America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine
12th Annual
2013
ul Top Simainiation & Tr ng Companies
LVC Integrator Col. Franz M. Plescha Commander Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation
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September 2013 Volume 18, Issue 6
Command Profile: U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence
Maritime Simulation O Distance Learning Range Instrumentation
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military Training technology Features
Cover / Q&A
Command Profile:
Special Section:
U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence
2013 Top Simulation & Training Companies This is the 12th annual competition that recognizes companies that have made a significant impact in the military training industry throughout the current fiscal year in simulation, distributed learning, serious gaming, visual systems, embedded training, targets and ranges, database modeling and any other training component. Companies are selected based on various criteria, which includes total military sales, enduser feedback, innovation and need for the solution.
The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence trains soldiers on leadership skills and the integration of aviation war fighting doctrine in support of unified land operations. A big part of that is air-ground integration.
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Distance learning plays an increasing role in all sorts of defense training and education. Training specialists would like to see it stretch even further, if security concerns and other challenges can be met. By Henry Canaday
Simulations play a role in almost every aspect of military training throughout all branches, and maritime operations are no different. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard use a variety of simulators to train sailors in order to help lower costs and minimize real-world training. By Brian O’Shea
Range instrumentation is an essential part of live-fire and other weapons and tactical training. It will have to keep pace with changing needs, even when funds are short. By Henry Canaday
Distance Learning Broadens, Deepens
Maritime Simulation
Departments 2 Editor’s Perspective 4 Program Highlights/PEOPLE 12 data packets 34 Team orlando 35 Resource Center
Keeping Ranges Ready
Industry Interview Gary Nesta
Vice President of Business Development L-3 Link Simulation & Training
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As one of the largest providers of “Civilians on the Battlefield/Roleplayer training services to the US Government, Tatitlek has enabled over 150,000 military warfighters better understand their adversaries in theater-specific operations. www.tatitlek.com
September 2013 Volume 18, Issue 6
27 Colonel Franz M. Plescha Commander Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation
“I believe the key to success, with regard to command, is first to listen— listen to your customers, headquarters Air Force, the major commands, the readiness and training experts, and ultimately the warriors at the tip of the spear.” - Col. Franz M. Plescha
EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
Military Training Technology Volume 18, Issue 6 • September 2013
Recognized Leader Covering All Aspects of Military Training Readiness Editorial Editor Brian O’Shea briano@kmimediagroup.com Managing Editor Harrison Donnelly harrisond@kmimediagroup.com Online Editorial Manager Laura Davis laurad@kmimediagroup.com Copy Editor Sean Carmichael seanc@kmimediagroup.com Correspondents J.B. Bissell • Christian Bourge • Peter Buxbaum Henry Canaday • Danielle Cralle • Hank Hogan Karen Kroll • Cynthia Webb
Art & Design Art Director Jennifer Owers jennifero@kmimediagroup.com Senior Graphic Designer Jittima Saiwongnuan jittimas@kmimediagroup.com Graphic Designers Scott Morris scottm@kmimediagroup.com Eden Papineau edenp@kmimediagroup.com Amanda Paquette amandak@kmimediagroup.com Kailey Waring kaileyw@kmimediagroup.com
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KMI Media Group Publisher Kirk Brown kirkb@kmimediagroup.com Chief Executive Officer Jack Kerrigan jack@kmimediagroup.com Chief Financial Officer Constance Kerrigan connik@kmimediagroup.com Executive Vice President David Leaf davidl@kmimediagroup.com Editor-In-Chief Jeff McKaughan jeffm@kmimediagroup.com Controller Gigi Castro gcastro@kmimediagroup.com Trade Show Coordinator Holly Foster hollyf@kmimediagroup.com Receptionist Vania’ Jones vaniaj@kmimediagroup.com
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently released a report concerning the Army and Marine Corps’ use of simulation based training. The report cites that before 2000, simulations were primarily used by the aviation community in tasks such as takeoffs and emergency procedures that could not be taught safely live. However, due to advancing technology and situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the use of simulations for ground forces has increased to counter increased rollovers and vehicle evacuation training, for example. The two military branches are also collaborating on ground simulation devices, which comes with a cost savings. “For instance, according to Marine Corps officials, the service reused 87 percent Brian O’Shea Editor of the Army’s Homestation Instrumentation Training System’s components in its own training system, achieving about $11 million in cost avoidance and saving an estimated seven years in fielding time,” the report said. Usage of ground-based simulation devices has shown improvements in performance in live training exercises as well as operational cost savings. However, the GAO report said that the services lack specific metrics to show exactly what the benefit of simulation based training is. “Both services rely on subject matter experts, who develop their training programs, and after-action reports from deployments and training exercises for information on how servicemembers may have benefited from simulationbased training,” said the report. “However, neither service has established outcome metrics to assist them in more precisely measuring the impact of using simulation-based devices to improve performance or proficiency.” The report goes on to say that once simulation-based training devices are fielded, the services neither re-evaluate cost information as they determine the mix of training nor have a methodology for determining the costs associated with simulation-based training. The GAO recommends that the services develop metrics and a methodology to compare live and simulation-based training costs. GAO believes the services may not be considering some important simulation-based training costs and a specific methodology is needed to more fully identify the universe of costs needed for comparison purposes. While DoD partially agrees with the recommendations, it said they capture all relevant costs needed for decisionmaking. Measuring the benefits of simulation-based training is difficult to do and it will be interesting to see what they come up with. If you have any questions regarding Military Training Technology feel free to contact me at any time.
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The new Manned Unmanned Operations Capability Development Laboratory uses MetaVR’s real-time visualization software to simulate Level of Interoperability (LOI) between a simulated helicopter and simulated UAV.
With MetaVR visuals used for simulated UAV camera payload video in Kiowa Warrior, F-16, and A-10 FMTs, and UAV camera payload simulations, users can achieve full terrain correlation during their distributed training exercises. UAV operators, helicopter pilots, and JTAC trainees can use the simulated sensor payload imagery in existing ISR assets with accurate KLV metadata. Real-time scenes from MetaVR’s visualization system and 3D terrain are unedited except as required for printing. The real-time rendering of the 3D virtual world in all images is generated by MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator™ (VRSG™). 3D models and animations are from MetaVR’s 3D content libraries. © 2013 MetaVR, Inc. All rights reserved. MetaVR, Virtual Reality Scene Generator, VRSG, the phrase “Geospecific simulation with game quality graphics”, and the MetaVR logo are trademarks of MetaVR, Inc.
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Program Highlights
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Standard Space Trainer Training System
Target Simulators AEgis Technologies Group Inc., Huntsville, Ala., is being awarded an $8.9 million contract for the fielding and sustainment of integrated moving target simulators, in support of program manager training systems. Work will be performed at Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, N.C. and Camp Pendleton, Calif. Work is expected to be completed by June 2014. Fiscal years 2012 and 2013 operations and
maintenance overseas contingency operation contract funds in the amount of $8.9 million will be obligated at the time of the award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three offers received. Del Beilstein; dbeilstein@aegistg.com
Unreal Government Network Partnership Intelligent Decisions (ID) Inc., a premier global IT systems integrator, recently announced that it has partnered with Applied Research Associates (ARA) and Epic Games Inc. as a new member in the Unreal Government Network. Intelligent Decisions has licensed Epic Games’ award-winning Unreal Engine 3 from ARA to produce state-of-the-art 3-D training technology and simulation content in support of a contract with the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. The contract focuses on improving the fidelity of autonomous avatars’ behavior within the Dismounted Soldier Training System (DSTS) simulation with an aim to create a realistic training environment. “Unreal Engine 3 will give ID’s training scenario composers the ability to integrate an incoming fire haptic feedback system, full skeletal controls, and to customize terrain, weather, enemy forces and other treacherous aspects of real-life combat missions,” said Clarence Pape,
vice president of simulation and training at ID. “We selected the Unreal Government Network because it gives us access to a professionalgrade ecosystem of resources that include full Unreal Engine source code access, technical support, training, and pre-existing simulation tools. These capabilities will enable us to provide a new level of content fidelity and production efficiency for our customers.” ID is a pioneer in the application of instrumented wearable device technology in the mission training and rehearsal world. They have developed DSTS as a fully immersive virtual simulation training and rehearsal system for U.S. soldiers. This cutting-edge system enables soldiers, leaders and units to train in a virtual training environment and is used by the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation to increase the quality of instruction and combat preparedness. In 2012, DSTS was awarded the U.S. Army’s Modeling and Simulation Award for Training.
Sonalysts has been awarded a $17,149,698 modification contract for the Standard Space Trainer (SST) global positioning system next-generation operation control system mission-specific vendor plug-in. The contract modification is for development of a training system to operate within the SST training environment. The cumulative face value of the contract is $39,521,454. Work will be performed in Waterford, Conn., and is expected to be completed by September 6, 2016. Fiscal year 2013 research and development funds in the amount of $1,370,588 were obligated at time of award.
Combined Tactical Ranges Northrop Grumman Technical Services Inc. is being awarded a $59,568,528 modification contract for operation and maintenance services for the combined tactical training ranges. Services will be required at shore sites, land-based test facilities and aboard ships in ports and at sea. Work will be performed in Oceana, Va.; Yuma, Ariz.; Fallon, Nev.; Cherry Point, N.C.; Key West, Fla.; and San Diego, Calif.; and is expected to be completed by July 2014. Fiscal year 2013 operations and maintenance, Navy funding in the amount of $10,922,247 will be obligated at the time of award, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Wes Jarmulowicz; wes.jarmulowicz@ngc.com
PEOPLE
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
The Army chief of staff recently announced Brigadier General Bradley A. Becker, assistant deputy director for joint training, J-7, Joint Staff, Suffolk, Va., has been assigned to commanding general, U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, Fort Jackson, S.C.
to supreme allied commander, Europe, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Belgium. He most recently served as director, School of Advanced Military Studies, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Colonel Thomas C. Graves, who was recently selected for the rank of brigadier general, has been assigned to executive officer
Colonel Leopoldo A. Quintas Jr., who was recently nominated for the rank of brigadier general, has been assigned to chief of staff, 3rd
4 | MT2 18.6
Infantry Division (Mechanized), Fort Stewart, Ga., to commandant, U.S. Army Armor School, U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, Fort Benning, Ga. AVT Simulation, a defense and homeland security modeling and simulation company, recently announced the appointment of 30-year Navy veteran Roger Easton as the company’s new senior vice president and chief operating officer.
He will be responsible for daily strategic operations, with oversight of the operations, engineering and business development sectors. Sabtech, a company involved in the design, manufacture and support of tactical data communications solutions for military and government agencies, recently announced that it has appointed Thomas Bell as chief financial officer.
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vides a broad spectrum of unique capabilities that allow us to address specific requirements for our customers,” commented Torberg Fremnes, Product Manager of Simulation & Training at Kongsberg. “During the development of our INTERACT PROTEUS program, we were able to take advantage of Havok’s GPU-optimized ocean simulation capabilities to bring a new level of immersion to our interactive naval training environment. And we were Kongsberg, international provider of able to use those features without naval and maritime simulation, re- any further programming – it simply cently entered into an agreement worked out of the box.” with Havok to gain access to its 3D simulation framework for the de- For Havok, delivering cutting edge velopment of high-fidelity training visuals is nothing new. The company programs for ocean, sub-sea and off- has stood behind some of the most shore scenarios. demanding technology requirements of commercial games leaders like One of several programs Kongsberg Sony Computer Entertainment, Michas in development using Havok’s rosoft Game Studios and Activision technology is its integrated naval Blizzard for over 13 years. The comtraining system, INTERACT PROTEUS bined experience from the enter(Integrated Naval Training Environ- tainment and simulation industries ment for Resource management And has enabled Havok to deliver hybrid Crew Teamwork). INTERACT PROTE- technology adapted to address speUS is one of the first solutions of its cific requirements for simulation and kind, designed to offer joint training training. for marine vessel operators. The training environment includes complete With several additional programs bridge crew training such as CIS with underway, Kongsberg is taking adradar operation, sonar, ESM, LINK, vantage of the breadth of features gun, missile, torpedo, decoy, radio Havok’s technology offers to deliver and navigation training. The program new simulation capabilities across air, also provides trainees with highly de- land and sea. These new programs intailed visuals including physics-based clude: 1) a Protector Training System ship buoyancy movements, ocean that provides on-board vehicle and wakes, waves, bow spray and other classroom training for remote weapon water effects to deliver the most im- operators, 2) a Ground Based Air Demersive naval operator training expe- fense program to deliver immersive riences possible today. training for air defense units, defense crews and individuals, and 3) addi“Havok’s extended feature set pro- tional surface and sub-surface ocean Havok™ and KONGSBERG are registered trademarks of their rightful owners. All rights reserved. Images courtesy of Decisive Encounters Limited.
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After careful evaluation of several simulation technologies, it was clear that Havok was the right choice for us to use as our core technology. There were several key requirements we considered during our evaluation, including performance, flexibility, speed of development, and long-term support – all of which Havok has met without a hitch. Performance: Havok Vision Engine ranked higher in performance than any other technology we evaluated. Flexibility: Havok’s modular framework enabled us to easily integrate Havok with our internal technologies, and gave us flexibility to tailor the system to meet very specific requirements for different programs. Speed of Development: Having direct access to source code allowed our team to debug issues quickly and efficiently. Support: Havok’s technical support team went above and beyond our expectations. They were highly responsive, experienced and had a profound understanding for what we were looking to accomplish. Torberg Fremnes Product Manager of Simulation & Training Kongsberg
simulation programs to further extend naval operations training capabilities. “Working with Havok’s team has been a very positive experience and it’s clear that Havok will continue to be a key player in the simulation industry for years to come. With Havok’s technology backing our team, we’re able to offer entirely new technology and training capabilities to the military and simulation market while continuing to deliver on the promise that’s made us an industry leader for the past 40 years – providing proven, world-class operational training programs on time and on budget for our customers,” concludes Fremnes.
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Using collaborative-learning environments to train the warfighter. By Henry Canaday MT2 Correspondent Distance (or distributive) learning (DL) plays an increasing role in all sorts of defense training and education. Training specialists would like to see DL stretch even further, if security concerns and other challenges can be met. Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) uses learnercentric, problem-based, collaborative-learning environments such as discussion boards, wikis, blogs and group projects, explained John Lasseter, a program specialist in NETC’s Learning and Development Division. These combine with web videos and asynchronous instruction by interactive multimedia instruction (IMI), assignments and research projects. NETC is developing courses in the Sakai Collaborative Learning Environment to reach higher skills and performance outcomes, and is piloting mobile technology with tablets for remediation, job aids and publication at the Center for Security Forces. Knowledge retention and performance on crew-served weapons have improved after six months of this pilot. NETC is developing several courses now, and many more will follow when technology and security permit. Hybrid onsite and DL courses include several chaplaincy courses, a supply-officer course and engineering and management courses for Seabees. DL is useful for any training that does not require using real equipment. “Many objectives can be met using PC simulation, augmented reality and gaming prior to performing tasks in a lab or actual environment,” Lasseter explained. But tightened security makes defense training on personal mobile devices over commercial broadband problematic and has prevented DL from keeping pace with non-defense trends. Lasseter noted that mobile-device sales are booming, while PC sales are dropping. A Naval Academy study predicts 80 percent of Internet access will be by mobile device in 2015, and found that most Academy graduates would use mobile learning if available. Students today expect to download video lectures, instruction, gaming and interactive courseware on any kind of device. “In the long run, as barriers are breached, DL will save time and money by providing increased access to content, present training 6 | MT2 18.6
content in real time, with greater relevance and engagement for the learner,” said Lasseter. Meanwhile, the Marines are using DL very aggressively. Dennis Chinault, operations officer at Marine Corps University, said MCU’s College of Distance Education and Training (CDET) uses IMI to provide students with rich video media, interactive 3-D models and simulation-like capabilities. Students on MarineNet, the Corps’ Learning Management System, take courses such as Survival Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) 100, which teaches SERE through gaming. MarineNet users can also learn the mechanics of, and practice troubleshooting on, commonly used equipment. “The incidental motor vehicle operator courses for HMMWVs and MTVRs provide rich learning experiences,” Chinault said. For professional military education, collaboration tools such as Blackboard link officers with instructors live or delayed. Officers get reading assignments and assessments and engage with instructors via discussion threads. Chinault said courses on the theory and nature of war, national and international security, joint war fighting, small wars, operations and warfare fundamentals lend themselves to collaborative DL. The Marine Corps uses DL to deliver military occupation specialty progression training, new equipment training, annual compliance training, requisite training for schools and courses, pre-deployment training, foreign culture and language familiarization, and military education to officers and enlisted Marines. Over 25,000 enlisted Marines have taken professional courses on DL, as have 80 percent of majors and 70 percent of captains. MarineNet now has 5 million electronic course enrollments and more than 3.5 million electronic course completions. CDET sees DL increasing as fiscal resources decrease and leaders look for efficient training. But there will be challenges. Chinault said these include maintaining security as DL expands on mobile devices. And courses developed without DL in mind require significant effort to adapt for DL. Self-paced DL courses, with just-written content, lack the personal touch, spontaneity and war stories www.MT2-kmi.com
efficient way to train new personnel or sharpen skills between dethat motivate students. Finally, it is tough to teach operations ployments. planning by DL as collaborative planning is very difficult to repSimformotion’s CAT simulators provide virtual training that licate in DL. can be used at any facility or mobile unit. Most simulators feature Industry is eager to help the services overcome the challenges companion training on an iPad. Currently CAT simulators are used and exploit the benefits of DL. at several military locations including the Army’s 357th, 417th and Disti offers technology for creating interactive training, mostly 996th Engineer Companies. for cockpits, instrumentation and maintenance, explained Scott The simulators feature a machine modeled from CAT engineerAriotti, director of global marketing. The firm works for firms that ing specifications and environments based on real-world worksupport the U.S. military. For example, AAI Services selected Disti sites. The simulated machine reacts realistically to terrain. “CAT virtual-maintenance technology to train mechanics on the F-15 simulators offer the opportunity for military personnel to train Lightning II at Eglin Air Force Base. using the same controls and applications as the actual machines,” Disti can build DL tools, or clients can build them with Disti’s Moore noted. new Replic8 software, a system for creating Level 3 and 4 courseWhen used in practice mode, onscreen instructions coach usware and three-dimensional interactions without programming. ers. In exam mode, instructions are removed and results saved General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems adopted Replic8 for to a database for administrators, instructors and users to define training on the electromagnetic aircraft launch system and the achievements and weaknesses. advanced arresting gear for the Navy. Many CAT models are simulated, including arLevels 3 and 4 are the high end of virtual courseticulated, mining and off-highway trucks, construcware, Ariotti explained. “We are geared to interaction and mining dozers, the hydraulic excavator, tion with tools within arms reach, the tools they small and large wheel loaders, the M-Series motor need to touch and work with.” grader, the log loader and wheel tractor scraper. VirDisti is updating Replicat8 to go beyond desktual environments vary from construction to mintops to mobile devices. “You will just push a button ing to forestry worksites. to publish to mobile devices.” Ariotti views training New simulator models come with a walkaround as “something you do, rather than someplace you module that teaches users to complete pre-operago. If we can make it like a game, [users] will want tion checks to spot faulty parts. This is important to do it.” as faults can pose safety issues or cause expensive LearnSmart is another company at the forefront Scott Ariotti maintenance issue down the road. of DL solutions. sariotti@disti.com Eight or more training exercises are included “LearnSmart provides a number of DL tools, with each simulator, covering machine-specific apprimarily through our online learning management plications. For example, hydraulic excavator operasystem [LMS], but also through our iPad applicators learn how to set a trench box and pipe. Motor tion,” summarized Vice President of Sales Brian grader users learn how to finish-grade a road. Bashara. Moore emphasized the importance of the With LearnSmart’s LMS, learners receive a walkaround module and records management high-resolution, full-frame video theater that plays software that records hundreds of metrics to track instructional videos, demonstrations and lectures. trainee progress. And an optional motion platform This high-powered LMS also supports integrated allows users to feel vibration and movement, which quizzes and laboratories, building contacts with gives trainees very realistic help in learning preciothers who can help the student, whiteboard sharsion movements, tipping points and more. Proing and instant messaging. Melissa Moore grammers work with motion specialists to ensure “The LMS allows users to make contacts, engage in group learning and share resources,” Bashara mmoore@catsimulators.com the simulated machine responds realistically to environment, maneuvers and terrain. said. “It provides a distance-learning experience CAT Simulators also have companion training by eBooks on that’s in some ways superior to classroom training because of the iPad, which prepare students for simulators with videos, formulas, built-in social-learning options.” step-by-step application methods, operator tips and more. The eBLearnSmart’s iPad application allows users to perform DL withook material includes relevant matter, such as common causes of out a continuing online connection. Learners download courses trench failures or common ditch types. when connected and then use the training anywhere. Simformotion will soon introduce a simulator for the 924H LearnSmart has a library of training that helps people comply small wheel loader, with day and night settings and 13 training with Defense 8570.1 mandates for credentialing and continuing edexercises. It is also adding model-specific training packs to provide ucation of employees with privileged access to defense information additional exercises for current simulators. And plans have been systems. LearnSmart also provides custom courses and consultamade to offer walkarounds as a separate download for the iPad. O tion to military contractors. The firm is now launching a new series of DL courses to help users prepare for project-management certification. When soldiers are trained to operate heavy equipment, equipFor more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives ment is often not available, noted Melissa Moore, director of govfor related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com. ernment sales at Simformotion/CSE Software. DL is a safe and www.MT2-kmi.com
MT2 18.6 | 7
Cutting costs and increasing training capabilities through technological innovation. By Brian O’Shea MT2 Editor
Simulations play a role in almost every aspect of military training throughout all branches, and maritime operations are no different. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard use a variety of simulators to train sailors in order to help lower costs and minimize real-world training. The Coast Guard uses simulators to create platform specific environments for tactical and navigational exercises, said Commander Rich Molloy, Training Center (TRACEN), Petaluma, Calif. Simulators are also used for various levels of Coast Guard 8 | MT2 18.6
students’ expertise, from seamen to qualified deck watch officers, creating mission-driven scenarios and developing the lessons learned from actual events. “At Training Center Petaluma, the C4ISR [command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] staff utilizes virtual simulators to train cutter operators and maintainers for the new national security cutter [NSC],” said Molloy. “Specifically, we provide NSC bridge navigation control training, as well as operator training for the NSC www.MT2-kmi.com
to develop surfaced ship driving experience. It also allows for more challenging contact scenarios, said Curtin. Before the implementation of the bridge trainer, navigation and surfaced contact management were largely trained upon separately, as the previous simulators were focused on training only one of the two mission areas. The submarine piloting and navigation (SPAN) simulators focuses on submarine navigation training and provides only limited training to the officer driving in the bridge. The virtual Combat Information Center [CIC]. Additionally, we have a dedicated environment submarine (VESUB) simulator provides surfaced constaff to train maintenance and technical specialists on the commutact management training to the officer driving in the bridge and no nication and network systems required for electronic technicians support for training their supporting team members. The SBT allows and information system technicians. Our ability to create simulasimultaneous training for the entire navigation and surfaced contact tion for almost every Coast Guard mission enables us to train and management team in an improved visual environment, said Curtin. enhance the proficiency of NSC navigation and combat teams.” Of the five types of submarines in the active inventory, the SBT The Coast Guard utilizes simulators as part of the curriculum is able to model both Los Angeles and Virginia class submarines in to teach NSC bridge and CIC operators and maintainers prior to its current development state. This accounts for all submarines statheir arrival to the cutter. Additionally, they perform simulated team tioned in Groton. Future plans are to install an SBT in all submarine training for NSC crews both before and after patrols to better enhomeports supporting all classes of submarines. hance watch-standing and operational performance. The simulators While the SBT combines the capabilities of both the VESUB and are also used for continued training so crews can earn and maintain SPAN, neither are scheduled to be retired. qualifications. The SBT provides a more realistic and robust environment for At TRACEN, Yorktown, Va., the Coast Guard use simulators to combined training of a submarine’s navigation and contact managetrain radar, navigation and rules of the road for entry level boatment teams. It provides the “next step,” combining the capabilities of swain’s mates (BMs) as well as advanced navigation procedures reboth the current SPAN and VESUB resources for more effective and quired for more senior BMs assigned to bridge management duties, dynamic team training, said Curtin. said Commander Timothy L. Haws. “None of the current navigation or surfaced contact manage“We use ‘task level’ simulation in classrooms to develop skills in ment simulators are scheduled to be retired in the short term as a particular maritime tasks, such as systematic radar tracking, colliresult of bridge trainer installation,” he said. “The SBT is used in both sion avoidance and navigation,” he said. “We use ‘full mission simupipeline schoolhouse training as well as fleet responsive training.” lation’ to develop the employment of maritime skills in the watchWhile the SBT was developed by the Navy, industry plays a big team environment.” role in the technological innovations that are used to train sailors. One of the primary aspects of simulators that Haws would like VT MÄK (MÄK) offers simulation tools that enable system integrato see from industry is easy-to-maintain simulators that are supporttors to develop maritime simulators. Their scenario able when upgrades are needed in order to keep costs generator, VR-Forces, is used to simulate operational reasonable. He added that feedback through simulacombat systems for ship borne training. Along with tor training is vital. VR-Vantage, their 2-D/3-D visualization toolkit, VR“Simulation is only as good as the feedback sysForces has been a key component of action speed tem,” said Haws. “If feedback is not properly structactical trainers and distributed simulation networks tured, then students can inadvertently learn incorrect for leader training. In addition to training simulators, procedure.” MÄK products are used by many maritime research One of the latest simulators in the arena of naval laboratories to create realistic synthetic environsubmarines is the submarine bridge trainer (SBT). ments for concept development, experimentation, The SBT is the most advanced and realistic submarine and human systems integration studies for sub-sursurface navigation and contact management simulaface, surface and unmanned systems, said Jim Kogler, tor developed by the Navy. The trainer enables simulCmdr. Kenneth Curtin director of MÄK Products. taneous training of the officer of the deck (OOD), Their simulation tools are used in naval laboradriving from the submarine bridge in a 360-degree tories in the U.S. such as the Naval Undersea Warfare mini-IMAX-like visual environment, along with his Center, the Navy Research Laboratories, and the Nateam of supporting members within the hull of the val Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division at Patuxent submarine on all the equipment they normally have River, as well as in international labs in Australia, the access to, said Commander Kenneth Curtin, deputy Netherlands, Korea, Germany, France and elsewhere. director of the Advanced Training and Readiness DeMÄK Products help simulate very large areas. partment, Naval Submarine School, Groton, Conn. Their products can monitor an area the size of the There are the advantages to SBT over “in the sail, North Pacific while simultaneously monitoring a on the boat” training. The SBT enables OODs to make dock in Honolulu. They provide a synthetic environmistakes and learn valuable lessons without placing ment that simulates training devices built by many a national asset or the lives of the crew at risk. It inJim Kogler system integrators, complete with surface, subsurface creases training opportunities, as submarines typicaljkogler@mak.com and air vessels, or even ground vehicle operations on ly have a very limited amount of time on the surface www.MT2-kmi.com
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3 1) An operations specialist (far left) orchestrates a HC-130H C4ISR offshore training mission for Tactical System and Sensor System Operators undergoing qualification training using the C-130H Airborne Sensor with Palletized Electronic Reconnaissance Simulator. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard] 2) A junior officer in the sail of the Submarine Bridge Trainer. [Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy] 3) Example of VT MÄK Maritime Simulation. [Photo courtesy of VT MÄK]
from sensor deployment and operations to navigation and ships control. SAIC announced in 2012 that SAIC will separate into two independent, publicly traded companies; Leidos and New SAIC. Leidos will focus on M&S training system development while SAIC will continue to provide M&S training services, said Raver. SAIC and Leidos M&S is used to train components of submashore. They are currently adding an anti-submarine warfare capability rines, surface ships, naval aircraft, and surveillance systems. to drive even the most advanced combat systems, said Kogler. “Our most effective M&S trainers provide the fleet user with “Simulations will become an embedded part of any combat a viable alternative and supplement to deployed-at-sea training system,” said Kogler. “In fact, VR-Forces was used to prototype the events,” said Raver. “In addition to helping to reduce the overall next-generation Total Ship Training System for the U.S. Navy, encost of training associated with deployed training events, M&S abling realistic onboard tactical team training. There will also be a offers the ability to train capabilities that may not be able to be move to making persistent training simulation available over the trained any other way, such as highly contested environments and web and secure networks. MÄK has taken the initiative to work with foreign waters where we cannot conduct training at sea.” the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization to define A key discriminator for some of their most successful Leidos standards and develop technologies to web-enable existing and new systems is the level of fidelity associated with the training, added simulations.” Raver. In some instances, this level of fidelity has allowed fleet opIn response to requests from MÄK’s naval customers, the next erators to certify ashore for many aspects of their job. SAIC and version of VR-Forces will include a enhanced maritime capability, Leidos are not slowing down anytime soon. which entails improved ship and submarine move“Current M&S techniques for maritime trainment models, additional weapons and sensors, and ing often include large-scale trainers located at support for naval electronic warfare environments. fleet concentration areas such as San Diego; Pearl The next version of VR-Vantage will have a full mariHarbor; Groton; and the state of Washington,” said time environment, including ocean sea state visualRaver. “We believe the future of M&S training for ization both above and below the surface. It will be the Navy will focus on virtualized training environused in a submarine periscope simulator. ments with remote access to shared M&S resourcMÄK is not alone in its endeavor to provide es.” the military with high-fidelity maritime simulaAlthough both SAIC and Leidos will continue tion solutions. Science Applications International to expand their M&S capabilities, a near-term focus Corporation (SAIC) currently participates at some Jeffrey A. Raver will be on improved shore-based M&S training for level in modeling and simulation (M&S) trainthe surface fleet, including training for the littoral ing in every branch of the Navy including submajeffrey.a.raver@saic.com combat ship as the next generation of surface vessel, rine, surface, surveillance and air training systems, said Raver. O said Jeffrey A. Raver, vice president/deputy division manager, Systems Engineering and Integration Mission SoluFor more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea tions Division, SAIC. These M&S capabilities range from low-end at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives emulations of tactical systems to full-fidelity recreations of confor related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com. trol rooms and combat spaces, and can be used to train everything 10 | MT2 18.6
www.MT2-kmi.com
Command profile
U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence Developing collaborative training within the TRADOC Centers of Excellence. By Colonel Stephen S. Seitz The U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) trains soldiers on leadership skills and the integration of aviation war fighting doctrine in support of unified land operations. A big part of that is air-ground integration. With this in mind, USAACE began collaborating with the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE) and the Fires Center of Excellence several months ago to develop doctrine and the means to improve training and exercises to highlight lessons learned during recent operations and to prepare our leaders training at these centers of excellence (CEs) for future conflicts. The collaboration is an ongoing goal with four lines of effort: doctrine development, instructor exchanges, live air-ground training, and distributive simulation-based training. The centers have exchanged classroom instructors, established routine doctrine development forums, and expanded live training between student aviators in flight training at Fort Rucker and soldiers training in ground maneuver at Fort Benning. The collective developmental efforts are now focused on new approaches to collaborative inter-CoE distributive training between the captain’s career courses aimed at preserving recent lessons learned and preparing emerging leaders for an array of potential missions. Several simulation-based training initiatives are simultaneously evolving, focused on collaborative planning, gaming-based technology and interactive virtual training. Simulation-based exercises are typically conducted on a closed network. With the appropriately designed and accredited network, distributed exercises can be conducted simultaneously at multiple locations. For example, the combatant commands routinely conduct classified distributive exercises using the Joint Training and Exercise Training (JTEN) Network. However, the CEs don’t have JTEN access or a similar network, and classified exercises are problematic with international students. USAACE has a dedicated closed exercise network and a mission www.MT2-kmi.com
command system training network, but it is not accredited to extend to other locations. There are also dedicated T1 lines that can link virtual devices, but they are not structured to include interaction with mission command systems, which are established at various locations. To address the limitations, assistance was requested from Network Command and the local Network Enterprise Centers at Forts Rucker, Benning and Sill to devise a solution that would allow use of Command Post of the Future (CPOF) and Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2) for collaborative mission planning and rehearsal and gaming-based exercise execution (systems common to all CoEs). As a result, modifications were made to the DoD NonClassified Internet Protocol Router (NIPR) network’s permissions, restrictions and bandwidth limitations to allow unclassified use of CPOF and VBS2 over the same network routinely used throughout the Army for email and Internet access. This has been successfully tested. A recent experimental training event between Aviation Captain’s Career Course and the Maneuver Captain’s Career Course included collaborative planning and the use of VBS2 for execution. The Aviation Branch captains flew attack missions using real-time interactive gaming enhanced with joysticks and gaming controllers to replicate Apache pilot and gunner functions and first-person perspectives in support of maneuver elements at the MCoE. This event was the first of its kind using the full version of VBS2 over the NIPR and it was a very successful proof of principle. Flying the aircraft is difficult using a mouse, but the control systems used for this event were much more realistic and well received by the participants. A recent breakthrough for virtual-based training is founded on the transition of the Army’s virtual collective training systems to a common Semi-Automated Forces, OneSAF. This enables fair-fight simulation between virtual devices such as the Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) and the Close
Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT) tank and personnel carrier simulators. Experimentation is ongoing between the simulation centers at Fort Rucker and Fort Benning to capitalize on the new enhancements. Along with OneSAF, the devices now also use new Synthetic Environment Core (SECORE) common databases. The new OneSAF/SECORE common components are now used in other simulation systems like the virtual-reality-based Dismounted Soldier Training System. The Universal Mission Simulator (UMS) unmanned aircraft system simulator is also compatible. These common denominators are the lynchpin behind the Army’s emerging live, virtual, and constructive integrating architecture, which will be used for future homestation training. Not only has Fort Rucker interoperated their AVCATT with Fort Benning’s CCTTs, they have also conducted successful AVCATT interoperability testing with their prototype UMS and with VBS2. All of the Army’s AVCATTs have recently received aircraft survivability equipment training hardware and software, and many future upgrades are underway to keep them concurrent with the Army’s rotary-wing aircraft fleet. With many technical obstacles breached, new training events can be planned to exploit enhanced training capabilities and possibilities. The next step is to develop symbiotic training objectives so that courses at each CoE can mutually benefit from the training. Programs of instruction need to be modified so course curriculums can capitalize on new and enhanced training enablers. The biggest challenge will be scheduling, since courses are of different lengths and start times are not synchronized. One of the benefits of using the latest simulation technology for training at CoEs will be to introduce the captains to how they can use these systems for homestation training within the live, virtual, and constructive integrated training environment. O Colonel Stephen S. Seitz is the director of simulation, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence at Fort Rucker, Ala. MT2 18.6 | 11
DATA PACKETS Source Data Preparation Recently Released TerraSim recently announced the latest release of its source data preparation product, MaterialMAP from TerraSim. MaterialMAP classifies imagery into surface material maps to support mobility simulation in a variety of constructive and serious game runtimes. MaterialMAP 1.1 improves on TerraSim’s innovative image classification technology and offers customers major feature updates and bug fixes for this release. These additions add up to over three dozen improvements, including: • Improved material export tailored to the unique runtime requirements for VBS2, Steel Beasts Pro, JCATS, OneSAF OTF, and JointSAF CTDB • Intelligent project processing recommendations through the new MaterialMAP Advisor • Enhanced handling of aerial and satellite imagery up to 30,000-by-30,000 pixels • Improved classification, aggregation and statistical image processing tools • Improved user interface interaction and usability • New user documentation, including integrated online help. These enhancements and improvements build on the core functionality in MaterialMAP’s initial release. MaterialMAP users interactively define a small number of training samples to identify the surface materials present in the imagery. Users can quickly build target area test classifications to determine the quality of the final full image analysis. This interactive method simultaneously gives users the ability to improve classification accuracy, while automating the most time-consuming part of the process. New processing tools can also help users intelligently eliminate extraneous detail for improved use in modeling and simulation runtimes. A single surface material map can be created by MaterialMAP and exported as a correlated set to runtime-specific formats. These surface material maps are utilized to determine entity mobility and routing, runtime visual effects, and sensor simulation. Kate Cummings; katecummings@terrasim.com 12 | MT2 18.6
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
UEI Announces Flatrack 1U DAQ/Embedded Control Platform United Electronic Industries (UEI) recently announced the release of an innovative Ethernetbased data acquisition (DAQ) and control platform. The DNF-4-1G Flatrack is a highly integrated, lowprofile DAQ I/O engine made to accommodate a growing need for greater system programmability, functional versatility and scalable deployments. Developed in response to new market demands for a rack-mountable 1U chassis with high-density I/O capabilities, its low-profile (6” x 1.75” x 17.5”) footprint and user-friendly programmability set it apart from other rack-mounted systems. According to Bob Judd, Universal Electronic Industries’ director of marketing, “The beauty of the Flatrack is its deployment flexibility. As a 1U Power DNA (Distributed Networked Automation) system, Programmable Automation/Embedded Controller, MODBUS TCP interface or Simulink I/O platform, the Flatrack’s versatility is unprecedented. For rapid prototyping, evaluation and hardware-in-the-loop testing, its advanced architecture and I/O flexibility make it suitable for a variety of next-generation DAQ applications.” The DNF-4-1G provides two Gigabit Ethernet (100/10 Base-T compatible)
interfaces and four front-loading I/O slots. Over 50 compatible I/O boards can be installed and easily interchanged for blended I/O architectures. The Flatrack can accommodate up to 100 analog inputs, 128 analog outputs, 192 digital I/O bits, 48 ARINC-429 channels, a four MIL-STD-1553 serial bus, and 32 RS-232/422/485 ports. Users can easily design, configure, test and blend I/O channels to suit any sensor or interface requirement. The DNF-4-1G features a simple, universal API-friendly layer and full compatibility with common programming languages, including VB, VB .NET, C, C#, C++ and J#. The system is compatible with popular OS distributions, including Windows, Linux, RTX, InTime, VxWorks and QNX, as well as engineering packages such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, DASYLab, OPC and ActiveX. The Flatrack is the host to dual-channel NICs, a PowerPC CPU, two USB 2.0 controller/ slave ports, timing/trigger interface circuitry, configuration ports, power supply and operational software—all in a standard 1U rackmountable chassis.
New SpeechGuard Bringing Global Communication to the Forefront In some situations, timing and knowledge are critical and human lives might be at stake. You can’t afford any delays or gaps in communication. But if you are dealing with people who don’t know English, the language barrier could be a fatal roadblock. The SpeechGuard is the world’s only professional voice translator, smartphone and travel assistant. A joint effort in development between Ectaco Inc. and the U.S. military yielded the SpeechGuard, and its current use is approaching 1,000 military and law enforcement agencies. With its unique features, flexibility and great capacity for customization, the SpeechGuard is a tool for anyone who encounters people with limited or no English speaking ability. It is capable of receiving free incoming calls in over 160 countries without a contract and instantly translating voice and pictures in over 40 different languages. Offering a color LCD touchscreen in a sturdy, modern design, the SpeechGuard is waterproof, drop-proof and dust-proof. An instant voice translator, picture translator, language teacher, travel guide, two-way radio, two SIM card slots, navigation and positioning system are among its features. An SOS button will get the user instant help by sending a message with the user’s GPS location to five emergency contacts. SOS will blink in Morse code on an integrated laser and flashlight. WiFi, Bluetooth and 3G connectivity allow the device to access online resources, emails, SMS and MMS. More importantly, one can use the SpeechGuard for up to five days without needing to recharge. Jerry Cimadomo; jerry@ectaco.com www.MT2-kmi.com
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2013
u l m a i t S i o p n o T & Training Companies
Military Training Technology is proud to announce the 2013 Top Simulation & Training Companies list. This list recognizes companies that have made a significant impact in the military training industry throughout the current fiscal year in areas as diverse as simulation, distributed learning, serious gaming, visual systems, embedded training, targets and ranges, database modeling and other training components. These companies’ products and solutions allow U.S. airmen, Marines, sailors, soldiers and Coast Guardsmen to train and rehearse for missions in
theater, or to prepare for deployment at home station. An impartial panel selected the winners from those who submitted applications for consideration. Companies were selected based on various criteria which, in part, included total military sales volume, innovation and program effectiveness. The Top Simulation & Training Companies are listed in alphabetical order. Those that made the most significant contributions to the training community are recognized with ribbons. A red ribbon indicates a company that was involved in or led a program of
the year that is revolutionizing military training. A yellow ribbon designates a company that is quickly rising in the industry or has recently released a technology or solution that is considered up-and-coming. A green ribbon denotes that the company leads the industry in military sales, regardless of total company revenue. A blue ribbon signifies that the company leads the industry in innovation. KMI Media Group and MT2 thank all of the companies that submitted nomination packages for the 2013 competition.
2013 Top Simulation & Training Companies 14 | MT2 18.6
ADACEL
Adacel develops advanced simulation and training systems for military and commercial use and has pioneered the application of speech technology to direct voice interactive control of computer generated entities in training systems. Our S&T product family includes a full suite of tools for basic and advanced ATC training, security training systems, flight line driver simulators, automated ATC environments for flight simulator training, and tactical voice applications. Our products range from high-definition simulators to smaller, rapidly deployable systems. We have built an international reputation for its products and services through commitment to technological leadership and customer support.
ADAYANA GOVERNMENT GROUP
15-year history, we have maintained an unparalleled track record in program and database deliveries for the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Coast Guard, with all excellent past performance evaluations.
AEGIS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP
The AEgis Technologies Group Inc., founded in 1989, is a privately held small business corporation, headquartered in Huntsville, Ala. We provide a broad range of products and services, including modeling & simulation development, training, test support, engineering analysis, hardware design, and nanotechnology manufacturing for both government and commercial customers within the U.S. and internationally
portfolio to meet both the current and future training needs of all customers.
ALELO
Alelo is a leading software developer focused on providing leading edge, operationally relevant culture and language courseware that prepares users to be more effective in today’s interconnected, multicultural world. Our software gives users the ability to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds who may speak different languages by focusing on both verbal and non-verbal cross-cultural communication skills. Our unique approach delivers sound instruction that positively impacts learner motivation.
ALION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
AERO SIMULATION INC.
Adayana Government Group, headquartered in Falls Church, Va., is an industry leader in human capital training solutions and consulting services. Over the last 17 years, we have delivered innovative, customized and award-winning learning solutions to more than 65 federal agencies. We partner with federal organizations to solve their most pressing training challenges with end-to-end custom solutions ranging from learning strategy to learning product design and development to learning technologies. dwikoff@adayana.com www.adayana.com/government
AECHELON TECHNOLOGY INC. Aechelon Technology is a leader in real-time computer graphics applications in training, and is a supplier of COTS-based, geo-specific image generators, OTW and correlated sensor databases and integration services primarily to the U.S. government and Department of Defense. With a proven program track record of over 250 highend trainers, we are honored to serve a diverse and demanding community in tactics training, mission rehearsal and sensor simulation. Throughout our
Founded in 1983, Aero Simulation Inc. (ASI) is a small business that is recognized for training systems excellence and customer responsiveness. Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., we specialize in the design, development, manufacture, integration, delivery and post-delivery support of aviationrelated flight and maintenance training devices and simulators. We provide upgrades to existing simulators and manufactures new full flight and part task training devices for military and commercial aviation customers. With a demonstrated commitment to continuous quality improvement, we produce sound, innovative training and support solutions that fulfill customer training requirements effectively. www.aerosimulation.com
AGUSTAWESTLAND AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian helicopter company owned by Italy’s Finmeccanica, is a total capability provider in the vertical lift market. This includes being an established provider of professional training services and solutions to a wide range of military, civil and industrial customers around the world. Building on core competencies in high-quality rotary wing and military systems training, we are committed to developing and expanding its training
Alion Science and Technology delivers advanced engineering, IT, and operational solutions to strengthen national security and drive business results. For customers in defense, civilian government and commercial industries, our engineered solutions support smarter decision-making and enhanced readiness in rapidly changing environments. Building on over 75 years of R&D experience and innovation, we bring expertise and insight to multiple business areas, including modeling, simulation and training. From serious games to decision support, geospatial data imaging to human-systems integration to medical modeling, we turn obstacles into opportunities to help customers achieve their missions. contact@alionscience.com www.alionscience.com
AMERICAN SYSTEMS
Founded in 1975, American Systems is one of the largest employee-owned companies in the United States, with approximately 1,300 employees nationwide and $240 million in revenue for 2012. Based in the Washington, D.C., suburb of www.MT2-kmi.com
Chantilly, Va., we provide systems engineering, technical and training services to government and private sector customers. We possess proven experience in trainer/ training design and delivery; coaching; individual and organizational assessment and development; strategic planning; and cost-effective, efficient program management. We were named “Contractor of the Year” at the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards in October, 2007, and “GSA Mentor of the Year” in 2013.
AMSEC LLC
AMSEC is a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries. With approximately 2,000 employees in 30 locations nationwide and overseas, we are a full service supplier to the Navy and commercial maritime industry. We provide naval architecture and marine engineering, naval ship systems assessments, maintenance engineering, waterfront maintenance support, acquisition program support, shipyard industrial engineering and C4I installation and support services. Additionally, we provide life cycle integrated logistics services including technical manual development, provisioning documentation, spare parts management, training development and delivery, and software development. AMSEC is: “Quality People Providing Quality Service.”
APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES INC.
The Virtual Heroes division of Applied Research Associates Inc. creates collaborative interactive learning solutions for health care, federal systems and corporate training markets. Powered by our cutting-edge, real-time human physiology engine, HumanSim facilitates self-paced learning and instructor facilitated team training via our browser-based GO platform and mobile devices. HumanSim is a part of our advanced learning technologies leveraging simulation and digital gamesbased learning paradigms to accelerate learning, increase user proficiency and reduce training costs. Virtual Heroes is located in Raleigh, N.C., and Orlando, Fla.
www.MT2-kmi.com
APTIMA INC.
In the age of technology, the human is the last frontier for innovation. Aptima’s mission is to engineer tools and systems that increase human capabilities. Our scientists study how humans think and learn in today’s technologyrich networked environments, and we use that knowledge to solve problems and provide solutions in defense, homeland security, health care, aviation and cyber security. Our solutions span the human continuum from the micro to the macro—from the neural and individual level, to teams and large groups, and even to complete societies. paley@aptima.com www.aptima.com
AVT SIMULATION AVT provides expert, cost-effective engineering services and product solutions to our customers. We target gaps not well supported by traditional suppliers. We do so in a manner commensurate with our heritage and values, keeping “first things first” to provide for our customers, our employees and our families.
BARCO Barco, a global technology company, designs and develops visualization solutions for a variety of markets, including defense, security, and training and simulation markets. We offer sophisticated yet user-friendly products that optimize business efficiency and minimize downtime. Our innovative hardware and software solutions integrate all aspects of the imaging chain from image acquisition and processing to image display and management. Barco has sales and marketing, customer support, R&D and manufacturing facilities in Europe, America and Asia-Pacific. We are active in more than 90 countries with about 3,700 employees worldwide. We posted sales of $1.486 billion in 2012.
B-DESIGN3D LTD. B-Design is a leading independent provider of interactive 3-D visual content for the training and simulation industry with over 20 years of experience. We specialize in the creation and design of highly realistic terrain databases, urban
environments and building interiors. Our real-time 3-D models are optimized for high rendering speeds and top visual quality, modeled with the perfect balance between geometry and texture. Our services allow T&S systems manufacturers a cost effective and effortless way to integrate custom made visual databases in any size, detail and resolution into their systems.
to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. We are now leveraging our simulation capabilities in new markets such as health care and mining.
CALYTRIX TECHNOLOGIES
THE BOEING COMPANY
Boeing Training Systems and Government Services provides a full range of training solutions, infrastructure and government services, and logistics information management systems, backed by years of experience, in-depth customer knowledge and a global network. We incorporate advanced learning concepts into training by blending the science of learning with traditional training approaches: innovative game-based technology, intelligent tutoring integrated with learning management systems, adaptive training, data analytics and collaborative tools for game development. Our wholly owned subsidiaries, Tapestry Solutions and Miro Technologies, form the division’s Logistics Information Management Systems business, providing specialized supply chain, command and control, enterprise asset management and mission planning solutions for customers worldwide.
CAE CAE is a global leader in modeling, simulation and training for defense and civil aviation. The company employs approximately 8,000 people at more than 100 sites and training locations in approximately 30 countries. We offer civil aviation, military and helicopter training services in more than 45 locations worldwide and trains approximately 100,000 crew members yearly. Our business is diversified, ranging from the sale of simulation products to providing comprehensive services such as training and aviation services, integrated enterprise solutions, in-service support and crew sourcing. We apply simulation expertise and operational experience
Calytrix Technologies is a product development and training integration group focused on distributed live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training systems. Our training systems team delivers program management; exercise planning and conduct; role players and observer training support; LVC integration and software development; behaviors, entity and correlated terrain development; networking and MIS services to a broad range of defense M&S customers. Our products team delivers systems integration tools into the serious games community (LVC Game), radio communication simulators (CNR-Sim) and exercise planning tools (Inject Planner). Enterprise customers include the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and Swedish Armed Forces.
CARLEY CORPORATION Carley specializes in the analysis, design, development and implementation of large-scale, complex training solutions where performance results are critical. We use proven and emerging technologies and research-based processes to provide products and services within the full spectrum of training system requirements. Our training products include full motion simulators, web- and mobile-based training, instructor-led training, advanced electronic classrooms, and PC-based simulations for technical skills training and soft skills training. We are an ISO 9001:2008 certified woman-owned small business.
CARNEY INC. Carney’s mission is to improve the performance of our clients by accelerating performance and knowledge to ultimately produce the outcomes our clients require. With an exclusive focus on the federal government, we are passionate about providing civilian and military personnel with a performance edge second to none.
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2013 Top Simulation & Training Companies 16 | MT2 18.6
Applying our deep understanding of the art and science of learning, we create powerful solutions that are enabled by technology, not driven by it. Process and results orientation, engaging graphics and animation, solid instructional design, and innovative use of technology have been the hallmark for Carney learning solutions since 1994.
CHRISTIE
Christie’s integrated simulation solutions offer exceptional products, industry know-how and vast experience in one complete visual display solution. Our visual display technology is used in high-performance simulation environments all over the world. Our world-class engineers, project managers, and integration experts work together to deliver high-performance visual display solutions for simulation and training with accurate, true-to-life simulation environments. dave.kanahele@christiedigital.com www.christiedigital.com/simtop100
CM LABS SIMULATIONS INC. For over 15 years, CM Labs Simulations has been delivering virtual environments that promote crew preparedness, efficiency and safety. Through simulation, we help augment skills and reduce the risks of complex operations. In addition to our turnkey Vortex equipment simulators, we provide Vortex Dynamics, our simulation software, as well as end-to-end services for developing custom equipment dynamics simulation software. With proven experience ranging from deep-sea to space projects, the CM Labs team features experts with decades of experience and wide-ranging backgrounds in training, vehicle dynamics, heavy equipment, and robotics. We are the industry’s go-to problem-solver for the most challenging physics and simulation issues, and have a track record of success for both research and applied solutions. Along with our substantial in-house expertise, we also have access to ground-breaking research and simulation resources through our international Academic Program partners. Every day, operators, soldiers, engineers and drivers are trained on CM Labs’ flagship Vortex solutions at over 1,000 simulation installations worldwide.
COLE ENGINEERING SERVICES INC.
include aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, transportation, medical and financial. info@real-time.ccur.com www.real-time.ccur.com
CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES INC. Cole Engineering Services Inc., an award-winning veteran-owned small business founded in 2004, is recognized as a premier small business provider of state of the art, modeling and simulations based training solutions to the federal government. We possess exceptional technical expertise in software development, software systems engineering, systems modeling, serious gaming, and live, virtual & constructive architectural and engineering services. Our executive leadership team has over 120 years combined military and DoD industry contracting experience. Our technical staff has a combined total of 300+ years of successful modeling and simulation experience. We have operational processes in place to ensure program management success (EVMS, Agile Process Management) and quality assurance (CMMI/ISO Performance), promoting low risk, and program milestone achievement. michael.chandler@ coleengineering.com www.coleengineering.com
CONCURRENT REAL-TIME
Concurrent Real-Time is one of the industry’s foremost providers of high-performance real-time computer systems, solutions and software. We have delivered multi-core solutions for the most demanding of mission-critical applications for over four decades, and has deployed and supported thousands of real-time Linux-based solutions throughout the world. Our solutions focus on hardware-in-the-loop and manin-the-loop simulation, data acquisition and industrial systems applications. Products include the RedHawk Linux real-time operating system with guaranteed response; NightStar tools for advanced Linux debugging and analysis; and application-specific tools for simulation and testing. Industries served
Creative Technologies Inc. is a woman-owned small business, focused on developing and producing novel, innovative and immersive technologies for training and marketing. Our simulation capabilities include application development and systems integration, along with staffing and support at the location-based institutional, desktop, transportable and mobile level. Our communications products make complex systems, their features and operation, intuitive and accessible to a wide range of audiences. Our capabilities include the development and production of interactive applications and creative visualization, from concept to delivery. info@cretecinc.com www.cretecinc.com
CREW TRAINING INTERNATIONAL Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., CTI is a customer-oriented business specializing in the development and support of DoD, government and commercial training programs. Since we were founded in 1992, we have grown from two employees to our current 262 employees and have sustained an annual 20 percent revenue growth rate since 1999. Our primary assets are a highly skilled cadre of CAT/CWD professionals and an experienced, capable management staff. Our combined professional experience has provided customized learning solutions to the USAF, USN, USMC, European and NATO aircrews, NASA test aircrews, project engineers and project managers, FAA aircrews and heavy construction workers.
CSC CSC is a global leader in next-generation technologies. As a go-to partner for critical national programs, we offer thought leadership, specialized skills and innovative services in critical areas for government clients. Leveraging a global footprint in both private and public sectors, and experience gained from serving almost every U.S. government agency, we bring innovative ideas and proven best www.MT2-kmi.com
practices to help the U.S. government meet mission-critical requirements.
CUBIC CORPORATION
Cubic Corporation is the parent company of three major business segments: Defense Systems, Mission Support Services and Transportation Systems. Cubic Defense Systems is a leading provider of realistic combat training systems, cyber technologies, asset tracking solutions and defense electronics. Mission Support Services is a leading provider of training, operations, maintenance, technical and other support services to the U.S. and allied nations. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading provider of automated fare collection systems and services for public transit authorities.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS SUPPORT INC. (DLSI)
Defense Logistics Support Inc. is a leader in live, virtual & constructive range and training technology, emergency humanitarian relief systems, and commercial off-theshelf applications, and specializes in logistics support for the Department of Defense and other government agencies. We are strategically located in Lumberton, N.C., 25 minutes from Fort Bragg and 40 minutes from Camp Lejeune, N.C. Our location in Eastern North Carolina gives us immediate access to FORSCOM and USMC with rapid response capability to our many other current and future customers. We have key partnerships with other companies in the defense, security and humanitarian relief domains from both CONUS and OCONUS locations that support our end use customers in meeting their domestic and global forward operating needs. tk@defenselogisticssupport.com www.dlsmilwraps.com
DESIGN INTERACTIVE INC. Design Interactive Inc. (DI) is a woman-owned small business www.MT2-kmi.com
specializing in human factors engineering with an emphasis on training and human performance. We employ a variety of methods and technologies to develop deep diagnostics that enable engaging, intuitive and adaptive training solutions to meet our commercial and government customer’s most critical human performance challenges. At DI there is no guesswork—all of our training and human performance solutions are deeply rooted in research and training/human performance science.
DI-GUY
DI-Guy is a leading software developer of tools for real-time human visualization, simulation and artificial intelligence. We have thousands of ready-to-use characters and motions. The SDK integrates into OpenGL, OSG and custom render environments on both Linux and Windows. A vast C++ API controls all aspects of character behavior including gazing, gestures, expressive faces and weapon aim/fire. We reduced scenario creation costs using visual scenario authoring tools, sophisticated character/crowd behavior, paths, and terrain-aware HFSM AI. DI-Guy is used by the U.S. Marines, Air Force, Army and Navy, and by leading organizations worldwide including Boeing, FlightSafety, BAE and RUAG. bblank@diguy.com www.diguy.com
DIAMOND VISIONICS
Diamond Visionics is the standard in high-performance geospatial visual simulation. Our unparalleled real-time rendering defines customer expectations, providing training needs from mission rehearsals to motion-based simulators.
realism of existing trainers. Our maintenance trainers are used to teach the installation, operation and maintenance of a variety of mechanical equipment. Our small arms trainers teach function, repair and marksmanship. We also create photo-realistic 3-D content from photos and computer aided design data used in a variety of third-party training and simulation solutions. sales@digimation.com www.digimation.com
DIGNITAS TECHNOLOGIES Dignitas Technologies LLC, a woman-owned small disadvantaged business founded in 2004, is providing system and software engineering services for the modeling and simulation community with a mission to shape the future of simulation with innovative technology. We lead several small business innovation research projects and support a wide range of large and small programs spanning the live, virtual and constructive domains across a diverse customer set. We have extensive experience and successful past performance in the development of key simulation systems and provides expertise in management, research, engineering and programming.
DISCOVERY MACHINE INC. Discovery Machine has developed a patented behavior modeling approach to capturing and deploying subject matter expertise in simulations as automated entities. The company has leveraged proven successes with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Office of Naval Research, Naval Air Systems Command, and more to develop a suite of artificial intelligence products. Among them are the knowledge service modeler, behavior modeling console for VBS2, maritime console, and behavior creation toolkit. Discovery Machine behavior models have been adapted and deployed to operate in simulated training environments and have been utilized as virtual job aids to meet custom business needs.
DIGIMATION
DISTI CORPORATION
Now in its 21st year, Digimation is a pioneer in the development of 3-D graphics and related technology used in training and simulation. We develop turnkey training and simulation solutions for PCs and tablet computers. We also partner with leading defense contractors to improve the effectiveness and
Founded in 1994, the Disti Corporation is a leading provider of graphical user interface tools and technology that empower the latest in virtual cockpits
and instruments, and virtual task and maintenance training applications. We combine advanced interface technology with strategic innovation to deliver high-fidelity, high-performance 3-D graphic solutions to the warfighter.
DYNAMICS RESEARCH CORPORATION (DRC) Dynamics Research Corporation helps its federal customers develop flexible, interactive training and support products to enhance performance on mission-essential operations.
DYNCORP INTERNATIONAL
DynCorp International (DI) is a leading global services provider offering unique, tailored solutions for an everchanging world. Built on more than six decades of experience as a trusted partner to commercial, government and military customers, we provide sophisticated aviation, logistics, training, intelligence and operational solutions wherever they are needed. We are headquartered in Falls Church, Va. www.dyn-intl.com
ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SIMULATIONS (ECS) Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) Inc. is an award-winning software development and solutions company located in Orlando, Fla. The core mission of the organization is to provide advanced learning technology solutions to clients within the commercial and government sector. Our technology portfolio of crisis response solutions includes: crisis response simulations, safety- and competency-based technology, immersive virtual worlds, serious gaming, performance assessment, staff training and mobile innovations. We offer efficiencies in operations, education, training and collaboration.
ETC SIMULATION ETC Simulation aims to be the technological innovative leader in simulation training for all agencies involved in emergency management and disaster response. By continuously developing and evolving the state of technology of its products, we benefit not only our customers, but the individuals we protect. Built upon 40 years of research and development, we strive to produce the most effective simulation training systems for leading organizations worldwide for MT2 18.6 | 17
2013 Top Simulation & Training Companies 18 | MT2 18.6
developing and strengthening emergency response teams.
HAVOK
FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL FlightSafety’s vision is to be the world’s premier aviation training and technology supplier. We are known for and committed to enhancing safety, providing service excellence, and keeping our commitments to our customers. We are a global provider of government, civilian and military aviation training, training services, and advanced simulation and visual technology.
GAMESIM INC. Founded in 2008, GameSim has had successful involvement in various initiatives throughout the entertainment, simulation and GIS industries. Providing software products and services, we are a small business with projects ranging from small-scale, such as for Small Business Innovation Research programs, to largescale, for the entertainment industry and DoD. We have been credited in multiple AAA game titles including Madden NFL, NCAA Football, and Mass Effect 3. We have also seen opportunity in commercial off-the-shelf GIS products, launching Conform, a product that can generate 3-D environments from GIS source data in near real-time.
GENERAL DYNAMICS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides IT, systems engineering, professional services, and simulation and training to customers in the defense, federal civilian government, health, homeland security, intelligence, state and local government and commercial sectors. With approximately 21,000 professionals worldwide, we deliver IT enterprise solutions, manage largescale, mission-critical IT programs, and provide mission support services. General Dynamics Information Technology is one of four business units of the General Dynamics Information Systems and Technology business segment. Headquartered in Fairfax, Va., General Dynamics Information Technology has major offices worldwide. communications@gdit.com www.gdit.com/training
Havok is a provider of simulation and 3-D visualization technologies to develop high-fidelity simulations for tactical and combat training, MOUT, operator training, small arms training and driver training. Our technologies are fully scalable and optimized for performance to allow integrators and developers to build interactive, high-fidelity simulation environments in less time, with less risk, and at a significantly reduced cost. Close collaborations with leading technology providers including Presagis, TerraSim, Calytrix, Pitch Technologies and JRM Technologies, allow us to ensure industry standards, content, workflow and connectivity all integrate seamlessly to offer the most effective capabilities available. simsales-inquiry@havok.com www.havoksimulation.com
HEARTWOOD INC. Heartwood empowers companies and organizations to accelerate user learning, reduce operation and maintenance training costs and decrease expensive live training. Our customers build, repair, operate and maintain their products by deploying 3-D interactive training solutions anytime, anywhere, on any platform— web, PC, mobile and tablets. This fully interactive rich learning content provides a modern day alternative to training manuals, videos and hands-on experience that enables the user to learn by doing. As a market leader, we support a strong base of customers and partners including Apple, L-3, Oshkosh, Raytheon, Sikorsky and the U.S. Navy. www.hwd3d.com
INTERACTIVE DATA VISUALIZATION INC. Interactive Data Visualization Inc. (IDV) develops the award-winning SpeedTree suite of software products, as well as other applications with a focus on real-time 3-D applications for the visual simulation, game development, engineering visualization, cinematic and animation industries. A privately held corporation, we were founded in 1999 in Columbia, S.C.
JANUS RESEARCH GROUP INC.
Janus’ innovative, efficient, and cost-effective services, products, and software solutions significantly improve the efficiency and performance of their clients’ organizations by providing superior technological enhancements and improved business processes. We are a forward thinking company with expertise and core competencies in providing its customers with specialized acquisition, program management and combat development systems engineering and technical assistance services. We are an industry leader in the creation and rapid development of innovative, 3-D virtual reality training and visualization software environments. We design and produce virtual environments and visualizations to include: Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI Levels I-IV); PC simulations; immersive training through serious game technology (SGT); collaborative multiplayer products; modeling and simulation; apps and cinematics. bd@janusresearch.com www.janusresearch.com
IMPROVISED ELECTRONICS LLC
KITCO FIBER OPTICS
Improvised Electronics believes that live tactical training is among the highest imperatives for today’s armed forces, and we believe that this training must continue to improve. The IED threat demands a persistent and unyielding response, and our ability to effectively and successfully train for this threat is of paramount importance. We manufacture realistic and functional C-IED training aids, earth-shaking blast simulators, and machine gun simulators indistinguishable from the real thing.
Kitco Fiber Optics is a recognized leader in fiber optic training that offers a diversified variety of ‘hands-on’ certified training for all branches of the armed forces and defense contractors. We have served for 13 years as the U.S. Navy’s sole approved shipboard fiber optic trainer and have entered into our third five-year contract to continue providing this training. Following the
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2013 Top Simulation & Training Companies
same model we developed with the U.S. Navy, we provide strategic MIL-STD compliant practices for training and field services for the military aviation community, the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, applying the most current ruggedized fiber optic technologies. info@kitcofo.com www.kitcofo.com
KONGSBERG GLOBALSIM (KGS) Kongsberg GlobalSim (KGS) designs and develops advanced simulator-based training systems for operators of aircraft, ships, heavy-lift cranes, advanced material handling equipment (MHE), and a wide variety of complex machinery. KGS specializes in man-in-the-loop simulators that provide effective methods of training students in the safe and efficient operation of real equipment. In addition to the successful implementation of computer-based simulators for a wide variety of custom applications, we have also developed the MasterLift, Crane and MHE Training Systems product line. Numerous military organizations, commercial ports, and construction companies worldwide are using these training tools to successfully reduce accidents and increase productivity.
KRATOS DEFENSE AND SECURITY SOLUTIONS Kratos Defense is a life cycle training solutions provider, specializing in developing a workforce dedicated to assuring the readiness, reliability and operational effectiveness of the warfighter. We help organizations and teams optimize performance by improving training outcomes while reducing training time and costs. As a growing leader in training solutions, we develop and deliver cutting-edge media, from computer-based training to full-fidelity training devices. Using advanced workforce competency and instructional design capabilities, we employ the most advanced interactive, web, gaming, social media and mobile technologies to help organizations meet and exceed mission performance goals.
L-3 LINK SIMULATION & TRAINING L-3 Link Simulation & Training is a world leader in providing total training solutions for operators and
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maintainers across a wide range of military and civil aircraft platforms. The world leader in the number of currently operational military simulators worldwide, our innovative solutions provide a full spectrum of state-of-the-art training technologies, including high-fidelity immersive simulations, as well as distributed academic and interactive courseware. We have delivered military and civil training systems to customer locations throughout North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim.
LASER AMMO USA INC. Laser Ammo USA Inc. is owned and operated by former Israeli and U.S. military combat veterans, who understand the need to be able to practice with a firearm anytime and anywhere! As we are shooters ourselves, we too feel the burden of the constantly rising prices of training ammunition. Our solution is to offer a technological means to allow the end user to practice with his or her favorite firearms, from handguns to shotguns, rifles or even a 40 mm grenade launcher, without the high cost of traditional ammunition. Laser Ammo is committed to bringing our customers a precisionmade product, made from the highest quality materials available. Our technical team works day and night to bring our customers the most reliable, innovative and cutting-edge technology, in a cost-effective way, with one singular thought in mind how to make them better shooters.
LOCKHEED MARTIN Lockheed Martin is the premier provider of innovative solutions for mission readiness and sustainment. Our skilled employees provide fast-turn, high-quality technical services for customers in more than 50 countries. Our focus is helping customers achieve mission success anytime and anywhere by offering a full range of training, engineering, integration and test support. From teaching aircrews to fly the world’s most advanced fighter jet to developing the live-virtual-constructive environment of tomorrow, Lockheed Martin transforms technology into affordable mission readiness solutions.
LOGISTIC SERVICES INTERNATIONAL INC.
LSI provides courseware development, technical data support, part task trainers, desktop simulations, gaming solutions, and instructor services for the U.S. Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security and the defense industry. We are also a principal subcontractor to defense original equipment manufacturers for numerous military training programs. We have provided continuous military training services to U.S. and foreign military customers for 34 years, with more than 20 years’ experience developing computer-based training, including SCORM conformant interactive courseware since the inception of SCORM. We are a customer-focused organization with 450+ employees directly supporting training product development.
MARATHON TARGETS Marathon Targets addresses a fundamental gap in current live-fire training the lack of realistically moving targets. Our mission is to make small arms live-fire training as realistic as it can be, short of actually stepping into the combat zone. The battlefield is a bad place to receive on-the-job training. Ours targets are autonomous robots which look, move and behave like people—their paths are unpredictable, and their human-like motion makes them challenging to hit. Australian Defence has been using our smart targets since 2008. Other customers include the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Army, and Canadian Forces.
METAVR INC.
MetaVR develops commercial PC-based software for military simulation and training, featuring high-speed visualization of 3-D content and rapid creation of networked virtual worlds using real-world data. We provide geospecific real-time visual www.MT2-kmi.com
simulation with the fidelity of game quality graphics. Our software products enable users to build high-fidelity virtual worlds with its terrain generation and scenario creation tools and render, at 60Hz frame rates, the resulting virtual worlds with its realtime 3-D visualization application, Virtual Reality Scene Generator. Our systems are used for training applications such as unmanned aerial systems, manned flight simulators, mission planning and rehearsal, particularly JTAC/FAC training with CAS missions, aerial refueling, urban operations, and disaster management. sales@metavr.com www.metavr.com
MYMIC LLC
We have a strong background in modeling and simulation and 13 years of experience serving clients in a variety of industries as well as all branches of the federal government, Department of Defense and international organizations. We understand the needs of each client and provide comprehensive solutions. Our capabilities include modeling and simulation, learning solutions, operational research analysis, enterprise IT solutions and cybersecurity, software development, and program management. trainingsolutions@mymic.net www.mymic.net
NGRAIN
Ngrain provides interactive 3-D visualization technology and software based on its patented voxel-based 3-D rendering engine. Offering development platforms and authoring tools, we are focused on solving business problems while delivering value. Transforming the way people share knowledge, Ngrain is in use by organizations worldwide.
OSHKOSH DEFENSE PRODUCT TRAINING SOLUTIONS At Oshkosh Defense, we specialize in serving the defense industry by designing, producing and sustaining www.MT2-kmi.com
a portfolio of best-in-class vehicles, products and sustainment solutions. Since 1917, we have delivered more than 100,000 light, medium and heavy vehicles and trailers for a full range of missions in the most challenging terrain. We stand behind our products by offering full life cycle support and services including fleet maintenance and modernization, operator training, technical training, logistics and parts support. Altogether, we provide an integrated approach to achieving the highest levels of operational readiness and performance, and overall efficiency.
PINNACLE SOLUTIONS INC. Pinnacle Solutions Inc. is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business founded in 2008 to provide training device development and engineering services and has been appraised by Software Engineering Institute as capability maturity model integration Level 3 for software development, integration and testing. We are a trusted provider of training products, simulator upgrade and modifications, flight instructors, simulator operators and maintainers, and technical publications. Our appeal to our customers is that we are process oriented (low risk), mission focused (we understand what they are trying to accomplish), innovative (we bring new ideas to the table) and reliable (we do what we say we are going to do).
PLEXSYS INTERFACE PRODUCTS INC. Plexsys provides training solutions for the C4ISR and fighter/bomber communities through M&S systems and integration tools. Concentrations include the development of HLA/DIS-compliant LVC environment generation technologies used throughout USAF DMO and other high-fidelity simulations. We also provide superior mission brief/debrief technologies, as well as synthetic communications training solutions. We design and support war-gaming exercise scenarios, provide in-the-field simulation support, and develop courseware. We are an original partner in the USAF Distributed Mission Operations program, and are internationally known for its long-haul networked training venues and expansive modeling and simulation expertise. We continue to be a leading participant in distributed mission operations and live, virtual, constructive technology development programs worldwide.
PRESAGIS
Presagis provides an integrated and comprehensive suite of off-the-shelf software for the development of modeling, simulation and embedded display graphics applications. Our team is committed to helping customers develop complex and mission-critical applications by providing integrated solutions that are easy to use yet meet the rigorous demands of even the most advanced modeling & simulation and embedded display applications.
RAYDON CORPORATION Raydon Corporation has been at the leading edge of virtual training technology for almost three decades, long depended on by the U.S. armed forces for providing dependable and affordable simulation-training products and solutions. We provide a wide range of trainers that include unstabilized gunnery trainers, tabletop trainers, conduct of fire trainers for tanks and Bradleys, and route clearance and convoy trainers. We also have the largest private fleet of trainers and simulators ready to lease out to the military at a fraction of the cost to procure one at with no risk to the government.
RIPTIDE SOFTWARE INC.
Founded locally in 1995, Riptide Software Inc. is a CMMI Level 3 formally assessed small business providing advanced software training solutions and services to military government agencies for the United States warfighter. With over 160 deployments, Riptide is an integral part of the USMC, U.S. Army, and special forces live, virtual, and constructive training systems around the world. contact@riptidesoftware.com www.riptidesoftware.com
ROCKETBOX STUDIOS GMBH Rocketbox is the creator and distributor of a large library of highquality 3-D character models and animations for usage in real-time applications and rendering. Rocketbox is also creating custom 3-D graphics and animation, not only in the field of characters, but also for vehicles, weapons, environments, etc.
ROCKWELL COLLINS
Rockwell Collins is a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission communications, information management, and simulation and training is delivered by 19,000 employees and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries.
SAAB TRAINING USA
Saab Training USA, located in Orlando, Fla., provides high-fidelity, laserbased technology and instrumentation system to support all phases of the training cycle. Recent expansions into the virtual and constructive simulation segment offer new opportunities to integrate all components into a seamless training cycle. Saab is a part of worldwide organization supporting the defense forces of more than 40 countries. steve.parrish@saabtraining.com www.saabtraining.com
SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (SAIC) SAIC is a Fortune 500 scientific, engineering and technology applications company that uses its deep domain knowledge to solve problems of vital importance to the nation and the world, in national security, energy and the environment, critical infrastructure, and health. Our approximately 38,000 employees serve the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, other U.S. government civil agencies, and selected commercial markets. We had an annual revenue of approximately $11.2 billion for our fiscal year that ended January 31, 2013. Please note: On August 30, 2012, SAIC announced its planned separation into two independent, publicly traded companies, expected to be created in the later half of this fiscal year. The $4
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billion technical services and enterprise information technology business will continue the SAIC name, and the $7 billion national security, health and engineering business will be named ‘Leidos,’ signifying bringing together innovative and effective solutions from different angles.
SERCO INC.
Serco Inc. provides professional, technology and management services focused primarily on the U.S. federal government, including every branch of the military, key civilian agencies and the intelligence community. Services include consulting, engineering, IT, human capital management, learning and knowledge management, military personnel services, business process outsourcing, logistics and engineering, and transportation support. Headquartered in Reston, Va., we have approximately 8,500 employees in 100+ locations throughout 45 states, five Canadian provinces and 14 countries. Serco is ranked in the Top 35 of the largest federal prime contractors by Washington Technology and is ISO 9001:2008 certified with CMMI level 3 capabilities. info@serco-na.com www.serco-na.com
SIMBIONIX USA CORPORATION
Simbionix Corporation is a worldleading provider of a full spectrum of innovative training and education solutions for medical professionals and the health care industry. We combine innovative R&D, cutting-edge technology, and strong clinical relationships to promote adoption of best medical practices, to advance clinical performance, and to optimize procedural outcomes. All products are developed in collaboration with global medical experts, who play an active role in simulation design, content definition, and product testing and validation. Cooperation with leading professional societies (including SAGES, EAES and AABIP), credentialing boards, and academic institutions around the world are all part of establishing simulationbased curricula and meeting certification requirements. The results are the most reliable, robust and effective medical education training products.
SIMETRI INC. Simetri Inc. is a leading technology firm based in Winter Park, Fla., leveraging over a decade of experience in research, development and engineering capabilities. We deliver integrated medical training solutions that utilize advanced web-centric learning systems and revolutionary prosthetic technology for emergency preparedness. Our strong foundation, past performance and growing customer base offers clients a stellar technology portfolio. Recently, we opened our doors to a full production lab for developing products for medical training. We were founded in 1997, and are a woman-owned, minority-owned small business that is process driven, customer focused and committed to results.
SIMIGON
SimiGon is the developer of SIMbox, a leading PC-based technology platform used to create, manage and deploy simulation based content across multiple domains including training, mission debriefing, homeland security and entertainment. SIMbox provides an integrated, enterprise PC-based training environment of high-fidelity 3-D simulation within a SCORM 2004 LMS/LCMS/ TMS. Robust and flexible, SIMbox is used for web-based and desktop simulation through part task trainers and tactical simulators and delivers distributed mission training. SIMbox is used by training and simulation systems providers, military contractors, and over 20 air forces and commercial airlines worldwide.
SIMMERSION LLC SIMmersion LLC was founded in 2002 as a spin out of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. We develop advanced soft-skill training simulations for high-value, sensitive or difficult conversations such as cross-cultural negotiations, suicide intervention, armed forces recruitment, sexual assault prevention, leadership and health care discussions. Clients include all the branches of the military services, FBI, DEA, intelligence agencies, National Institutes of Health, the National Suicide Lifeline and commercial businesses. While historically we have focused on building custom
training systems, we now have a suite of off-the-shelf products, making critical products available at lower prices.
SIMTHETIQ INC.
As a supplier of advanced 3-D solutions in defense and security, aerospace, gaming and research, Simthetiq provides mission-critical training and simulation solutions that seamlessly integrate custom 3-D content into any scenario for any requirement. Our technological solutions extend the training capabilities and interoperability of modern simulation—offering a vast library of high-resolution, crossplatform models and environments together with a series of applications and products fine tuned to the requirements of our customers, we are able to apply our skills and knowledge to produce some of the most realistic and immersive simulation products in the industry.
SONALYSTS INC. Sonalysts meets the challenges of the future with today’s innovation. We have the unique capability to blend our multidisciplinary capabilities in science, engineering, creativity and design to produce state-of-the-art modeling, simulation and training (MST) solutions. For four decades, we have consistently provided customers the superior value of “one-stop-shop” solutions to difficult challenges that combine innovative R&D, proven advanced training technologies (Adaptive IMI, Integrated Learning Environment [ILE], Intelligent Tutoring), and serious game development. Our MST solutions offer increased readiness through enhanced training effectiveness at a reduced cost, all within a rigorous CMMI-based Level 3 systems engineering process.
STOTTLER HENKE ASSOCIATES INC.
Stottler Henke Associates Inc. applies artificial intelligence and other advanced software technologies to solve problems that defy solution using traditional approaches. We deliver intelligent software solutions for education and training, planning and scheduling, knowledge management and discovery, www.MT2-kmi.com
decision support, and autonomous systems.
capabilities for an exceptional learning experience.
SUNDOG SOFTWARE LLC
TASC INC.
Founded in 2006, Sundog Software specializes in the real-time rendering of natural environments. Our SilverLining and Triton C++ and C# libraries provide OpenGL and DirectX developers with visual simulation of the sky, ocean, 3-D volumetric clouds and weather effects. Sundog’s software is used worldwide by professional game developers, large military contractors and aviation companies developing flight training simulators, architectural visualization companies and broadcast video application developers. Our customers also include NASA, the U.S. Navy and the FAA.
Founded in 1966, TASC Inc. provides advanced systems engineering, integration and decision-support services to the intelligence community, Department of Defense and civilian agencies of the federal government. At TASC, we combine strategic thinking with precise analytics to solve complex problems of national importance. Our far-reaching perspective and specialized domain expertise allow us to develop sophisticated national security and public safety solutions. With more than 4,000 employees in 40 locations, we generate over $1.5 billion in annual revenue.
THE TATITLEK CORPORATION
SYNDAVER LABS SynDaver Labs manufactures the world’s most sophisticated synthetic human tissues and body parts. Our SynDaver Synthetic Human bleeds, breathes and employs hundreds of replaceable muscles, bones, organs and vessels, which are made from materials that mimic the mechanical, thermal and physico-chemical properties of live tissue. This validated technology is used to replace live animals, cadavers and human patients in medical device studies, clinical training, battlefield trauma training and surgical simulation.
TACTICAL MICRO INC.
Tactical Micro’s innovation in digital instrumentation, advanced audio/ video recording and IP communications provides better training for our warfighters for every contingency. From design and software engineering to a fully ISO 9001 production facility, our solutions products and services are focused on the success of our customer, the warfighter and first responder. Our training systems allow live audio, video and data capture, and replay of almost any training environment in accordance with OSD’s current training guidance. By non-obtrusively capturing the sights, sounds and data during training, AARs can address all of the combat system’s
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The Tatitlek Corporation, an 8(a) Alaska Native Village Corporation, specializes in live, virtual and constructive training solutions including live training (role players, BFX, and medical moulage); battlefield survival training (IED recognition, vehicle rollover evacuation, communications, marksmanship); virtual training (contractor logistics support for USMC simulators, indoor simulated marksmanship trainer-enhanced, combat convoy simulator, and operator driver simulator). We provide vertical and horizontal construction; cultural advisor/linguist services; facilities management & operations; janitorial and food services; and IT-centric services that include geospatial information systems and database management. We provide the customer focus of a small firm, backed by the resources and depth of a large company. tcrawley@tatitlek.com www.tatitlek.com
offer hit detection/precision scoring for increased training proficiencies. Our technologies are patented and/or patent pending in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia.
TEC-MASTERS INC. (TMI)
Tec-Masters Inc. is a Huntsville, Ala.-based, minority-owned small disadvantaged business that is ISO 9001:2008 and CMMI Level 3 Certified. We are a financially strong, debt-free small business with a contract base averaging $44 million in annual revenues over the last five years, with total revenue over $360 million from 2006-2013. Our core business areas are modeling and simulation, engineering services, system engineering and technical assistance support, software development, test and evaluation, program and acquisition management support, training, creative multimedia, logistics support and information technology.
TERNION CORPORATION
For over 24 years, Ternion Corporation has provided highly flexible simulation solutions to government and commercial organizations worldwide. FLAMES, our flagship product, is a family of commercial off-the-shelf software products that provides a framework for composable constructive simulations and interfaces between live, virtual, and constructive simulations. Additionally, our team of experts can develop custom FLAMES-based simulations to meet the specific requirements of our customers.
TERRASIM INC.
TECH VALLEY TECHNOLOGIES INC. Tech Valley Technologies is a veteran-owned small business that designs and manufactures realistic targets to meet current and emerging training requirements of the U.S. military and law enforcement. Since 2003, we have become a leader in providing ICID and/ or thermal targets to the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and others. We have developed several targets that
TerraSim provides software solutions and services for advanced visual simulation and database construction. Acquired by Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) in April 2013, we continue to support the largest number of third-party simulation runtimes. Our TerraTools automates construction of dense urban environments for operations planning and situation assessment
as well as produces exercise databases covering hundreds of one-degree geocells. Our source data preparation products cut cost drivers in modeling and simulation workflows. TerraSim Xtract (source data reuse), RoadMAP (road network extraction), DEMTools (elevation model processing and refinement) and MaterialMAP (surface material generation) each support different key components required for efficient production of virtual, constructive, and serious game runtimes for advance modeling and simulation.
THALES TRAINING AND SIMULATION With a heritage of training experience that extends over half a century, Thales Training and Simulation’s innovative approach to training solutions flexes to accommodate our customers’ key priorities and shapes the training delivery accordingly. From training equipment to full training services, Thales is a leader in both military and civil training applications. Our military training equipment and services portfolio spans combat and multirole aircraft, helicopters, land vehicles and naval platforms with associated weaponry and systems. With worldwide operations and delivery sites in France, the U.K., Australia, Germany and the U.S., we deliver solutions that meet your operational and training needs.
UFA INC. UFA Inc. is a leading provider of air traffic control (ATC) simulation systems and voice-recognition technology for civil aviation, military organizations and universities around the world. Our customers include the FAA and FAA-CTI schools, U.S. military, NAV Canada, DFS Flugsicherung, LVNL Netherlands, EUROCONTROL, and CAAC China. Differentiated by our market-leading voice recognition and response system and highly realistic flight training scenarios, our products enable controllers to train more flexibly, effectively and costefficiently. We excel in developing complex software architectures, algorithm development including aircraft modeling and navigation. We offer a unique combination of small business responsiveness and attention along with extensive program experience and understanding of the ATC field. We are proud of a 30+ year track record that exceeds our customers’ expectations.
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VALKYRIE ENTERPRISES LLC Valkyrie Enterprises LLC is a rapidly growing veteran-owned small business. In 2007, we opened our doors with five employees; currently, we employ over 200 across the country. We proudly serve the DoN, other DoD entities, commercial and international clients. We specialize in systems engineering, engineering design, in-service engineering, training, technical services, and maintenance planning and assessment. Each of these core equities supports our customers in the domain areas of acquisition, modernization and readiness, providing life cycle support to our customers. We are proud to operate with large business process rigor and the responsiveness and agility of a small business.
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VT MĂ„K
VT MĂ„K develops software for distributed simulation. Leveraging a strong foundation of COTS software products, we work with customers to build and populate compelling 3-D simulated environments. Our primary users are in the aerospace, defense and transportation industries, yet our products and services help customers anywhere modeling and simulation is needed to train, plan, analyze, experiment, prototype and demonstrate. We are dedicated to serving our customers by building flexible products, offering superior technical support, and innovating ways to build, populate and view interoperable 3-D simulated worlds. We continue to take advantage of new technologies that further the state of simulation.
WITTENSTEIN AEROSPACE & SIMULATION INC.
Committed to being your worldclass partner for intelligent mechatronic systems for control loading, vibration and other motion, Wittenstein Aerospace & Simulation uses the power of science, innovation and forward thinking engineering to provide cutting-edge technology for simulation. Thinking beyond the traditional, we are constantly working with our customers, creating new motion solutions along with providing a superior customer experience, focusing on the needs of the customers and end users and providing reliable and quality systems. barbara.colucci@wittenstein-us.com www.wittenstein-us.com/controlloading-systems.html
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DATA PACKETS New Projector for Real-World Simulation Christie recently introduced its new Christie Matrix WU7K-J 3-chip DLP projector delivering real-world simulation to handle the most challenging of today’s display requirements. Featuring 6,300 ANSI lumens, the projector contains standard features that include full scalability, built-in geometric warping and edge blending, and high performance, image processing with 120Hz capability. The new Xenon-based projector joins the Christie Matrix Series family, which includes the award-winning one-chip DLP LED-based Matrix StIM and Matrix SIM, as well as the Matrix StIM WQ and Matrix SIM WQ. “The Christie Matrix WU7K-J is built upon one of the industry’s most innovative technologies, and provides customers with the highest level of system performance and capability available today,” said Dave Kanahele, director of simulation, Christie. “This new projector represents a continued evolution of DLP technology combined with high brightness Xenon lamp illumination, superior image quality and stability, integrated with our unique Christie Matrix features to meet the most demanding requirements of our simulation customers.”
The Christie Matrix J Series models come standard with Christie AccuFrame. Specifically designed to address the needs of the simulation market, this feature allows the user adjustable reduction of perceptible image smearing. It supports various frame rates and environments, ensuring the accurate display of high speed simulation content for the most true-to-life displays. Built-in image warping and advanced edge blending is provided by Christie Twist. “The most important aspect of this Christie Matrix WU7K-J projector is peace of mind,” said Zoran Veselic, vice president, Christie Visual Environments. “It’s compact, highly reliable and powerful, and includes standard in-demand features to help the virtual training world mirror the challenges of the real world.” The WU7K-J is suited to many simulation applications and is ideal for simulation and training applications requiring high brightness and system capability. It offers RGB color matching, full control of gamma curves and grayscale tracking, and minimum processing latency. Dave Kanahele; dave.kanahele@christiedigital.com
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
CAC-T Adds Features to Train Soldiers and Develop Leaders Recent improvements to the NCO Corner website provide noncommissioned officers with more links, products and services about leader development and unit training management. Sergeant Major Don Rose of the Combined Arms CenterTraining (CAC-T) said the Army improved NCO Corner after receiving suggestions from the Sergeants Major Academy classes and other senior NCOs throughout the Army. “A frequent comment was: ‘There are so many websites with great information about training and leader development, but there is no single site that links them for NCOs,’” Rose said. “That’s why we designed the new version of NCO Corner to be a site of sites. NCO Corner now provides links to a wide variety of products and services to improve unit readiness and develop leaders.” NCO Corner links to the Army Career Tracker, Army Training Help Desk, Army Learning Management System and other sites. NCO Corner is on the Army Training Network (ATN) website, a computer access card-enabled site. ATN is the onestop shop and source for Army training products, found at https://atn.army.mil.
Resources on NCO Corner include: • Under the unit training tab, there are training requirements for AR 350-1, Warrior Tasks, Battle Drills and pre-deployment requirements. • Under the leader development tab, there are doctrinal references, materials and links to other sites of special interest to NCOs. • The What’s Hot block informs users about recent innovations in training and leader development. • Another section provides suggestions to help NCOs plan ceremonies for retirements, changes of command and new NCO inductions. • A feedback feature allows NCOs to suggest new topics and focus areas for the site, plus share their best practices. “We want to hear from NCOs,” said Rose. “We are going to keep the site up to date with new content and links.” In the future, NCO Corner will provide additional links and content such as the 10, 20, 30 and 40 for military occupation specialties. The Combined Arms Center’s top NCO for leader development and education said the additions to NCO Corner coincide with this year’s effort to promote the Army as a profession. “We have an inherent responsibility to steward our profession and professionally develop our soldiers, our organizations and our Army,” said Command Sergeant Major Joe Parson. “The improvements on NCO Corner will help us fulfill those responsibilities.” Another top NCO said the website will enrich Army training and leader development.
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IMPROVING MISSION READINESS. IT’S OUR SOLE OBJECTIVE.
Source: Swiss Federal Office of Topography
That’s Why L-3 Link Developed the New Standard for Virtual Simulation Realism. It’s called HD World ®, a realistic, high-fidelity synthetic environment that immerses warfighters in dynamic high-definition training scenarios. HD World combines high-definition databases, image generation systems, physics-based processing technology and visual system displays to add unparalleled realism for manned and unmanned training. To see how L-3 Link is redefining training capabilities, go to www.link.com.
Link Simulation & Training
L-3com.com
LVC Integrator
Q& A
Working with Reduced Budgets and Maturing Capabilities Colonel Franz M. Plescha Commander Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation Colonel Franz M. “Baron” Plescha is commander, Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS), Orlando, Fla. AFAMS is the Air Force’s top-level modeling and simulation (M&S) policy implementation, integration, and support agency. As commander, Plescha is responsible for maximizing warfighter performance and decision making for all operations through seamless integration of live, virtual and constructive environments. Plescha was commissioned in 1987 following graduation from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. During his career he has had five overseas assignments with multiple flying tours. His first assignment was as a T-38 instructor pilot prior to flying the F-16. He served as an F-16 flight examiner, flight commander, assistant operations officer, and has several multinational combat missions as the mission commander. Plescha commanded the 35th Operations Support Squadron in Misawa, Japan, and the Warrior Preparation Center at Einsiedlerhof Air Station, Germany. He has also served in the Korea Air Operations Center and twice at European Command headquarters. Plescha is a command pilot with 3,400 total flying hours. He has 200 combat hours from 61 total combat missions over Bosnia and Northern Iraq. He is a graduate of Air Command and Staff College and Air War College in residence. Q: What are the key elements of your commander’s guidance? A: ‘Your Charge ... Don’t be a bystander—be bold, be confident, take care of your people, challenge the assumptions, change the status quo.’ That was the charge given me by Major General Jones. I believe the key to success, with regard to command, is first to listen—listen to your customers, headquarters Air Force, the major commands, the readiness and training experts, and ultimately the warriors at the tip of the spear. Listening allows us to define their respective requirements and engage those within the Air Force and industry with the expertise to respond effectively and efficiently. We are, after all, a support agency responsible to engage those client requirements innovatively. We cannot afford the status quo and I have spoken with the members of AFAMS to encourage them to take on the mantle of responsibility and be accountable to those that need our expertise. By listening, being responsive and engaging responsibly, we all win. Q: Can you elaborate on the roles and responsibilities of AFAMS? A: I have stated in the past that we are in a ‘perfect storm’ with regard to modeling and simulation. We now have reduced budgets, www.MT2-kmi.com
increasing readiness requirements, maturing technology capabilities, and a broad spectrum of airmen that have grown not only comfortable but proficient with technology and gaming. As these technological capabilities continue to improve, we need to leverage those capabilities to improve the readiness of our airmen across all functionalities and career fields. We as an organization are admittedly evolving and are attempting to ascertain exactly where our efforts should be directed. As I stated earlier, we are listening to those in the field, identifying where there are shortfalls in readiness and training that we can engage and successfully mitigate those shortfalls. Our mission will continue to evolve as the needs of those in the field evolve. Ultimately our goal will be to capture the multiple LVC [live, virtual and constructive] integration efforts and begin to establish unity of effort both throughout the Air Force and with our joint and international partners. Q: How does AFAMS adapt in an era of reduced budgets? A: The next several years of budget cuts will prove challenging for all. I believe the future will force the Air Force to invest in the integration of LVC capabilities. The benefits will both compensate for cuts in flying hour programs and provide the enhancements to train at the most productive levels possible. Each of the Distributed Training Centers throughout the Air Force should be ready for the challenge. My entire MT2 18.6 | 27
career has been driven by the simple adage ‘flexibility is the key to airpower.’ I know there will be challenges in the forefront of this constrained fiscal environment, but by no means do I believe that these challenges are insurmountable. We have some very innovative and inventive airmen that are engaging these issues head on and I have no doubt we will be successful. There is plenty of room for efficiency and although I cannot definitively say what the future holds, I do believe the future is very bright. Q: Are there any new initiatives or programs on the horizon to be implemented in 2013 or 2014? A: There are two very important efforts afoot within the modeling and simulation communities and specifically here at AFAMS that we believe will bring significant value to the Air Force at large. The first effort is pending guidance from the Office of Secretary of Defense but is in essence an analysis of alternatives for a new transport system/ architecture known as the Integrating Architecture for Air and Space LVC Environments [IA-ASLVCE] Analysis of Alternatives [AoA]. As directed by JROCM 161-11, the purpose of the AoA is to perform an analytical comparison of the operational effectiveness, suitability, risk and life cycle cost of materiel solutions that can close or mitigate the capability gaps as described in the IA-ASLVCE initial capabilities document. The Air Force will lead the AoA with support and participation by the joint community and is responsible for drafting a study plan, conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, and delivering the final report. The results of this analysis will inform a Milestone Decision Authority’s Milestone A decision. Specifically to address the more immediate Air Force concerns, the AoA is scoped to focus on the training, education and operational testing functional communities and to identify the necessary infrastructure that will form the basis for these interrelated communities. As such, the AoA will focus on: • Determination of standardized technical architecture[s] to support a seamless LVC environment that enhances education, training, and operational test activities, focused on: • Standardized architecture[s] transport system • Connectivity of fifth-generation assets to the standardized architecture transport system • Joint Space Training Federation [JSTF]and Integrated Air and Missile Defense [IAMD] capabilities interoperability through the standardized transport system • Determination of the JSTF and IAMD environment and enablers based on operational priorities that will incorporate the standardized architecture transport system to support the joint community. The AoA necessarily has a limited scope in order to fully analyze representative issues. The IA-ASLVCE and fifth-generation pieces deal specifically with architecture and connectivity issues, not the actual M&S to represent systems. The JSTF and IAMD pieces address critical shortfalls in the M&S environment due to the shortfall in representation of space and missile defense capabilities. In addition, these key areas offer significant return on investment when successfully integrated into a persistent LVC capability. The second project is referred to as the Air Force Continuous Operational Training Environment [AFCOTE] which is analogous to the Navy Continuous Training Environment. We firmly believe 28 | MT2 18.6
F-35 simulator exhibited at I/ITSEC. [Photo courtesy of AFAMS]
that this capability, as it matures, will bring much value across a broad spectrum of the Air Force’s training requirements. The AFCOTE will focus specifically on merging together all the current disparate networks into a singular network solution for simulation environments. The primary driver for AFCOTE initial operational capability is the urgent need for LVC-OT [operational training] efficiencies, based on the realities of post-war budget constraints and the increasing need for LVC-OT to support Air Force funded Active duty training requirements. The main components that will be reviewed are: • Merging or migrating the multitude of cross domain information sharing [CDIS] security solutions into a cohesive, manageable set • Identifying and using an AF standard for LVC systems • Managing the LVC-OT resources. This sets the cornerstone for the AF portion of the AoA effort, but does not solve the main components of the AoA. While the AFCOTE effort will use existing systems and solutions, the AoA could potentially institute new or emerging solutions, thus impacting and benefitting the AFCOTE. For example, a CDIS solution for AFCOTE would be utilization of defined rule sets using Radiant Mercury while the AoA effort might identify a governmentowned CDIS solution with core communities developing rule sets for common use. In addition, AFCOTE is focused specifically for the AF. The AoA is a joint effort pushing for commonality from a joint perspective. Q: How does being located in Orlando, near so many other modeling and simulation organizations, help the agency’s work? A: Orlando is the global center of excellence with regard to modeling and simulation, and having AFAMS closely associated with Team Orlando allows us to be part of a community of organizations—services, industry and academia—working together to accomplish our respective missions with a common goal of improving human performance through simulation. I often describe it to others as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of M&S. Besides being a wonderful place to be stationed, it is simply the logical place for us to be located. O www.MT2-kmi.com
Training Expertise for Mission Critical Requirements General Dynamics Information Technology is a leading provider of information systems and technologies that are taking training and mission readiness to whole new levels of capability. Offering the broadest range of training systems and solutions available, General Dynamics continues to lead the way, enhancing combat readiness for any mission in any situation. • Instrumented Live Training Ranges • Instrumented Urban Operations/MOUT • InForce Instrumentation • Home Station Training – Integrated Training Environment • Leader Development & Education • Mobile Applications • USMC Combat Tracking and Profiling Instruction
• UAS Instruction • Training through Gaming and Gaming Integration • Mission Command Training Support • Security Assistance and Special Operations Training & Services • Security Instrumentation
www.gdit.com/training
Maintaining ranges for full operational readiness. By Henry Canaday MT2 Correspondent
stability-operations lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan. Range instrumentation is an essential part of live-fire and “These fewer deployments and a focus on home-station trainother weapons and tactical training. It will have to keep pace ing provide an opportunity to enhance the quality of our fielded with changing needs, even when funds are short. training systems in support of regionally aligned “Over the last decade, the Army develforces,” said Malone. oped and fielded a world-class range live trainMalone said that industry plays a large role in ing capability,” said Colonel Vince Malone of addressing the Army challenge of keeping its systhe U.S. Army Program Executive Office for tems operational, up-to-date and relevant. He said Simulation, Training and Instrumentation the Army will make range enhancements that in(PEO STRI). “The challenge facing us today is clude more seamless integration of live, virtual and how to maintain these fielded systems in a full constructive training environments. There will also operational readiness status while living in a budbe more intuitive training and more realistic trainget-constrained environment.” ing with emphasis on the human dimension of warMalone expects that training throughput will fare. “Direct and frequent communication between increase during the next five years as units return Mike Mandt the Army range community and their industry from deployment and the Army places emphasis on counterparts is critical as range programs work to decisive-action exercises, all while sustaining the mike.mandt@meggitt.com 30 | MT2 18.6
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prevent component obsolescence, [and] ensure high availability via continuous technology-refreshment upgrades and the integration of new range architectures and standards,” said Malone. Industry is looking forward to the challenges. The core tools Meggitt Training Systems provides for military live-fire ranges are presentation devices such as stationary and moving infantry targets for small-arms training and Stationary and Moving Armor Targets for tank ranges, explained Mike Mandt, director of International Military Live Fire. “We also provide ancillary equipment such as muzzle flash simulators, battle effects simulators and location of hit and miss.” Finally, Meggitt’s range control system uses the latest operational system packaged in ruggedized military-grade hardware to communicate over landlines or wireless links. Meggitt has supported Army programs such as ATS II, DRTS and urban operations training systems. It has also fielded range www.MT2-kmi.com
1) Meggitt Training Systems’ Stationary Infantry Target can be integrated into various range configurations designed to the needs of the unit. [Photo courtesy of Meggitt Training Systems] 2) Cardboard furniture used for training are “atmospherics.” [Photo Courtesy of Defense Logistics Support] 3) A U.S. Army soldier in the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, North Carolina National Guard, 1st Cavalry Division, runs through a reflexive fire training lane during a live fire range held at Joint Service Station Saydiyah, Iraq. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Army by Spc. Benjamin Boren]
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1) A U.S. soldier qualifies with the M240B machine gun at the Camp Perry Joint Military Training Center in Port Clinton, Ohio. Soldiers of Delta Company, 148th Infantry Battalion, are conducting their first annual training since they returned home from a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan with the 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Army by Staff Sgt. Sean Mathis] 2) A U.S. Army soldier (left) watches as another soldier goes through a reflexive fire training lane during a live fire range held at Joint Service Station Saydiyah, Iraq. The range was held to help re-confirm their weapons zero’s and keep their skills sharpened. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Army]
MOUT sites by the Army and Marines. “It’s a man-sized target that equipment globally in Europe, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and collects data on where it is hit and whether it was a lethal or nonother regions. lethal hit and needs to be re-engaged,” Shepherd said. Mandt stressed that Meggitt designs equipment with commerInstrumentation for gunnery training can start when the Army cial off-the-shelf (COTS) parts using a modular approach. Modular seeks a digital multipurpose range complex, typically with four to design lets users gain short repair times, upgrade easily in the future six lanes. The Corps of Engineers does construction, and then PEO and minimize training burdens. Mandt said all this adds up to lower STRI seeks a provider for equipment that will evaluate performance life cycle cost, less downtime and more training time. and ensure safety during training. “Safety is very big in range inMeggitt recently released its Next-Generation Live Fire (NGLF) strumentation,” Shepherd said. “Seeing what is happening in real product line that includes a nearly complete redesign of legacy time saves lives.” equipment while still offering COTS and modular design. Mandt General Dynamics Information Technology has estimates users will get 30 percent more capability instrumented over 150 MOUT locations globally and from NGLF with features like a single universal de18 gunnery ranges for the Army. “Virtually every vice controller for every type of equipment, reducing combat soldier deployed has used one of our ranges,” inventory and life cycle cost. Shepherd stressed. The company recently developed General Dynamics Information Technology proInForce, mobile instrumentation similar to that used vides range instrumentation for military operations in fixed MOUT sites. It can be installed essentially on urban terrain (MOUT) facilities and large liveanywhere in a few hours, used for training and then fire ranges for Bradley fighting vehicles, tanks and moved to another site as needed, making it a very efStryker light armored vehicles, explained Rymond ficient solution to some instrumentation challenges. Shepherd, senior director of operations for Range Saab has provided range instrumentation globInstrumentation. “We primarily do instrumentation ally for more than 30 years, noted Robert Clydesdale, for large-range gunnery and MOUT training facilities, Rymond Shepherd business development manager for Saab Training which support combined-arms training.” rymond.shepherd@gdit.com USA. Working for the U.S. Army Target System (ATS) Shepherd said range instrumentation includes and Digital Range Training System (DRTS) for 10 devices that support data collection, cameras that years, Saab Training has delivered more than 50 inprovide day and night situational awareness, devices strumented live-fire gunnery and maneuver ranges. It is the soleto simulate sounds and battlefield effects, targets and “anything that source contractor for 24 instrumented urban and gunnery ranges makes the range usable for the soldier.” for the Marine Corps Range Target System. Data-collection tools send data to command-and-control centers Saab also supplies systems for the Army’s Homestation Instruin real time, where data is stored and used to evaluate soldier and mentation Training Systems and the Marines’ Instrumented Tactiunit performance. With real-time video, evaluators can see what cal Engagement Training System for live training with laser-based crews inside Strykers or tanks are doing up to the time they pull tactical-engagement simulators. triggers, or see inside MOUT buildings when soldiers enter, observUnder the Live Training Transformation Interim Range System ing actions taken and decisions made. contract, PEO STRI buys Saab communication networks for home General Dynamics Information Technology is primarily an intestations like Fort Hood and Fort Bliss. Soldiers and vehicles carry grator, not an OEM, in range instrumentation. For example, it uses instrumentation radios to provide force-on-force training. TwentyDell computers, day and thermal cameras from various manufacone systems and 11,500 radios are used today by U.S. forces. turers, and targets from multiple vendors. The firm manufactures Saab’s commercial range control, Distributed Acquisition Nettraining components such as laser illuminators for total-darkness work, is fifth generation with a software-defined radio that allows video operations and its Human Urban Target, which is used in 32 | MT2 18.6
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atmospherics, and they provide the role playing,” rapid updates for new capabiliKräcker said. ties and minimizes obsolescence. The company provides tools for small-team trainEnergy efficiency, simplified auing as well as large base ranges for the U.S. Army. It tomatic operation and reliability also provides after action reports. In the past, DLS reduce total ownership costs. has procured these reporting tools from other firms, “Saab offers users a low-risk, but it will introduce its own products at the Intersermature technology with spectral vice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education efficiency and future growth for Conference in December 2013. global training of all allied forces,” The DLS chief is proud of his range atmospherClydesdale summarized. Trevor Kräcker ics, furnishings for shoot houses and training vilProject manager Bill Brown said Sterling Global Operations tk@defenselogisticssupport.com lages. “They are corrugated cardboard, wrapped to simulate whatever environment you want,” he said. provides 12 models of stationary “For example we make a medical bed, and you can sit GreenTargets, cost-effective alter700 pounds on it.” Other atmospherics include tables, chairs, living natives to traditional targets, surplus military room suites and dinettes. vehicles. Sterling’s heavy-duty, 3-D steel targets, developed for DLS is small and can respond to customer requests fast. It 360-degree live-fire training, accurately replicate enemy and friendmakes its own equipment, and offers “good price points for both ly vehicles to provide realistic training. Currently, 1,125 GreenTarpurchase and life cycle costs,” Kräcker said. He thinks that will gets are used on 42 installations in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Korea be important as budget pressures make defense customers more and Germany. All four U.S. military services and the National Guard sensitive to costs. O use them. The framework of GreenTargets maximizes stability, and target life is extended by open-design and slip-fit configuration, which allows streamlined ventilation of explosive gases. For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related GreenTargets retain their full profile through many uses, prostories at www.mt2-kmi.com. duce no environmental effects and reduce life cycle costs up to 30 percent. They can be easily inserted by aircraft or ground vehicles and require no maintenance once in position nor disassembly following use. GreenTargets can be ordered with thermal-signature enhancements. Thermal tape uses a proprietary material that reflects a cold thermal signal that can be seen only by thermal-targeting sensors and thermal surveillance sensors. The reflected cold image provides a simple marking method that identifies friendly persons, vehicles and equipment to both air and ground forces. Sterling’s GreenTargets ensure compliance with the Defense Department’s range-sustainability directives, 4715.11 and 4715.12, and they produce minimal debris. This means fewer cleanups, increased training time and reduced life cycle costs. Sterling’s Spinning-Man GreenTargets are durable, three-dimensional stationary infantry targets with human silhouettes for combined-arms training and multipurpose ranges. Built with abrasion-resistant steel plate, Spinning-Man can withstand direct hits from heavy-caliber air and ground weapons systems. Its spinning action helps absorb munitions impact to lessen target damage. And Spinning-Man has a distinctive visual and audible signature unrivaled by other human silhouettes. Brown said that, at a time of intense budget pressures, GreenTargets both last longer and are more realistic, thus providing greater value for money spent. Defense Logistics Support offers everything from range simulations and training to range instrumentation for both live-fire ranges and non-live-fire shoot houses, explained President and CEO Trevor Kräcker. “We also construct training centers and provide atmospherics and props for training villages, the whole package.” DLS makes most instrumentation materials and can partner with other firms in some cases. For example, it teamed with Tatitlek, which won a prime contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center for atmospherics and role playing. “We provide the www.MT2-kmi.com
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Back-to-Back Honors for NAWCTSD by
Terri Bernhardt
One of the greatest compliments an organization can receive is to be considered a great place to work and to publicly bear honors for their employees’ accomplishments. The employees at the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) know first-hand what it feels like to work for a winning team and a strong leadership program. NAWCTSD has been located in Research Park, Orlando, Fla., for over 25 years, and during this time the Navy’s focus has always been about people first, which is their number one priority. Although NAWCTSD has been the recipient of many awards, it is remarkable to note the two recent honors that were announced. In July, the Orlando Sentinel announced that NAWCTSD made Florida’s Top 100 Companies for Working Families list. The Orlando Sentinel’s Top 100, considered locally as a premier award program, spotlights companies that demonstrate a core commitment to family and work/life balance. Criteria for the winning companies was evaluated for employee benefits, family-related benefits, work environment, communication, and training. NAWCTSD has been named by the Orlando Sentinel as one of the Top 100 Companies for Working Families for eight consecutive years, but it is important to note that each year it has moved up the list. This year, it was ranked 16th out of 100, its highest ranking ever. “The stuff we do and have here is designed to take care of our greatest resource—our people, more than 100 of whom have been here for the entire 25 years that our command has been located in the Central Florida Research Park, said Captain Steve Nakagawa, commanding officer, NAWCTSD. Among the great leadership training and mentoring programs that NAWCTSD provides is a long list of “quality of workplace environment” programs. Employees have benefits at YMCA fitness centers, an on-site gym with fitness activities including a locker room area to shower and change, an employee newsletter, on-site ATM, mail room, wellness programs, an area for nursing mothers, flu shots and more. The second award given to NAWCTSD has won national attention. The 2013 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility was announced in August for NAWCTSD’s innovative use of workforce strategies to support its employees. This impressive award, which is part of the national When Work Works project administered by Families and Work Institute (FWI) and the Society for Human Resource Management, acknowledges companies and organizations that are above the national norm in their practices and policies. Workplace flexibility, such as flextime, part-time work and compressed workweeks, has been demonstrated to help businesses remain competitive while also benefiting employees. Flexibility, in 34 | MT2 18.6
combination with other aspects of an effective workplace such as learning opportunities and supervisor support for job success, can have a powerful impact on employee engagement and motivation. Research has shown that a happy workforce will experience lower stress levels, which leads to better health and a stronger desire to stay within the company. The Sloan Awards pay particular attention to a company’s flexibility programs. Winners of the Sloan Award portray a creative use of a flexible workplace. In this evaluation, NAWCTSD ranked in the top 20 percent of employers nationally in terms of its programs, policies and culture for creating an effective and flexible workplace. What makes the evaluation even more credible is the fact that FWI solicits information from the employees of the company through a confidential survey. “Speaking on behalf of our employees, I’m very pleased and honored by the award,” said Nakagawa. “We have an incredibly accomplished workforce here. These men and women not only excel in their daily work with training and simulation systems, but also make incredible contributions to making our organization a great, innovative place to work.” O www.MT2-kmi.com
The advertisers index is provided as a service to our readers. KMI cannot be held responsible for discrepancies due to last-minute changes or alterations.
MT2 RESOURCE CENTER Advertisers Index Aptima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 www.aptima.com Calienté. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 www.calientellc.com/thermaltargets Defense Logistics Support Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 www.dlsmilwraps.com DynCorp International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C4 www.dyn-intl.com General Dynamics Information Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 www.gdit.com/training Havok . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 www.havoksimulation.com I/ITSEC 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 www.iitsec.org Janus Research Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 www.janusresearch.com Kitco Fiber Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 www.kitcofo.com L-3 Link Simulation & Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 www.link.com L-3 Link Simulation & Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 www.link.com Meggitt Training Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C2 www.meggitttrainingsystems.com MetaVR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.metavr.com The Tatitlek Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 www.tatitlek.com
Staff Sergeant Zavian Lershay Simpson L-3 Link Simulation & Training is proud to salute U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Zavian Lershay Simpson, instructor at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Marine Unit (CNATT MARU). SSgt. Simpson was wounded by an IED while on a convoy patrol in Afghanistan in 2005 and fractured his left elbow and also lost his right leg below the knee. SSgt. Simpson remained on active duty because he wanted to show that one can still serve one’s country despite physical challenges. With physical therapy, he was able to meet the requirements and needs of the U.S. Marine Corps. Recently, he was the U.S. Marine Corps nominee for Outstanding Department of Defense Employee with a Disability. He is currently in charge of the advanced aircraft electrical technicians at the CNATT MARU. We salute SSgt. Simpson and all of the brave men and women who are helping to keep our nation free. Sponsored by:
Calendar September 16-18, 2013 Air and Space Conference Washington, D.C. www.afa.org
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MT2 18.6 | 35
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
Military Training Technology
Gary Nesta Vice President of Business Development L-3 Link Simulation & Training Q: Can you describe Link’s history and evolution? A: For over for 84 years, L-3 Link has been recognized as a leading industry innovator in training and simulation. The genesis of our company dates back to 1929 when Ed Link established the Link Aeronautical Company. That same year he filed for a patent for a ‘Combination Training Device for Student Aviators and Entertainment Apparatus.’ He received this patent in 1931 and from that time forward the organization became known for introducing a number of major simulation and training technology breakthroughs. One of Link’s first notable milestones revolved around the training of 500,000 allied aviators during World War II on 10,000 Blue Box trainers. Over the decades, we continued to introduce a string of state-of-the-art simulation and training solutions that improved warfighter readiness. In an era when acquisitions and consolidations have blurred or eliminated organizational histories, we’re proud that the Link name remains strong today. Q: What are some of your key programs in the DoD training and simulation industry? A: We’re a leading provider of training system solutions and advanced technology simulation systems supporting fixed-wing, rotarywing and unmanned aircraft crew training. On the fixed-wing side, we’re the prime contractor on the C-17 Training System, the Air Mobility Command’s largest training system. We’re also delivering F-16 Mission Training Centers to the U.S. Air Force and upgrading fielded F/A-18 simulators. Both the F-16 MTC and F/A-18 programs are incorporating the latest high-fidelity visual system advancements. In support of U.S. Army rotary-wing programs, we’ve delivered 35 state-of-the-art training devices to the Army’s Flight School XXI. We’ve also fielded and provide ongoing support to 23 of the service’s Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainers. In June, the U.S. Air Force awarded L-3 Link the Predator Mission Aircrew Training System re-compete contract. Under this new 36 | MT2 18.6
of today’s students, taking into account individual learning differences. Rounding out our commitment to deliver highly effective total training solutions, we’ve also developed an integrated tool suite designed to optimize schoolhouse planning and operation. Q: How are you positioned for the future within the military? award, we’ll build upon our delivery of 23 PMATS currently in operation and provide future production units, CLS and a training system support center. In addition to our advanced simulator solutions, we’re also a world leader in webbased training and computer-based training. Our customers include the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, government agencies and commercial vendors. We’ve produced multiple WBT systems and several thousand hours of CBT for military, educational and government environments. Our interactive courseware is deployed worldwide, supporting training requirements on a 24/7 basis via PCs, laptops and PDAs. Q: What are some of the new training/simulation technologies Link is developing? A: Manned and unmanned team operations are key to supporting sensor-to-shooter tactics and techniques, and at L-3 Link we’ve recently developed a training system that supports MUM-T training. We’ve developed and fielded a high-fidelity, mobile and deployable crew trainer called SimuScout that networks helicopter simulators with unmanned aircraft trainers to support realistic training and mission rehearsal. To provide customers with total training system solutions that accelerate student learning, we’ve developed a system called Rite-Train, which enables adaptive and immersive learning solutions to be delivered on tablets, laptops, part-task trainers or high-fidelity simulators. Students can access cloud-based learning content they can retrieve from the Internet through web-based tools and applications. Curricula also can be designed to support the learning preferences
A: We believe that virtual-based training and simulation will continue to play a pivotal role in enabling warfighters to maintain mission readiness. As deployments wind down, the big question being asked is how will warfighters maintain their skills? The services are reviewing this issue and some officials have posed this question: Can a larger percentage of training be achieved on high-fidelity simulators? We believe the answer is yes, which is why we’ve continued to make investments in our HD World integrated simulation product line. We’ve seen the additional training tasks that both the Air Force and Navy can achieve on trainers integrated with HD World. Our international customers have taken note, and we’re under contract today to deliver simulators to both Middle East and Pacific Rim customers that will incorporate HD World. When you combine our advanced simulator technology with our latest innovations designed to enhance total training systems capabilities, I think it’s fair to say that L-3 Link will remain a strong competitor within a highly competitive industry. Q: How do you measure success? A: There are several measurements to be sure, but foremost is knowing that the systems and training devices we’re providing are enabling aviators and maintainers to safely meet with operational success. It’s also our goal to deliver discriminating solutions that reduce customers’ cost and shorten training time, while remaining flexible to react to customers’ ever-evolving training requirements. O
gary.nesta@l-3com.com www.MT2-kmi.com
NEXTISSUE
October 2013 Vol. 18, Issue 7
America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine
Cover and In-Depth Interview with:
Gen. Robert Cone Commander U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
Special Section Marine Training An in-depth look at a variety of technologies used to train the United States Marines to maximize the potential for mission success.
Features Convoy Training Operating ground vehicles in hostile areas comes with multiple threats. These operators need to have strict training to react when the enemy strikes.
Virtual Marksmanship The U.S. military produces some of the most highly trained marksmen in the world, and virtual technology is critical to that training.
Command Profile: MEDCOM The U.S. Army Medical Department (MEDCOM) controls all Army fixed hospitals (in and outside of the United States). Medical simulation plays a big role in in its successful operation.
Insertion Order Deadline: September 27, 2013 • Ad Materials Deadline: October 4, 2013
Training
KNOW-HOW
When it comes to training, we know how to deliver integrated solutions that improve proficiency, promote self-sufficiency and increase mission readiness. At DynCorp International, we design, build and execute sophisticated training solutions to fit the world’s most complex training needs. Whether it’s delivering global training solutions for military, government, intelligence or foreign government customers or providing specialized training as part of a logistics or aviation solution, we help our customers reduce costs and achieve new levels of performance and productivity. DynCorp International provides our customers with unique, tailored training solutions for an ever-changing world.
www.dyn-intl.com