better understanding where their company is placed in the area of transformation of the Armed Forces.

www.halldale-directories.com Find Modeling, Simulation and Training Suppliers Products Industry Data Worldwide Events Trade Associations Regulatory & Standards Groups Archived S&T articles Contact: US Hanna Politis Tel: 301 869 6610 ROW Jeremy Humphreys Tel: +44 1252 532009

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ACQUISITION NEWS

Contracts & Opportunities his section of MS&T monitors changes in procurement practice, opportunities and trends in military training. It is a compilation of reports by MS&T’s international correspondents on items that we deem significant to the S&T industry. In this issue we look at the emergence of R&T in Europe and opportunities arising from EURON.

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Defence Research and Technology (R&T) European government and industry leaders are putting their weight behind calls to increase European Union spending on defence Research & Technology and to intensify collaboration to meet the scale of the challenges Europe faces in transforming military capabilities. The vehicle to narrow the gap between the Old and New Continent is the European Defence Agency.

At the steering board meeting of the EDA in Innsbruck, Austria this March, EU defence ministers asked the EDA to prepare detailed proposals on a joint programme on R&T investment and the funding arrangements to support it. The ministers called for a pilot R&T programme using a new approach, which could serve as a model for turning military capability objectives into specific technology priorities. “Everybody accepts that Europe has to raise its game on defence as a whole and on pursuing the new technologies which will give us the capabilities we need in the future and to strengthen our industries and research institutions,” said Javier Solana, the Head of the Agency and High Representative for the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. In fact, the spending imbalance between Europe and the United States is enormous: 25 European nations spend just a meagre one fifth of what the United States is spending. The €2.8 billion budget of the DARPA, the central research and development organisation for the US Department of Defense (DOD), alone represents more than all of European funding combined.

“R&T is the key to the transformation of our armed forces. As we move into the 21st century, we face a radically changed strategic environment – new threats and challenges, requiring new roles and new missions of our armed forces,” said Solana. Dr Thomas Enders, President of the Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Europe and Chief Executive Officer of EADS, called for a “paradigm shift” for European 44

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defence R&T, the establishment of policy foundations, the creation of instruments for implementation and the setting of targets. “The EDA must now get the means to assume its role in defence R&T,” Enders said. He proposed, as a first step, creating a common EDA Research budget of about €50 million not later than 2007. He requested an increase in collaborative spending on defence R&T, currently less than 5% of the total in Europe, to at least 20% and, eventually, that it account for the majority of the funds spent.

The European Council established the EDA in July 2004. It is designed to "support the Council and the Member States in their effort to improve European defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) as it stands now and develops in the future". Today, the Agency is operational with its senior management in place and it has a budget and work programme for 2005 that has been approved by defence ministers of the participating Member States. However, to cover all further developments, the EDA's position must be strengthened. To that end, Nick Witney, a British career diplomat and Chief Executive of the Agency Management Board, is requesting a passable budget of about €50 million to start with.

At their Innsbruck meeting, EU defence ministers stated that they were eager to see more R&T work on a new fund for military research in Europe. For the British and French it makes a lot of sense to see as many EU countries as possible sharing the costs and risks of this type of research. “At present about 75% of all the money spent on research and development is spent by the British and the French,” said UK Defence Secretary John Reid.

Yet there are opponents to such a reinforced role of the EDA. In the UK, some Conservatives fear that the process might undermine NATO, diminishing Britain's relationship with the United States. Industry, however, sees itself as a partner of the EDA; and it is in complete agreement with Javier Solana when he says that Europe needs a globally competitive defence industry. – Walter F. Ullrich

European Robotics Research Network The European Robotics Research Network (EURON) originally started in

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1999 under the Future and Emerging Technologies Framework Programme 5 (FTP5), which set out the priorities for the European Union's research, technological development and demonstration (RTD) activities for the period 1998-2002. EURON’s purpose was to bring together the best groups and resources in research, industry and education in Europe and to demonstrate Europe's world-class position in robotics. One major product of the original EURON was a robotics research roadmap designed to clarify opportunities for developing and employing advanced robot technology over the next 10-20 years (2002-2022). The document provided a comprehensive review of the state of the art in robotics, identifying the major obstacles to progress and various approaches.

EURON II - Beyond Robotics: EURON II is a direct continuation of the original research network. It is a Network of Excellence under the 6th Framework Programme (FTP6), funded as part of the Information Society Technologies’ Future and Emerging Technologies (IST FET) programme on "Beyond Robotics". The objective is to address some of the key challenges for the paradigm shift in robotic equipment in its evolution from specific industrial technology to a broad enabler for a wide range of products and services that are entering the consumer, home and entertainment markets.

The work addresses the development of more intelligent, flexible, costeffective, modular, safe, dependable, robust and user-driven robot systems which will pave the way for the future massive introduction of robots in everyday human environments and their close co-operation with people.

The topic is, however, far broader than traditional industrial robotics: it involves direct brain interfaces, service robotics, and much more. In addition, the area is not only in need of new research and development, but

also human resources to participate in and drive the innovation process.

The actual work-plan involves activities on research co-ordination (across the pro-active initiative), training and education, dissemination efforts, collaboration with end-user industries, and research projects on emerging problems.

Three types of projects are considered for funding. Prospective Research Projects (PRP) are expected to provide support to one of the ongoing Integrated Projects in the area of "Beyond Robotics". A successful project may also be followed by the submission of a proposal for a regular EU project. Research Ateliers (RA) are a focussed effort on a well-defined topic taking place at a single venue, with the participation of researchers from a number of different institutions and companies over a limited period of time. Topical Studies (TS), finally, are highly focussed, with welldefined deliverables, in emerging disciplines such as co-operative systems or human-robot interaction.

Projects funded so far include ROSE, a Robotics Ontology for the Semantic WEB, RoboEthics, looking for a concept of an ethics applied to robotics, and PHRIDOM, aimed at charting physical human-robot interaction. EURON II extends to 2008 and is supported by a relatively moderate budget of €3.34 million.

By now, FTP7, the framework for funding scientific research and technological development 2007-2013, is on its way. EURON enthusiasts are already looking for new ideas, such as pervasive computing and communications; nanoelectronics and nanotechnologies; security, dependability and trust; bio-ICT synergies; intelligent and cognitive systems; and softwareintensive systems. – Walter F. Ullrich

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FOR DAILY BREAKING S&T NEWS - GO TO WWW.HALLDALE.COM

Edited by Fiona Greenyer

Seen & Heard WEAPONS SYSTEMS TRAINERS The US Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $68 million contract to provide weapons systems trainers (WST) to support the service’s C-130J and the US Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft.

Under the contract, the Air Force will receive two trainers and the US Marine Corps will receive one trainer. Design and manufacture of the weapons systems trainers is part of Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System (JMATS) program. The program provides a comprehensive range of training devices and training support services including aircrew instruction, operations, contractor logistics support and engineering services. Design and manufacture of the trainers has been subcontracted to CAE.

PANORAMA DISPLAYS SEOS has been awarded a contract by HAVELSAN (Hava Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.) of Ankara, Turkey, to provide its unique 220° x 60° (+21.5°/38.5°) PANORAMA display for the Turkey Helsim program. The contract includes displays for two S-70A Blackhawk FMS simulators and one S-70B Sea Hawk WST simulator. The PANORAMA range uses collimated displays to provide wide-angle images at optical infinity, giving cockpit occupants an accurate view of the outside world. PANORAMA is the only simulator display system to have repeatedly achieved helicopter Level D (FAA AC 120-63) accreditation.

Above C-130J Weapons Systems Trainer at Little Rock AFB, Arkansas.

Image credit: Lockheed Martin

ROCKWELL COLLINS TO ACQUIRE E&S SIMULATION BUSINESS

TIGER HELICOPTER SIMULATOR PROGRAM

Rockwell Collins has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the simulation assets of Evans & Sutherland. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, Rockwell Collins will acquire Evans & Sutherland’s military and commercial simulation assets and certain liabilities, including simulation facilities in Salt Lake City, Orlando and the United Kingdom, in a $71.5 million cash transaction. As part of this transaction, Rockwell Collins will have exclusive rights to the Evans & Sutherland laser projector for simulation.

Approximately 200 E&S employees will join Rockwell Collins. E&S will retain ownership of its planetarium and other laser projector market offerings and will continue to maintain its headquarters in Salt Lake City.

“Simulation and training offers a significant growth opportunity for our company,” said Rockwell Collins chairman, president and CEO Clay Jones.

“The acquisition of these valuable assets from Evans & Sutherland will further enhance our simulation and training capabilities and provide more robust solutions for our customers.”

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Evans & Sutherland has been selected by Rheinmetall Defence Electronics to provide its next generation simFUSION® 7000 PC image generator for the Tiger Aircrew Training Means Series Production (TATM SP) program.

The contract includes a nine-channel out-the-window image generator plus a one-channel direct vision optics image generator for each of the 14 full mission simulators, plus a five-channel OTW image generator and a one-channel DVO image generator for each of the 14 cockpit procedures trainers. Deliveries to Rheinmetall Defence Electronics simulation integration facilities in Bremen, Germany, will begin in 2006 and continue through to 2011.

NEXT-GENERATION IMAGE GENERATOR The first next-generation CAE Medallion-6000™ image generator has been accepted and declared ready-for-training by the German defence procurement agency (Bundesamt fur Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung, or BWB) and German Air Force Materiel Command. CAE received a contract in September

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FOR DATA ON MORE THAN 600 SIMULATION COMPANIES VISIT WWW.HALLDALE-DIRECTORIES.COM

for the Department of Defense, commercial and international training applications. “The acquisition of BRS is a key milestone in BVR’s strategy to establish its market presence in North America and for FMS markets, “ said BVR’s chairman Aviv Tzidon. “We believe we have found the perfect match for us.”

VIRTUAL BATTLEFIELD SOFTWARE

Above Christie’s DLP projector at RAF Leuchars, UK. Image credit: Christie

2005 to replace the existing image generators on the Tornado Flight and Tactics simulators at Buechel, Jagel, and Noervenich Air Bases in Germany.

The Medallion-6000 series was introduced in November 2005 at the Interservice/Industry Training Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC).

It combines the proven, industry-leading image quality and features of CAE’s Medallion family with the power and capabilities of the latest commercialoff-the-shelf graphics processors, including ATI’s latest Radeon® graphics processors and ATI Crossfire™ technology.

TORNADO TRAINING Christie DLP projection is at the centre of a new visual simulation environment for training Tornado F3 squadrons at RAF Leuchars in Scotland. Thales UK tasked Christie with integrating a visual system to the existing simulator at the RAF base. A 3-channel solution, based around three DS+25 SXGA+ single-chip projectors, purpose made for this market and a 2.7m radius cylindrical screen have been installed. The projectors have been equipped with ChristieNET CCM’s to enable remote functionality, control and monitoring of the devices. The control room also includes three TFT screens positioned on top of the instructors’ control units to mimic the three projection channels.

For Christie, the commissioning process involved installing the structure, the mounting points for the projectors, the light-tight cloth and also setting up the display, blending, image warping and the usual colour balancing.

Raytheon Company has developed virtual-battlefield software, building on imagery supplied by sensors and algorithms, that automatically recognizes and tracks targets for a variety of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems operated by military and government customers.

The company can simulate a war game battle plan, complete with imagery of hostile convoys in motion, persistent surveillance of them from air and space, and a successful missile attack, on the screen of a laptop computer for maximum portability. The simulation, which portrays ways for allied forces to detect hostile activity deep within the borders of potential adversaries, is based on the Silent Hammer naval exercise recently conducted off the coast of Southern California. Characterized as a “virtual crystal ball” by Dr. Ken Moore, director of advanced concepts and architectures at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, the technology integrates the highest-fidelity simulations in industry and government of current and likely future products, systems and concepts of operations.

HELICOPTER FTD Frasca International, Inc. has been awarded a contract with Eurocopter SEA

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SMALL ARMS TRAINING VirTra Systems, Inc. has announced an order for an IVR 4G-300™ small arms training simulator from Malaysia. The immersive small arms training simulator will be deployed for troop training by the Malaysian Ministry of Defense.

The order is VirTra Systems’ first in Asia, and represents the largest and most expensive single-system sale in the company’s history, and includes more than 50 weapon training conversion kits and 12 patent-pending ThreatFire™ belts.

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BVR SYSTEMS ACQUISITION BVR Systems has signed a non-binding term sheet for the acquisition of 100% of the shares of the US-based corporation Blue Ridge Simulation, Inc. (BRS). BRS is a privately held supplier of high-performance radar simulators

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Short Finals CAE has been awarded a three-year contract by the Canadian Department of National Defence to provide the Canadian Forces with simulator maintenance and logistics support services. Initially valued at C$12 million, the contract includes two one-year options that could bring the total value to more than C$20 million over five years.

The Ministry of Defence, Malaysia has signed a contract for ten PC-7 MkII Turbo Trainer Aircraft, Ground Based Training Systems and a complete Integrated Logistics Support package from Pilatus Aircraft, and has a sales value of over CHF 70 million. Deliveries are expected to take place in 2007.

Lattice Technology Inc. has released an upgrade to its XVL compression technology that provides 10GB+ data handling at speeds 4 to 10 times faster than previous XVL products. XVL (eXtensible Virtual world description Language) is based on XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and enables ultra-lightweight 3D model compression. The new version delivers highest-performance products for 3D publishing, 3D data communication and sharing, and allows super-fast 3D model viewing and data handling for large assemblies.

>>

Above AVCATT helicopter training suite.

Image credit: Link Simualtion and Training

for an EC 120 helicopter flight training device (FTD). The device will be used

by Singapore Technologies Aerospace Ltd. under a contract to provide training to Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots. The device is designed to meet the requirements for a FAA AC120-45 Level 5 FTD customized to RSAF specifications. The FTD is scheduled for delivery in fall of 2006.

AVCATT HELICOPTER TRAINING SYSTEMS L-3 Communications’ Link Simulation and Training division has been awarded a $33.4 million follow-on production contract to build four additional US Army Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) suites. Under this award Link will be building the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth AVCATT suites ordered by the US Army to date. These four suites will be delivered during 2007.

“Award of this new production option closely coincides with positive reports coming from our US Army and US Army National Guard users as to how AVCATT systems are better preparing aviators to execute company-level missions involving a wide range of helicopter assets in a high threat environment,” said Lenny Genna, vice president of US Army programs for Link.

AVCATT suites consist of two mobile 53-foot trailers that house six reconfigurable simulators, a battle master control room and an after-action review theatre. The AVCATT simulators can be reconfigured to represent any combination of AH-64D, AH-64A, OH-58D, UH-60 and CH-47D platforms.

WARRIOR TRAINING ALLIANCE Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC and Computer Sciences Corporation have established the Warrior Training Alliance (WTA), whose 48

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QINETIQ TO TRAIN US AIRCREWS QinetiQ has secured a contract worth up to £2.5m with the US Air Forces Europe (USAFE) for air combat training of US aircrews. The contract is similar to QinetiQ’s Long Term Partnering Agreement (LTPA) with the UK MOD to operate its test and evaluation ranges over a 25-year period as, like the LTPA, it includes options to provide range services over a multi-year period.

USAFE is responsible for combat weapons training of US aircrew assigned to its units based in Europe. The training focuses on precision guided munitions and air to air and air to ground missiles and the contract with QinetiQ will allow a large portion of the training to be completed within Europe.

Discussions are currently ongoing between USAFE, the RAF and QinetiQ for joint NATO forces training on UK ranges. Such training would further enhance operational capability and create more realistic scenarios.

>>

member companies are dedicated to providing integrated training support to the US Army warfighter. The WTA is bidding for the Army’s upcoming Warfighter Field Operations Customer Support (FOCUS) program.

Under the direction of the Program Executive Office, Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation, Warfighter FOCUS will provide the US Army with life-cycle contractor support services for training and training devices worldwide. The WTA offers the Army a diverse alliance of companies with experience delivering flexible, integrated solutions that address warfighters’ needs. WTA companies are knowledgeable about current and evolving mission requirements, and can deliver functional enhancements and cost improvements through the integration of live, virtual and constructive training (LVC) environments. These companies currently deliver the majority of LVC services to the Army, providing training support at major training centers worldwide.

Transas has delivered a Liquid Cargo Handling Simulator and an Engine Room Simulator to the Malaysian Maritime Academy in Melaka. The contract included design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a Full Mission Shiphandling Simulator.

Configuration includes a full mission bridge with nine visual channels projected onto the curved screen, consoles, mock-up and a full range of dedicated hardware to simulate a real ship’s bridge environment.

Saab Training Systems has signed a contract with the Austrian Army for instrumented mobile training system. The order includes the highly mobile Gamer system and equipment for training in urban environments. The contract also includes systems for tactical training, including Gamer Manpack. Equipment to facilitate interoperability with other simulator systems for exercises with other nations is included.

Elbit Systems Ltd. is to supply the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) the avionics simulation system for the Israel Air Force F-16 Sufa aircrew flight and system trainer. Elbit Systems’ share in the development of the trainer amounts to $10 million.

WORLD LEADING SIMULATOR The world’s most advanced helicopter simulator arrived at Brisbane airport late January and marked a major milestone in the Australian Army’s armed reconnaissance helicopter program. The simulator has been built by Thales for the project’s prime contractor, Australian Aerospace, a subsidiary of Eurocopter. Initial production was conducted by a combined Australian/French team at a Thales facility near Paris. The arrival of the simulator in Australia marked the transition from the production, to the integration and testing phase at Army’s aviation training base at Oakey, west of Brisbane.

The simulator will be the only device in Australia with dual cockpits mounted on separate, synchronised motion platforms. The cockpits, occupied by the pilot and the battle captain, provide the complete flight and battlefield mission experience required to train the two man Tiger crews.

Thales, working through Australian Aerospace, will have a multi disciplined support team permanently located at Oakey that will be responsible for the ongoing support and maintenance of the simulator throughout its expected operational life of at least 20 years.

DLETP PROGRAM NGRAIN, provider of interactive 3D training solutions, are to be included in a new $483 million contract awarded by the United States Army’s Distributed Learning, Education and Training Products (DLETP) program to support and maintain high quality training for all army troops worldwide. Under the contract, NGRAIN will join a team of product and service providers assembled by Karta Technologies, the largest privately-held defense contractor to meet the rapidly changing training requirements of troops in the field.

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vehicle, the US Army can now more easily obtain the necessary funds to incorporate interactive 3D training solutions into their distributed learning courses.

“NGRAIN has a clear and focused dedication to meeting the needs of the defense industry as demonstrated by their many projects. Their innovative technology assures us that we will always be a step ahead in our training solutions,” said Ken Guest, retired Army Major General and chief operating officer at Karta. “Preparing our soldiers with every advantage when they’re engaged in combat is critical to mission success.”

EADS UNVEILS NETCOS EADS Defence & Security Systems’ (DS) UK NetCOS facility was unveiled in February.

NetCOS UK is part of the world’s largest international network-centric simulation environment.

Military missions, accidents, civil incidents, and natural disasters can now be simulated, tested and optimally prepared, for the UK’s armed forces and emergency services. The power of NetCOS is drawn from its unique international “federated” structure, which links Germany, France and the UK to collaborate and model scenarios in the same cyberspace at the same time. Virtual battlefields, humanitarian convoys or accident response units can be injected into the system and responses recorded and analysed for future planning or knowledge. It is planned to add North America to the Federation within the next 12 months, creating a synthetic environment of greater international and geographic 50

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Above The UK NetCOS facility was unveiled in Februaury 2006.

Image credit: EADS

reach than any other company and allowing multi-national concept development and experimentation.

STAR SUPPLIER AWARD Concurrent has announced that it will be awarded the Lockheed Martin STAR Supplier Award for years of performance as a top supplier to Lockheed. The award recognizes Concurrent’ achievements in meeting some of the most stringent quality and delivery criteria in the aerospace and defense industry.

The goal of the STAR Supplier Program, which was introduced in 1999, is to enable Lockheed Martin to recognize its top performing suppliers. STAR Supplier Performance criteria include on-time delivery, quality, affordability, technical competency and responsiveness. Concurrent has provided Lockheed Martin with computing solutions for aerospace and defense initiatives for over 30 years. Most recently, Lockheed Martin selected Concurrent’s commercial-off-the-shelf RedHawk real-time Linux operating system for use in both the US Navy’s Aegis Open Architecture (AOA) CR2 and the US Army’s Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) programs.

TRAINING SOLUTIONS PROVIDER Sikorsky Aircraft has signed an exclusive teaming

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MULTIPLE WINDOW PROCESSORS

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www.ila-berlin.com

AT E W A

YOUR

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agreement with Rockwell Collins Simulation & Training Solutions, LLC to be the training solutions provider for its bid in the US Air Force’s CSAR-X competition. Sikorsky’s offering, the HH92™ weapon system, a military variant of the S92™ helicopter, provides the best combination of survivability, performance, interoperability, safety and cost for the vital CSAR-X mission.

Under the agreement Rockwell Collins will provide seamless integration between the avionics system and the training systems for the HH-92.

“The concurrent design of the aircraft, training system, and avionics will reduce overall program risk and build off of advances already being made in the Canadian Maritime Helicopter program,” said Tony Syme, vice president Simulation & Training Solutions for Rockwell Collins.

TO NEW MARKETS.

Berlin Air Show

DISPLAY

RGB Spectrum is expanding it industry-leading View™ line of multiple image display processors with the introduction of new SuperView™ 4000 models. The new View processors are ideal for any application requiring display of multiple images on a single monitor or projector. The SuperView 4000-4/4 can simultaneously display up to four RGB/DVI computer signals plus up to four video signals, from sixteen switched units.

All display windows can be independently positioned and sized anywhere on the screen as well as overlaid with computer graphics, overlapped with other display windows, and panned and zoomed to emphasise areas of particular interest.

CONTROL DISPLAY UNITS Barco has been selected by Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems Sector’s Navigation Systems Division for the delivery of advanced Multi-purpose Control Display Units (MCDU). The units will be delivered together with MOSArt, Barco’s Modular Open System development platform.

Northrop Grumman will integrate Barco’s custom developed MCDUs into the cockpit and rear operator stations of the US Navy E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. This will provide a modern, allglass, digital cockpit for the aircraft’s mission systems.

The E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning and battle management aircraft has served as the eyes of the US Navy fleet for more than 30 years. The current production E-2C aircraft possesses the most advanced such capabilities in service today. The Hawkeye provides simultaneous air and surface surveillance, strike and intercept control, search and rescue support, and drug interdiction.

ILA Exhibition Site, Berlin Schoenefeld Airport South, Conference Center, Hall 5, Conference Room “Juliett” May 17 –18, 2006 09.00 –14.00

Sponsored by

www.fmpt.ecm-berlin.de

German Aerospace Industries Association

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SYSTEMS ENGINEERING SERVICES Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has been awarded a $7.4 million, threeyear, time and materials contract to provide management and engineering support services to the Joint Warfighting Center (JWFC) at the US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM). This contract focuses on the functional areas of system engineering, software engineering, database engineering, telecommunications engineering, system administration and Web site support.

ground-based training system (FMS, part task trainers, training documentation, multimedia documentation), integrated logistic support (ground support system, documentation and manuals, test equipment), extended operational support and other support equipment.

The L-159B aircraft is designed for advanced and operational training of latest-generation fighter pilots, such as F-16, F-18, Mirage 2000, Su-30M or JAS-39 Gripen.

MAINTENANCE SERVICE CONTRACT WST UPGRADE Advanced Simulation Technology inc. (ASTi) recently delivered a Digital Audio Communications System (DACS) to Veraxx Engineering Corporation for use in a UH-1N weapons system trainer (WST) upgrade, conducted at HMT-303, MCB Camp Pendleton, CA. Under the upgrade program, Veraxx provided a re-host and upgrades to the IOS computer, and aural cue/inter-communications (ICS) systems.

The aural cue and ICS upgrade consists of the replacement of a vintage ASTi Proline DACS dating from early 1993, which had been operational for 13 years.

ADVANCED TRAINING SYSTEM An L-159B full mission simulator (FMS) produced in co-operation with Czech company E-COM is now available at Aero Vodochody. This represents a big step forward in the L-159B Advanced Training System. Designed as a total approach training system it comprises, along with the aircraft, mission planning and debriefing aids, a

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The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has awarded Fidelity Technologies Corporation a Contractor Operation and Maintenance Services (COMS) contract for the E-2C platform of training devices. Under the contract, which is valued at $5.85 million over five years, Fidelity will be responsible for all labour, materials, consumables, equipment, tools, test equipment, and transportation required to maintain the training systems and associated equipment in fully operational condition.

SCORM TESTBED PROJECT 3Dsolve Inc., The Simulation Learning Company has been selected to advise the SCORM-S1000D Testbed project, sponsored by the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Job Performance Center in Alexandria, Virginia. 3Dsolve will provide advice and assistance to the SCORMS1000D Testbed team, led by prime contractor Intelligent Automation, Inc. SCORM, or Sharable Content Object Reference Model, is a popular standard for

describing online learning, proposed and maintained by ADL. S1000D is a popular standard for describing electronic technical documentation.

The SCORM-S1000D Testbed will explore the integration of online learning and technical documentation. 3Dsolve with bring to the project its unique experience in developing learning content and interactive technical manuals based on highly interactive 3D simulations.

The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD P&R) was tasked with leading a collaborative effort to harness the power of information technologies to modernize structured learning.

Through the sponsorship of the OUSD P&R, the creation of the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative was formed as a developer and implementer of learning technologies across the Department of Defense. ADL employs a structured, adaptive, collaborative effort between the public and private sectors to develop the standards, tools, and learning content for the learning environment of the future.

The vision of the ADL Initiative is to provide access to the highest-quality learning and performance aiding that can be tailored to individual needs and delivered cost-effectively, anytime and anywhere.

CORRECTION In the feature Military Training Aircraft in MS&T 1-06 we incorrectly described the Pilatus PC-21 as a development of the PC-9, which it is not. For the full specification visit: http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com

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Arrivals & Departures

Index of Ads

CAE has named Nic Anderson the managing director of CAE (UK) plc. In this position Mr. Anderson will be responsible for CAE’s extensive business operations in the United Kingdom, including its Military and Civil businesses. Mr. Anderson will also serve as Chairman of the Board of CAE Aircrew Training Services, the CAE-led consortium that operates the Medium Support Helicopter Aircrew Training Facility at RAF Benson.

2ND FUTURE MILITARY PILOT TRAINING CONFERENCE www.fmpt.ecm-berlin.de ................................... 51 3D PERCEPTION www.3d-perception.com .................................. 47 AGUSTAWESTLAND www.agustawestland.com .................................. 4 BARCO www.barcoprojection.com ................................. 36 CAE www.cae.com ................................................ OBC CAE ADVERTORIAL www.cae.com ................................... Centre Insert COALITION TO SALUTE AMERICA’S HEROES www.saluteheroes.org ...................................... 52 CONCURRENT COMPUTER CORPORATION www.ccur.com .................................................. 14 DIAMOND VISIONICS www.diamondvisionics.com ..............................50 DISPLAY SOLUTIONS www.displaysolution.com ................................. 49 EADS MILITARY AIR SYSTEMS www.eads.com ................................................... 11 ENGENUITY TECHNOLOGIES www.engenuitytech.com ...........................19 & 21 EUROPEAN TRAINING & SIMULATION ASSOCIATION www.etsaweb.org ..............................................37 EVANS & SUTHERLAND www.es.com .................................................... IFC HALLDALE DIRECTORIES www.halldale-directories.com .......................... 43 HAMPTON ROADS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT www.hred.com ................................................. 23 HYBRID LEARNING SYSTEMS www.hybrid-learning.com ................................. 13 INDUSTRIAL SMOKE & MIRRORS www.industrialsmokeandmirrors.com ................ 41 I/ITSEC www.iitsec.org ................................................. 29 ITEC www.itec.co.uk ................................................. 26 JENOPTIK AG www.jenoptik.com .............................................39 KRAUSS-MAFFEI WEGMANN www.kmweg.de ................................................. 25 LINK SIMULATION & TRAINING www.link.com ..................................................... 6 MAK TECHNOLOGIES www.mak.com ................................................. 48 MOOG FCS BV www.moog-fcs.com .......................................... 20 POLHEMUS www.polhemus.com .......................................... 45 RHEINMETALL DEFENCE ELECTRONICS www.rheinmetall-detec.de ................................15 RGB SPECTRUM www.rgb.com ................................................... 22 ROCKWELL COLLINS www.rockwellcollins.com ................................. 33 ROYAL NETHERLANDS ARMY .......................................................................... 17 RUAG COEL www.coel.de ...................................................... 35 SAAB TRAINING SYSTEMS www.saabtrainingsystems.com ......................... 3 SAIC www.saic.com .................................................. IBC SIM. TRNG. FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE & HOMELAND SECURITY www.tangentlink.co.uk .................................... 53 TOOLS FOR DECISION GROUP www.tfdg.com ................................................ 27

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) has announced that Paul W. Sullivan has been selected as senior vice president and director of corporate business development. In this position Mr. Sullivan will be responsible for SAIC’s business development and business development infrastructure to include trade shows and proposal support services.

VirTra Systems Inc. have named Jack A. Nickel, Jr. as its director of training. Mr. Nickel comes to VirTra Systems with more than 24 years of military experience as a video production specialist for the US Air Force, responsible for developing training and archival motion media for the Air Force and Department of Defense.

CycloMedia Technology B.V., the Dutch specialist for the systematic visualisation of 360° panoramic photographs, has appointed Wim Smith as senior manager Homeland Security and Defence as of 1 January 2006. Before that he had been active in several functions for TNO over a period of 31 years, for the past 20 years working as an international strategic marketer and PR officer.

Christie has named Kevin Barlow its new senior director of Sales for Control Rooms. Mr. Barlow will lead the sales team, identifying new avenues of growth, managing customer relationships and contributing to Christie’s continued expansion in the display technology market.

Joseph Bailey, formerly of Right Hemisphere and Parametric Technologies, has joined the NGRAIN executive team as vice president of Sales. Mr. Bailey will be responsible for managing the NGRAIN sales force and driving the corporate sales strategy.

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Calendar 25-26 September 2006 ViSTech 2006 - Visuals & Simulation Technology Conference & Exhibition The Florida Mall Hotel, Orlando, USA www.halldale.com/ViSTech

13-14 November 2006 EATS 2006 - European Airline Training Symposium Maritim proArte Hotel Berlin, Germany www.halldale.com/EATS

12-14 June 2007 WATS/RATS 2007 - World Airline Training Conference & Tradeshow and Regional Airline Training Conference & Tradeshow Rosen Shingle Creek Resort, Orlando, USA www.halldale.com/WATS www.halldale.com/RATS

16-18 May 2006 ITEC 2006 London, UK www.itec.co.uk

29 May-1 June 2006 SimTecT 2006 Melbourne, Australia www.siaa.asn.au/simtect/2006/2006.htm

5-8 June 2006 Network Centric Warfare Europe 2006 London, UK www.defenceiq.com/gb-2534/ediary

7-8 June 2006 Flight Training London, UK www.smi-online.co.uk/events

14 June 2006 Advanced Synthetic Training London, UK www.aerosociety.com/conference/

15 June 2006 Simulation Training for Emergency Response and Homeland Security Forum London, UK www.tangentlink.com

17–23 July 2006 Farnborough International Airshow Farnborough, UK www.farnborough.com

Photograph by:Sgt Brian Gamble; Š Crown Copyright/MOD, image from www.photos.mod.uk Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office

Modeling and Simulation

Live-Virtual-Constructive Systems

Architecture Integration

Software Engineering

Exercise Planning and Evaluation

Effects-Based Approach

Combat Training Centres

The End State Is Readiness

Enterprise Learning

Driver Training Systems

Gaming

For todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s warfighter, readiness defines mission success.

SAIC helps meet that challenge every day. From the field to the command centre, from advanced simulation technology to systems-of-systems, SAIC engineers develop solutions that ensure peak performance when it counts. For more than 35 years, SAIC has been a trusted provider of complex systems design, development and integration around the world.

See a demonstration of the OneSAF Objective System and the Automated Exercise and Evaluation System at ITEC 2006, May 16 -18, London, United Kingdom (stand 610). For more information, contact Guy Bewsher at (44) 1223-478680 or robert.g.bewsher@saic.com.

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Expertise Simulation has traditionally been used as a training tool that delivers benefits such as cost, safety, and repetition. Now, modeling and simulation technologies are finding an increasing role earlier in a system’s life cycle – from Research and Development (R&D) and System Design, to Concept Development and Experimentation (CD&E) and Acquisition.

Introducing CAE Professional Services. Our experts provide a wide range of professional services such as project management, capability engineering, human systems integration, emergency management, and modeling and simulation. Through our user-centred, simulation-based professional services, clients can realize a greater opportunity for success in analysis, design, and experimentation programs.

CAE – your professional services partner using simulation-based technologies to help you “See the Finish Before You Start ™”.

Come discuss CAE’s Professional Services capabilities at ITEC, London, UK, May 16-18 2006 (Booth 620)

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Tu r n k e y Tr a i n i n g / S i m u l a t i o n E q u i p m e n t a n d S e r v i c e s / M o d e l i n g a n d S i m u l a t i o n S o l u t i o n s / P r o f e s s i o n a l S e r v i c e s