[Sponsor Content] - TRU Simulation + Training – Next Generation Training Systems

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TRU SIMULATION + TRAINING

KEY TECHNOLOGY ENABLERS FOR NEXT GENERATION TRAINING SYSTEMS Problem A shortage of mission ready pilots across the U.S Military is a looming threat caused by aging, operational demands and fiscal constraints. We’re now seeing many military branches seeking holistic, cost-effective training solutions to increase their pilot inventory.

Solution To address this critical need, we see opportunities for an adaptable, portable, and interoperable training system that meets the current and future cybersecurity standards for our domestic and international military customers. (See Figure 1) For this system to be adaptable, it will be required to easily convert to different platforms for training while being portable to enable collective training at the point of need. It will also be required to be interoperable to support effective team training—accomplished both locally and across a geographically distributed network with other live, virtual, and constructive entities. This system will maintain a common architecture to allow military pilots to train across multiple platforms, including ground, sea and air, to meet any mission need. Finally, this system will meet the risk management framework (RMF) and cybersecurity requirements with the ability to connect to remote scanning and patching services. A training system of this nature would train military pilots when, where, and how they need to be trained, in a low cost and time effective manner.

Figure 1 - the Adaptable Trainer supports multiple visuals, different levels of physical fidelity and is capable of generic or matching specific aircraft performance

Addressing Adaptability TRU’s latest product in the adaptable sector of training systems is the Adaptable Mission Trainer. We’ve successfully demonstrated aircraft configurations for the V-280 Valor and AT-6 Light Attack Aircraft, seamlessly switching between the two. However, this product has the ability to expand beyond air to ground and sea training as well. As an aircraft it can train rated and non-rated positions including, but not limited to, the pilot, gunner and rescue man. As a ground vehicle it can train both wheeled and tracked systems, and as a sea vehicle it can train a surface ship.

With the ability to reconfigure the Adaptable Mission Trainer within thirty minutes, crews can be prepared to run any mission needed at any time. Thirty minutes is all it takes to not only configure the avionics and on-screen projection, but also adjust the physical components of the device and the vehicle including the stick and rudder, collective, gunner, or winch.

As shown in Figure 1, and to help the solution remain cost and time effective, this product can be configured at different levels of fidelity for different missions. Visual solutions are a cost-effective way to run missions while hitting the level of fidelity needed. Different visual solutions that are a possibility are virtual reality, augmented reality, dome and projector visuals, and flat screens, and the choice on which level of fidelity to implement on the Adaptable Mission trainer is derived from each missions’ visual fidelity requirements.

The owner also maintains ownership of the constructive simulation provided by the off the shelf provider.

The ability to plug and play with many off-the-shelf providers (with clearly defined interfaces) allows each product to be configured exactly to the mission needs. Whether it be a stick, rudder and VR goggles to get a quick run-down of an upcoming mission or a high-fidelity flight deck to do an in-depth mission training, all requirements can be met for each mission in an affordable manner.

Providing Portability Balancing training requirements and keeping pilots ready for their next mission has traditionally been a challenge. The Adaptable Mission Trainer aims to solve this logistics challenge through multiple convenience factors. The portability of the device allows for training on-the-fly—when it’s needed, where it’s needed.

The Adaptable Mission Trainer has been developed with multiple solutions for packaging and shipping during the lifetime of the product. These packaging options include a self-sustaining trailer to a pallet that can be easily transferred via forklift, to multiple two-man lift carrying cases. No matter the packaging design, it is quick to set up in about four-hours’ time and requires less than 60 square feet of space and a standard 110VAC, 15A power requirement to operate in a team training mode with a connection to the network. This allows the Adaptable Mission Trainer to be located where needed and utilized at an optimal rate.

Supporting Interoperability The wear-and-tear on a vehicle during in-vehicle training reduces deployable resources. The time it takes to wait for the ideal training environment reduces training effectiveness and overall readiness. The danger of training first time missions is often unacceptable. These considerations have led to a push for simulators to run Live, Virtual, Constructive training to reduce these constraints and improve readiness. Deploying a suite of adaptable mission trainers configured with interoperability technology allows for the operation of multiple simulators in a single common synthetic environment providing collective or team training and support in any environment, at any time, safely. The industry has run into many technical challenges with interoperability when trying to network devices from various manufacturers. However, we have found that these challenges can be overcome with the help of industry standards. Our design supports interoperability through implementation of standard interfaces including HLA/DIS compatibility and DMO capability. This results in better overall team and mission training.

In closing, TRU Simulation + Training will continue to invest in technologies that drive the fidelity and cost of training solutions to meet mission requirements -from air, ground, or sea. Student learning in the armed forces collective and team training such as the U.S. Army’s Synthetic Training Environment (STE) requirements, as well as future U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy collective and team mission training are ideal candidates for the Adaptable Mission Trainer because of its adaptability, portability, interoperability and cost-forward solution. The solution is adaptable to meet each customer’s requirement and budget.

TRUcomm@TRUsimulation.com • www.TRUsimulation.com © 2019 TRU Simulation + Training Inc. All Rights Reserved.