America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine
Training Innovator Col. Matthew Clarke Commander Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Simulation and Training Technology Center
Helicopter Simulation O Realistic Urban Training Ground Vehicle Gunnery
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October 2012
Volume 17, Issue 7
Military Training Technology
October 2012 Volume 17 • Issue 7
Cover / Q&A
Features Ground Vehicle Gunnery
Simulated weapons training not only continues to save money by off-setting the need for more extensive and higher cost live fire training—it results in efficient and effective training. By Christian Bourge
6 Realistic Urban Training
The desire to enhance the realism of urban training over the past decade is clearly evident in things like the proliferation of urban training infrastructures on military bases at home and abroad, the introduction of “hyper-realistic” training to the urban training environment, and technology developments that are already providing the benefits of greatly expanded urban training realism. By Scott R. Gourley
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Special Section: 2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies
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This annual competition 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.
Helicopter Simulation, Real Benefits
High fidelity simulators offer the military cost-effective alternative to live training exercises, and the options for helicopter simulators are extensive. By Kenya McCullum
30 Command Profile Army Modeling and Simulation Office Exclusive Interview with:
Colonel Michael “Mike” Sanders
Assistant Director Modeling and Simulation Center for Army Analysis Chief, Army Modeling & Simulation Office
32
AMSO’s main goal is to help the Department of the Army’s modeling and simulation (M&S) proponent (the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8) plan, develop, integrate and resource M&S programs and activities which support soldiers by balancing current force needs with future force capabilities.
26 Colonel Matthew Clarke Commander Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Simulation and Training Technology Center
Departments 2
Editor’s Perspective
4
Program Highlights
5
People
12
Data Packets
32
Command Profile
34
Team Orlando
35
Resource Center
Industry Interview
36 Skip Rodgers President Polhemus
Military Training Technology Volume 17, Issue 7 • October 2012
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 Correspondents J.B. Bissell • Christian Bourge • Peter Buxbaum Henry Canaday • Erin Flynn Jay • Scott Gourley Kenya McCullum
Art & Design Art Director Jennifer Owers jennifero@kmimediagroup.com Senior Graphic Designer Jittima Saiwongnuan jittimas@kmimediagroup.com Graphic Designers Amanda Kirsch amandak@kmimediagroup.com Scott Morris scottm@kmimediagroup.com Eden Papineau edenp@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 Operations Assistant Casandra Jones casandraj@kmimediagroup.com Trade Show Coordinator Holly Foster hollyf@kmimediagroup.com Operations, Circulation & Production Circulation & Marketing Administrator Duane Ebanks duanee@kmimediagroup.com Data Specialists Tuesday Johnson tuesdayj@kmimediagroup.com Summer Walker summerw@kmimediagroup.com Raymer Villanueva raymerv@kmimediagroup.com Donisha Winston donishaw@kmimediagroup.com
EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE A day after the conviction of a fifth ex-military training instructor in a high-profile sexual assault case that has included more than a dozen military training instructors at Lackland Air Force base, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta announced a review of all boot camps and entry-level training programs across the military to tackle the frequency of sexual assaults. In a recent Pentagon news conference, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said Panetta has stated that there is no place for sexual assault in the military or in the department. Little added that the defense secretary has taken numerous steps to ensure the department is doing all it can not only to prevent sexual assaults, but also Brian O’Shea Editor to ensure a climate that supports victims’ ability and desire to report the crime and to hold perpetrators accountable. Some of those steps include elevating disposition authority for the most serious sexual assault offenses; working with Congress to establish “special victims unit” capabilities in each of the services so specially trained investigators and prosecutors can assist when necessary; implementing an integrated data system called the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database for tracking sexual assault reports and managing cases while protecting victim confidentiality; establishing a new policy giving servicemembers who report a sexual assault an option to quickly transfer from their unit or installation to protect them from possible harassment and to remove them from proximity to the alleged perpetrator; and enhancing training for investigators and attorneys in evidence collection, interviewing and interacting with sexual assault survivors. The DoD has a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault, as it should. Responding appropriately to reports of sexual assault crimes needs to be taken seriously, without judgment toward the accuser. Giving the victim who reports the sexual assault the option to quickly transfer to another unit is a crucial step in my opinion. A victim who does not report sexual assault for fear of harassment will only contribute to the perpetrator continuing their behavior with no repercussions. Those perpetrators need to be held accountable for their actions and I applaud the DoD for taking steps to ensure this is the case. If you have any questions regarding Military Training Technology, feel free to contact me at any time.
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“The U.S. Special Operations Command will rely more on industry self-funding R&D of military equipment and weapons.” *
MetaVR and Battlespace Simulations’ JTAC simulator (a self-funded private venture) was recently granted accreditation by the Joint Fire Support Executive Steering Committee for types 1, 2, 3, and day/night control, and laser target designation. **
* Quote from James Cluck, acquisition executive and director of the Special Operations Research, Development and Acquisition Center at USSOCOM. ** Accreditation assessment report issued by the Joint Fire Support Executive Steering Committee on June 19, 2012. Real-time screen captures are from MetaVR’s visualization system and Afghanistan 3D virtual terrain and are unedited except as required for printing. The real-time renderings of the 3D virtual world are generated by MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator™ (VRSG™). 3D models and animations are from MetaVR’s 3D content libraries. Photograph of the F-16 simulator built by International Simulation & Training Systems (ISTS) courtesy of SSgt. Dan DiPietro, 158 FW, Vermont Air National Guard. © 2012 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.
http://www.metavr.com sales@metavr.com US 617-739-2667
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Threat Signal Simulator Program Scientific Research Corporation, Atlanta, Ga., was recently awarded a $74,192,846 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract. The award will provide for the procurement of the Threat Signal Simulator Program. Work will be performed in Atlanta, with an estimated completion date of June 27, 2017. One bid was solicited, with one bid received. The U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation, Orlando, Fla., is the contracting activity.
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Military Operator Driving Simulators FAAC Incorporated, part of Arotech Corporation’s Training and Simulation Division, has received a contract to supply its Military Operator Driving Simulators (ODS) to the Army National Guard (ARNG). Under the contract, valued at $6.1 million, FAAC will deliver a total of eight trailer systems to National Guard locations in Arizona, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, South Dakota and Nevada. Each trailer will include two driving simulators capable of training operators of the M915, M939, FMTV, HEMTT, PLS, HET, M1114 HMMWV, MRAP Cougar and MRAP all-terrain (M-ATV) vehicles. The ARNG ODS systems will provide student operators with a realistic and highfidelity operational experience for both on-road and off-road conditions in differing environmental conditions over simulated geographical regions ranging from standard U.S. roadways to areas representing deployment locations. This award is a continuation of a multi-year Guard procurement strategy that has currently fielded 19 ARNG ODS systems. “We are pleased to be in position to continue to support the readiness and preparation of the Army National Guard,” said Todd Glenn, FAAC director of military business development. “The Operator Driving Simulator provides an immersive, realistic, experience allowing Guard operators to learn skills necessary to operate the vehicles and prepare for conditions expected at widely varying deployment locations. Through use of the ODS, the National Guard can maintain operator proficiency, ensure training standards, and remain prepared to serve their essential role in our nation’s defense,” concluded Glenn. Todd Glenn; todd.glenn@faac.com
Army Aerial Target Systems Services Contract Awarded Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc., a leading National Security Solutions provider, recently announced that the Kratos prime team is one of four awardees for the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command Aerial Target Systems Services contract for the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentatio, Project Office for Instrumentation, Targets and Threat Simulators Target Management Office (TMO) at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Kratos will have the opportunity to supply aerial target services, including research, development, test and evaluation; production and provision of materials; technical flight and field support; and logistical support for the aerial target programs managed by the TMO. The overall five-year contract ceiling is valued at $49 million, and task order competition will occur for each contract action. In addition to Kratos’ business
4 | MT2 17.7
units Madison Research, MSI and DEI, the team includes recently acquired Composite Engineering Inc. Additional teammates include 5-D Research, Advanced Rotocraft, AMTEC Corporation, Analytical Graphics, Meggitt, Torch Technologies, Viking Aerospace and Wyle/CAS. Jennifer Price, senior vice president of Madison Research, stated, “We are extremely proud of our highly qualified team and its comprehensive technical capabilities, unmatched subject matter expertise, and numerous years of experience in building and modifying targets and targets systems and subsystems as well as providing service and support in these same areas. We have worked hand in hand with TMO since 1987 and welcome the opportunity to provide continued support to this exceptional organization.” Bruce Ricker; bruce.ricker@kratosdefense.com
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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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Joint Theater Level Simulation is Used to Execute Exercise Pozieres Prospect 12-3 The Australia (AUS)/U.S. Joint Combined Training Capability (JCTC), Combined Management Office, worked together to provide JTLS during a recent exercise in Canberra, Australia. This event was one of the many requests that the USPACOM Training and Exercises Directorate J7 receives annually from Australian Defence forces in fulfillment of the ongoing defense-level initiative to enhance the joint combined operating environment for AUS and U.S. forces training in the Asia-Pacific Theater. Pozieres Prospect 12-3 (EX PP12-3) was a distributed command post exercise (CPX), with focus on air control order (ACO)/air tasking order (ATO) production and execution. Exercise control (EXCON) operated out of the JCTC facility in Fyshwick, an industrial suburb of Canberra. As part of a scheduled AUS/U.S. JCTC joint simulations subject matter expert exchange, Terri Eubanks from U.S. Pacific Command’s Pacific Warfighting Center was on hand at the Fyshwick facility to observe JTLS operations during EX PP12-3. The primary training audience (TA) for EX PP12-2 was the Royal Australian Air Force Air Operations Center (AOC), which is located at Headquarters, Joint Operations Command, Australian Defence Force in Bungendore, Australia. The common operational picture (COP) was produced by a JTLS feed to an integrated C4I system at the JCTC that provided the information to a global command and control system on the joint exercise domain. The TA and EXCON received their situational awareness picture by utilizing C2PC as a COP viewer. The ACO/ATO was well written and delivered on time to EXCON, allowing the simulation staff to
translate it quickly each day and meet ATO cycle deadlines. Using the JTLS ATO Translator enabled the EXCON to focus on establishing a realistic training environment and responding to requests for information, instead of having to perform the many manual inputs, processes and activities required to produce ATO products/outputs for the training audience. The combination of JTLS, exercise controllers and seasoned simulation engineers resulted in successfully supporting the AOC training during PP12-3. EXCON demonstrated the value JTLS provided to this ATO centric exercise, and all the participants gained from the realism it brought to the exercise. JTLS is the world’s premier theater level simulation. Its use includes BBW-DST1, decision analyses, contingency/management plan testing, experimentation, emergency preparedness training, command post exercise support, and coalition training among civil-military agencies. It has been used for analysis of border security, illegal immigration and human trafficking issues. JTLS users gain insight into the problems and importance of effective information sharing, interoperability and coordination in response to disasters requiring regional response efforts. The simulation can be connected to most common operational pictures and has been interfaced with many C4ISR systems. The JTLS software is reconfigurable on the fly. It is configuration managed by the JCS J7 Joint & Coalition Warfighting. JTLS is developed, maintained and distributed by Rolands & Associates Corporation, Del Rey Oaks (Monterey), Calif.
KC-135 Aircrew Training Systems Contract Awarded CAE USA Inc., Tampa, Fla., is being awarded a $16,201,298 contract modification for support of the KC-135 Aircrew Training Systems. This contract modification is for the exercise of the third program year priced options to provide total acquisition and support for all KC-135 training devices to include upgrades, configuration management of current training systems hardware/software development, fielding new devices, on-site and on-call maintenance for aircrew training devices. The locations of performance are Altus Air Force Base, Okla.; McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.; Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.; Scott Air Force Base, Ill.; Mildenhall Air Force Base, England; Kadena Air Base, Japan; Hickam, Hawaii; MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.; March Air Reserve Base, Calif.; Milwaukee Air Reserve Base, Wis.; Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H; Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.; and Grissom Air National Guard Base, Ind. Work is to be completed by September 30, 2013. This modification is also for the exercise of priced options for Boom Operator Weapons System Trainer interim device support necessary in order to ramp-up initial training and support services. The locations of performance are McConnell Air Force Base, Fairchild Air Force Base, and Altus Air Force Base. Work is to be completed by March 29, 2013. The contracting activity is AFLCMC/WNSK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Chris Stellwag; chris.stellwag@caemilusa.com
PEOPLE Army Reserve Brigadier General Michael R. Smith, has been nominated for the rank of major general and for assignment as deputy commanding general, First Army, Rock Island, Ill. Smith is currently serving as commander,
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800th Military Police Brigade, Uniondale, N.Y. Army Reserve Colonel Michaelene A. Kloster has been nominated to the rank of brigadier general and for assignment as the commander, 98th Division (Initial
Entry Training), Rochester, N.Y. Kloster is currently serving as commander, 1st Mobilization Support Group-East, Fort Totten, N.Y. Alion Science and Technology has promoted
Barry Broadus to chief financial officer, effective September 11, nearly five months after taking on the CFO role on an acting basis. Broadus succeeds Mike Alber, who joined L-3 Communications spinoff Engility in June
as CFO. Before joining the company, Broadus provided financial oversight for business units that served both commercial and government customers at SAIC Inc., EDS and Brainbench.
MT2 17.7 | 5
Gr und Vehicle Gunnery
Vehicle weapons systems training keeps pace.
By Christian Bourge MT2 Correspondent
looking to use more robust training. You can identify problems, you Simulated warfighter training has long been an integral part of can work out tactics.” preparing U.S. ground forces in the effective use of vehicular weapons systems. While there are a variety of technological approaches to ground vehicle weapons system training needs across the armed AGTS forces, they all share similar implementation requirements that ensure better immersion in the simulated environment and higher The Army’s AGTS system was born in the mid-1990s as a M1A2 tank quality training—regular operational changes reflecting ground systrainer, which over the years has expanded to all the Army’s tank variants tem changes and near continuous computer graphics upgrades aimed and for the Marine Corps’ M1A1 tank and LAV-25 vehicles. at meeting evolving expectations of gaming savvy soldiers. Andre Elias, director of immersive training at Lockheed MarSuch efforts ensure that simulated weapons training not only tin Global Training and Logistics, said that the various models of the continues to save money by off-setting the need for more extensive and AGTS—which are based around a high-end PC architecture and include higher cost live fire training, they also result in efficient and effective a permanent fixed site system; a self-contained, trailer mounted mobile training, according to Lieutenant Colonel Mark Evans, Advanced Gunsystem designed for remote locations; an ISO-shelter contained model; nery Training System (AGTS) product manager, Ground Combat Tactia field deployable, transit case packed model; and a table top, laptop or cal Trainers U.S. Army PEO STRI (Program Executive desktop-based model coupled with a full fidelity gunner Office of Simulation, Training and Instrumentation). or commander handle—all utilize the same full-fidelity “With combat vehicles, before they can go out and databases and exercises which provide a realistic virtual fire live rounds, they have to go into the simulator,” environment from a library that replicates “any condisaid Evans. “We prepare the soldier for the live training tion.” a lot more efficiently. That is a great thing because they “We’ve evolved the system from a basic crew trainer can work out a lot of the kinks before crews go out on to a collection of training systems linked together so you the range. You can put folks that have trouble qualifycan go up the echelon later to crew to section to platoon ing [on the vehicles] into these systems and it doesn’t to company by networking multiple systems,” said Elias. cost much at all.” “We’ve introduced technology over the lifetime to Gregg Owens, vice president of Stafford, Texasimprove the fidelity of the training experience, leverAndre Elias based firearm simulation and training manufacturer aging graphics engines and gaming engines. As the Laser Shot Inc., said his firm’s military ground vehicle vehicles change, as the Army introduced new weapons simulation system can ensure vehicle gunners are about 70 percent and capabilities on the platform, the gunnery trainer has to stay current more qualified by the time training is completed on their ground with the changes on the platform. We have proven over the years that vehicle simulation system. this kind of training in a simulator not only improves the effectiveness “The ability to do it in training without having to go to a range is of the trainees, you save money relative to live training.” a big bonus for all the services,” said Owens. “The military has come Last year, Lockheed received a $28.6 million PEO STRI contract to to the conclusion that it can do about 75 percent of its training using upgrade over 60 systems for M1A1 and M1A2 training and provide 13 simulations when it comes to certain types of training, so they are new M1A2 systems over two years. In addition, the firm secured a $24 6 | MT2 17.7
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million Marine Corps contract for four new systems and 36 upgrades for M1A1 tank and LAV-25 armored vehicle trainers. Among the improvements covered by the Army contract are new imaging capabilities incorporating the company’s latest proprietary Scalable Advanced Graphics Engine (SAGE) and software improvements, addition of CROWS II (Common Remotely Operated Weapons System) training. New tank and gunnery training requirements that include scoring and target engagement time changes are also part of the upgrade. PEO STRI’s Evans said that the current update reflects the ongoing “technology refresh mode” of the AGTS program, the hardware portion of which typically runs in three to five year cycles along with vehicle updates. He noted that one of the major challenges of keeping the simulated training system as effective as possible is trying to keep up with soldier expectations culled from what is often years of experience with highresolution gaming systems running popular games like the Call of Duty series. “Of course, the challenge is competing with the young soldier’s experience with today’s video game,” said Evans. “That is the world [the soldier today] grew up in.”“There is a lot more money pouring into [video game design], so they have greater fidelity. Understand we are working in a more and more restrictive budget environment. My greatest challenge is keeping systems relevant with the evolving technology based on available funding levels.” While the visual fidelity may be better in latest games, Evans noted an important difference is that games don’t have to accurately reflect the physics of a gun shot, both in terms of the gun reaction and precision of a bullet hitting a target. Weapons simulators must do so in order to provide effective training. Elias agreed that while computer gaming graphics exceed those found in the weapons simulation world, Lockheed’s SAGE graphics engine has allowed the company more realistic visuals for their simulations, including cues reflecting those experienced in actual ground vehicles combat, such as movement of opposing tank tracks and the clouds of dust produced along with realistic magnification through simulated sites.
“You are basically moving around in an imaginary world,” said Elias. “The more realistic that world looks to you, the faster you will forget you are in a simulation and be immersed in the system.”
360-Degree Weapons Training With its training solutions for mounted marksman, Laser Shot takes a somewhat different approach to ground vehicle gunner training than many competitors, with its Convoy/Counter IED (C-IED) Training System. Utilizing the company’s simulated recoil technology to produce training weapons that replicate the balance, weight, trigger and recoil characteristics of the real thing, their immersive crew trainer places soldiers in a high-fidelity, 360-degree virtual environment that combines simulated weapons-mounted sensors with projection screens replicating the combat environment using VSB2 (Virtual Battlespace 2) simulations. Owens said that the system—which is currently used at the Army’s Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colo.; and Fort Riley, Kan., Warrior Skills Training Centers—provides gunner training in shooting from a moving platform along with augmented IED and counter-IED training for a crew that is applicable to a host of common military vehicles platforms and deployable most anywhere there is space. Included among the company’s potential mounted arms are the firm’s M2 .50 caliber machine gun, M240 7.62 mm machine gun, and MK19 grenade launcher. “Basically, we are increasing the lethality of the individual servicemember, the individual service combatant,” explained Laser Shot’s Owens. “We can put them into a training environment that simulates actual urban combat roles. Their situational awareness goes up.” Owens added that the exercises command and control station can be networked to allow for battle team training. “We can network all the systems together,” he noted. “We can network installation to installation if we have the bandwidth, so they can simulate multiple installation exercises.” As to future improvements to the system, Owens said that the company is currently working on inserting 3-D holograms that interact with trainees in the training environment.
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MT2 17.7 | 7
Simulated Instructor Training
contract options—for a new live simulation training system that will initially be used on all M1 Abrams variants and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles. The Combat Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation system Port Orange, Fla.-based Raydon Corporation offers another take on is a laser and radio frequency-based system and will replace most of virtual vehicle mounted gun instruction with its computerized instructhe Saab-built gunnery training systems the company tor driven Individual Gunnery Training system. Used has supplied the Army with since 1998 for Bradleys and by the National Guard, the systems provide computerAbrams. It simulates not only vehicular guns in a direct voiced, virtual instructor-led unstabilized gunnery trainfire force-on-force and training environment but also ing on simulated M2 .50 caliber, MK19, M240B and includes RF-based mine simulators. M249 SAW weapons mounted on a gunner position “What the Army is going to get is a system that is applicable to various ground vehicles. In addition, solvery closely tied to each vehicle and allows each ground diers can interact with computer-generated crewmemvehicle crew to use each weapon system the way they bers for added realism. would employ it in battle,” said Brian Domian, director These highly mobile systems use commercial offof business development for Saab Training USA. the-shelf voice recognition systems combined with proAdvertised as easy to install, the commercial off-theprietary training software in a Windows PC environment Gregory Recker shelf technology-based training system integrates into in multiple platforms, including an eight trainee and existing vehicle gunnery systems and uses a proprietary, an instructor-operator equipped 53-foot trailer. The grecker@raydon.com frequency-switchable wireless communications system climate-controlled, self-contained transportable system to communicate between the sensors and interface with allows for the interchangeable weapon simulated trainhome stations and combat training centers. The system ing on selectable ground vehicle types. provides real-time damage and casualty assessments “You can train 75-100 soldiers in a month’s time,” along with after action follow-up capability. said Gregory Recker, business development vice presiDomian said delivery for Bradley and M1 testing is dent for Raydon. “We can train a brigade’s worth of scheduled for February 2013 with operation delivery soldiers in about three months.” expected by April. He added that the core wireless detecThe company also produces a separate single soltion modules that make up the system could be used on dier-use, vehicle interchangeable MK19 system and any vehicle, making it adaptable for training on other HMMWV-based M2 trainer. Both individual systems ground vehicle platforms, and that with Marine Corps collapse into three two-man transportable and deployBrian Domian interest in a new training systems for their M1 variable cases. With 170 of its .50 caliber training systems deployed brian.domian@saabtraining.com ant, the company would be interested in that contract should it get funding. in approximately 17 states, Recker said that the National But in the uncertain DoD budget environment Guard is saving $2 per round fired when compared to driven by both the anticipated Afghanistan drawndown live five certification and continues to purchase more of and major across-the-board cuts to DoD spending under them as the money becomes available. Congress’s pending sequestration plans, simulated trainIn the case of their MK19 simulators, which are ing faces the same uncertainties about future budget currently in beta phase testing in coordination with the levels being felt across the Pentagon. Army Maneuver Center for Excellence at Fort Benning, Saab Training USA president Lars Borgwing said that Ga., the savings per round is around $24 while removing while things remain uncertain, the Army’s move toward the continuous need for large training ranges. unified land operations will mean that there is a whole With the firm waiting for Guard approval for full generation of soldiers for whom there is a need for trainvehicle crew training on their multi-soldier training Lars Borgwing ing on tanks and Bradleys. system, Recker noted that all their systems are available “We’re sweating it out like everyone else,” said Borgwing. for purchase as well as rental. Laser Shot’s Owens echoed Borgwing’s overall sentiments about the “The cost you are going to incur to either buy or rent, you are going continued need for simulated ground vehicle training, noting that simuto return two- or three-fold,” said Recker. “The more mobile you can be lation has become an integral part of ensuring a leaner military remains in terms of taking the training to the soldier as opposed to taking the highly capable. And while he added that Army Research Labs’ use of soldier to a permanent building and doing things, we believe the better laser-based simulation as a diagnostic tool for new weapons proves the off you can be.” usefulness of simulation in other ways, he nevertheless predicted likely lean times ahead for the weapons simulation industry sector as a whole. Laser-based Live Simulated Vehicle Training “It will get much more competitive,” said Owens. “It will get harder and harder to get contracts because there will be less out there. I can see While simulator-based training has become an indispensable part the loss of a few competitors. I think the leaner, robust companies with of battlefield preparation for ground vehicle-based gunneries, there is the latest technology are the ones who are going to survive.” O much more to simulated training than indoor virtual training environments. In February, PEO STRI awarded Orlando, Fla.-based based Saab For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea Training USA a $17.2 million multi-year indefinite delivery and indefiat briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives nite quantity contract—that may ultimately be worth as much as $90 for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com. million to the firm should the Army exercise the entirety of five-year 8 | MT2 17.7
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Meeting the challenges of military operations in urban terrain. By Scott R. Gourley, MT2 Correspondent
“…The commander must set the conditions that will lead to the accomplishment of certain tasks. These tasks may include (but are not limited to) isolating the urban area; avoiding “template” planning and predictability; developing accurate situational awareness, including knowledge of the population; taking advantage of local expertise; and leading disciplined troops possessing necessary skills gained through realistic urban training and experience…” - Joint Publication 3-06, Joint Urban Operations, November 8, 2009 Now used as the foundational document across all the U.S. armed services for what is commonly dubbed military operations in urban terrain, Department of Defense Joint Publication 3-06 emphasizes the unique challenges presented by urban areas. In successfully meeting those myriad challenges the document points to the criticality of realistic urban training. The desire to enhance the realism of urban training over the past decade is clearly evident in things like the proliferation of urban training infrastructures on military bases at home and abroad, the introduction of “hyper-realistic” training to the urban training environment, and technology developments that are already providing the benefits of greatly expanded urban training realism.
Urban Training Infrastructures One excellent example of state-of the-art urban training infrastructures can be seen in the Combined Arms Military Operations in Urban Terrain training facility located at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twenty-nine Palms, Calif. www.MT2-kmi.com
Completed in January 2011 by Allied Container Systems Inc., the facility is based on modified ISO shipping containers and includes a mixture of over 1,560 training facility buildings scattered across 274 acres of urban-depicted training space that is supported by a network of streets, courtyard walls, religious structures and village shanties. “That’s the largest urban training facility that we have constructed,” said Greg Celesky, vice president of military programs at Allied Container Systems Inc. “But the amount of facilities that we have in place for the Department of Defense throughout the United States and [overseas] are tremendous. As just one example, our second largest site—and the first largest for the Army—is located at Fort McCoy, Wis., where we have a little over 1,000 structures.” “When somebody hears the word ‘container,’ they think they are getting a corrugated 8-by-8-by-40 foot box from a shipping yard or off the back of a tractor trailer,” Celesky explained. “But it’s much more diversified than that. We use all new containers. We re-engineer and re-structure those containers to make it as realistic, sustainable and quality-proven as we possibly can. When we are done with a facility it doesn’t even look like a container anymore. It looks like an Afghan village. But it’s more than just Afghanistan. These are urban training solutions that meet the specific operational theater environment where they could be going to execute operations.” Asked to summarize some of the elements that Allied Container Systems brings to their urban training solutions, Celesky highlighted the company’s desire to serve as a center of excellence in urban operations, demonstrated performance, and the subject matter expertise retained on its teams. MT2 17.7 | 9
“Quality and sustainability are the next critical things that we talk about,” he continued. “Because when you are putting a facility up like we did at Twenty-nine Palms or any of the Army installations, they have to be maintainable. It isn’t just ‘one stop and drop.’ Along with introducing the urban training complexes, installations are taking on the parallel challenge of sustaining those facilities. And that gets back to the quality of our products.” As noted earlier, the requirements for realistic urban training stretch across the Department of Defense. Another recent program that highlights this span of requirements is the Counter-IED MOUT Training Complex Project by Air Force Special Operations Command. In July of this year, Falcon Containers announced their prime contract award to provide training systems and structures for this program at the 27th Special Operations Wing, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. Describing the company as “a leading provider of repurposed shipping containers,” Falcon Containers will be responsible for a MOUT training site development that will allow warfighters to perform full mission profiles, designed to defeat the tactical challenges of IEDs as well as the strategic challenges of defeating the network that emplaces the IEDs.
Hyper-Realism According to Kit Lavell, executive vice president for Strategic Operations Inc., the company entered the urban training arena from a San Diego television and movie production lot through “the creative genius” of producer Stu Segall. Following their introduction through a mutual friend, Lavell began pursuing the creation of a new business model for training. “It was different from anything I had ever seen before, by taking … movie-making techniques and applying them to military and law enforcement training,” he recalled. “It would become a lot more interesting through the immersive experience.” In addition to the sets and special effects, the company soon began utilizing “role players” from San Diego County, which boasts of the second largest Iraqi-American community and one of the larger Afghan-American communities in the country.
InForce Tactical Instrumentation suite. [Photo courtesy of General Dynamics Information Technology]
“I think we were one of the first companies to ever use role players from Southwest Asia to help provide the cultural and language experience during training,” he said. “We also were the first company ever to use ‘battlefield effects’ like you might see in movie demolitions.” Emphasizing that everything in the military is fluid, dynamic and interactive, he said, “That’s where we apply the proprietary techniques to blend technologies in such a way that you can have movement all over in an immersive and ‘hyper-realistic’ environment. That’s what we brought to military training: an ability to create an immersive environment using all of these techniques but doing it in a safe way.” He continued, “The other component to creating these immersive environments is to create a realistic looking environment. And we applied all of those techniques to make a MOUT facility look extremely realistic. So we have applied a lot of those building construction techniques over the years and we have actually ‘transformed’ a lot of the MOUT facilities at installations across the country.” Projects have included: a two-and-a-half year-long effort to rebuild and create villages across 1,001 square miles at the National Training Center (NTC), Fort Irwin, Calif.; re-do of the MOUT facilities at the
Game-like look and feel Geospecific and geotypical virtual worlds Realistic physics based water simulation for rivers, lakes and sea Realistic simulation of time of year, time of day and weather effects | www.kmwsim.com |
Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, La.; a 2012 effort to transform MOUT facilities at Fort Bliss, Texas; and other MOUT facility efforts across the U.S. and Canada. Lavell related the creation of urban training complexes out of ISO shipping containers to the 2003 timeframe, crediting the new process with “a way to quickly build facilities for training for the asymmetric threat that we were experiencing in Afghanistan and Iraq.” “But that only went so far,” he said. “When you have hundreds of containers out there all painted tan they don’t look very realistic … So what we introduced was re-engineering of these by cutting them up, re-welding them, putting them together with structural components, and then ‘facade them’ on the inside and outside to make them look like construction techniques and materials that you would fine in the operational environment. So that’s what we did when we went through NTC and JRTC and Fort Bliss: We changed them to look realistic.” Strategic Operations began exploring a new approach about three-and-a-half years ago, when they developed a patented system called the Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU). “Basically the RHU is a ‘mobile MOUT’ facility,” he explained. “ISO containers are not really mobile. When you put them down you can’t move them around very easily. So we saw the RHU as the way to have a truly mobile hyper-realistic MOUT facility. We developed it so that each 4-by-8-foot panel weighs less than 100 pounds, and they fit together with a simple tool and latching system. You can build a multi-story with that tool and each piece looks on the outside and the inside like whatever building construction material or technique you want. We’ve even done them to look like bamboo.”
Bringing the Realism Home It’s one thing to provide realistic urban training at one of the Army’s major combat training centers or other major installation, but it can be even more important when it’s incorporated into home station training.
That’s the assertion of Jim Yarbrough, brigadier general, U.S. Army (Ret.), and now senior director of integrated training and leader development solutions at General Dynamics Information Technology. Drawing on his extensive expertise, which includes serving as former commander of the Army’s JRTC, Yarbrough offered, “I would say that the Army leadership is encouraging commanders to achieve more at home station training before they deploy to the combat training centers.” Yarbrough spotlighted GDIT’s “InForce” Tactical Instrumentation Suite for its tremendous potential contributions to the realism of the “live” element within the increasingly critical “live, virtual, constructive” training environments at unit home stations. Characterizing it as “a quantum improvement over what they could achieve previous to this technology,” he described InForce as “a series of tripod-mounted small surveillance cameras that can be placed anywhere you want in a remote training area.” “InForce allows you to go anywhere that you want to go remotely,” he said. “And in a matter of hours you can set up those tripods—each has a hardened command module that then operates not only those cameras but also triggers the battlefield effects that come with InForce, including pyrotechnic exploding devices, a robust menu or sounds, smoke generators, a menu of concentrated smell generators, and the control of targetry.” Along with the portability and impressive range of battlefield effects, additional benefits come from the rapid retrieval of captured superior video clips to facilitate learning during the after action review process. “The utility goes back to the attributes,” Yarbrough added. “It gives you a much higher level of training effectiveness—we say that it gives you ‘CTC level effectiveness’ at home station. And we truly believe that InForce is the future of instrumented urban operations training.” O For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.
TRAINING & SIMULATION Wegmann USA, Inc., Training & Simulation mailto: simulation@wegmannusa.com Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG, Training & Simulation mailto: info@kmwsim.com
DATA PACKETS New UAS Training School Welcomes Marines A team from the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical UAS program office (PMA-263) launched the Training and Logistics Support Activity (TALSA) in midJuly to Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force. The activity allows troops to receive UAS training on short notice and expand the previous curriculum to include all Group I UAS assets. Group I UAS assets weigh less than 20 pounds; typically fly at altitudes below 1,200 feet; and fly between 45 minutes to approximately two hours. They include: RQ-11B Raven, Wasp, RQ-20A Puma and RQ-16B T-Hawk UAS. Rector said small UAVs provide the battlefield commander an organic capability, within his or her unit, to perform over-the-horizon reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. This reduces operational risks and enhances his or her decision process. Historically, the Marines used other contracts to support their UAS training requirements for the RQ-11B Raven. The newly established TALSA offers classes more frequently with an expanded curriculum, giving sailors and Marines greater flexibility when going on rapid deployment. Additionally, PMA-263 recruited directly from the Wounded Warrior Project to staff the support activity, giving former service men and women an opportunity to continue their service in a new capacity. The courses focus on the systems’ function, employment, maintenance and troubleshooting issues. Once trained, UAS operators can tactically and effectively employ Group 1 systems to include mission planning, mission sensor/payload operations, launching, remotely piloting and recovering the aerial vehicle. PMA-263 plans to establish an additional TALSA at Camp Pendleton, Calif., later this year.
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Software Updates for TerraTools TerraSim recently announced the release of the latest TerraTools Maintenance Patch (4.0.5), representing a major update to the TerraTools 4.0 baseline product. This patch consists of over 150 unique software improvements, speedups and bug fixes to TerraTools Core and TerraSim’s visual, constructive and serious game runtime exporters. Major release highlights include: Improved Functionality in the Export VBS2 Node: The Export VBS2 node can now generate buildings with underground volumes and interiors. This feature makes it significantly easier to generate and place underground structures derived from GIS source data. The Export VBS2 node also now supports varying heights for contiguous bodies of water, which allows for more accurate representations of bodies of water and underwater behaviors. In TerraTools, users can specify a coastline vector and generate a continuous terrain surface from land to water. This unique ability supports littoral zone and deep water environment modeling. These enhancements significantly decrease the time it takes to generate bodies of water using bathymetric data. Improved Functionality in the Export Havok Vision Engine Node: TerraSim has made a number of improvements to the Export Havok Vision Engine node. Users can now export large area multi-cell terrains. The exporter now supports the specification of multi-textures for terrain surfaces and 3-D models, resulting in improved visual appearances. TerraSim has also enhanced the user controls in the Vision Engine Viewer to allow users to rapidly preview Havok Vision databases constructed using TerraTools. Two New Exporters Supported in the OmniWizard: The TerraTools OmniWizard provides users with the ability to quickly and easily construct databases in a variety of formats. With this release, TerraSim has added OmniWizard support to include Steel Beasts Professional and OpenSceneGraph export. Users can thus quickly specify source data layers, and the OmniWizard will automatically construct a TerraTools project graph and build the resulting database. New Environment Export Node: Databases for FlightGear Flight Simulator (Version 2.4) can now be exported from TerraTools. FlightGear Flight Simulator, an open-source flight simulator, is widely used for aircraft vehicle dynamics and gaming. TerraTools now supports both X-Plane and FlightGear, providing flight simulation visuals correlated to various constructive simulations and/or serious game runtimes. Kate Cummings; katecummings@terrasim.com
Most Affordable ESD Simulation on the Market Baytems, a provider of electronics testing equipment, has announced the release of the ESDzap— an economical and capable ESD simulator. With a price tag under $4,000, the ESDzap offers the same features and functionality as devices that cost twice as much. As a handheld device that is IEC/EN 61000-4-2 certified, it offers versatility, reliability and an ease of use that’s hard to match. For smaller companies with small budgets, it is a perfect solution. ESD simulators are essential tools in a number of industries, from consumer electronics
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to automotive, that need to test the immunity of a device or component to potentially harmful electrostatic discharge. In the past, companies often relied on large, clunky, expensive tools. Baytems’ new ESDzap brings together quality craftsmanship and lightweight design, all at an attractive price point. Now, even small businesses and individuals can benefit from industrial-grade testing equipment. ESD simulation is an important facet of precompliance testing and is also a requirement for a product to receive the CE mark, which certifies that a product meets certain performance and
safety standards in European markets. With the ESDzap, developers can ensure that a new product will perform well and safely before launching into full-scale production. The ESDzap offers a wide range of functionalities. It can test in 100 V increments, with a minimum setting of 500 V and a maximum setting of 8 kV. The device includes air and contact modes, automatic triggering, pulse detection, automatic polarity switching, discharge detection, a straightforward user interface, and comes with a carrying case. Maria Niemi; maria.niemi@baytems.com
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies
2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies Military Training Technology is proud to announce the 2012 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 any other training component. 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 all 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 had been 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 and is considered up-andcoming. 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 the companies that submitted nomination packages for the 2012 competition.
AAI Corporation
AAI Corporation has decades of experience designing, manufacturing and sustaining innovative, high-technology training systems for classroom, lab and training ranges. We provide high-fidelity simulators, training devices and training solutions, as well as training systems requirements analysis and courseware. We are an operating unit of Textron Systems. rsc_aaireg@aai.textron.com www.aaicorp.com
Adacel
Adacel develops critical aviation and advanced simulation systems for military and commercial use. We have revolutionized speech technology for direct voice input control systems and interactive control of computer generated entities in training systems. Our technology is deployed for cockpit solutions in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Aermacchi M346 Master and the Boeing Apache Longbow helicopter. We utilize the same reliable technology in our advanced simulation systems. Through technological 14 | MT2 17.7
leadership and customer commitment, we have built an international reputation for our products and services and have been awarded some of the most prestigious programs in its fields.
Aechelon Technology 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 high-end trainers, we are honored to serve a diverse and demanding community in tactics training, mission rehearsal and sensor simulation. Throughout our 12-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., that provides a broad range of products and services, including modeling and simulation development, training, test support, engineering analysis, hardware design, and
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies nanotechnology manufacturing for both government and commercial customers within the U.S. and internationally.
Alion Science and Technology
Alion Science and Technology delivers advanced engineering and technology solutions to strengthen national defense, homeland security, energy generation and the environment. Building on 75 years of R&D experience, we combine engineering expertise with operational experience and unique technologies to bring insight to multiple business areas, with a focus on modeling, simulation and training capabilities. From serious games to decision support, geospatial data imaging to human-systems integration, our solutions are advancing the art and science of M&S. 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 $251 million in revenue for 2011. Based in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Chantilly, Va., the company provides 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.
Amsec LLC
AMSEC LLC is a subsidiary of Huntington Ingalls Industries. With annual
revenues of approximately $240 million and 2,000 employees 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.
training paradigms to accelerate learning, increase user proficiency, and reduce training costs. Powered by our cutting-edge, real-time, human physiology engine, HumanSim facilitates selfpaced 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 games-based learning paradigms to accelerate learning, increase user proficiency, and reduce training costs. Virtual Heroes is located in Raleigh, N.C., and in Orlando, Fla., in the Central Florida Research Park. www.ara.com
Applied Research Associates Inc.
Aptima Inc.
The Virtual Heroes Division of Applied Research Associates Inc. creates collaborative interactive learning solutions for health care, federal systems and corporate training markets. Advanced Learning Technologies (ALT) leverage simulation learning and digital games-based
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.
Adacel’s ATC Unified Training Solution Simulation Scaled to the Phase of Training
Tools suited to today’s learner Builds confidence, knowledge & skill Fosters aviation language proficiency Alleviates training bottlenecks Improves success rates
www.adacel.com Email: info@adacel.com
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2012 Top Top Simulation Simulation&&Training TrainingCompanies Companies Our scientists study how humans think and learn in today’s technology‐rich networked environments, and we use that knowledge to solve problems and provide solutions in defense, homeland security, health care, aviation and cybersecurity. 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 Simulation provides expert, cost-effective engineering services and product solutions to our customers. We target gaps not well supported by traditional suppliers. We will 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. We have sales and marketing, customer support, R&D
and manufacturing facilities in Europe, America, and Asia-Pacific. The company is active in more than 90 countries with about 3,700 employees worldwide. We posted sales of 1.041 billion euro in 2011.
B-Design3D Ltd. B-Design3D Ltd. is an expert and leading provider of interactive 3-D content for the training and simulation industry. We specialize in the design and creation of highly realistic terrain databases, 3-D urban environments (full city models), building interiors, etc. Our visual databases are created to provide the trainee a realistic and immersive experience—from ultra-high resolution for ground level simulation to high performance and large visual databases for jet fighter flight simulators. Our professional services allow training and simulation system manufacturers a cost effective and effortless way to integrate custom-made visual databases in any size, detail and resolution into their systems.
The Boeing Company
cutting-edge training solutions. Our years of expertise, global infrastructure, research facilities and customer knowledge help ensure the very highest levels of readiness for our customers. Through innovation and strategic investments in new technology, we prepare warfighters for their missions by providing realistic, reliable and affordable training solutions. Our global infrastructure—the best people, processes and tools—provides optimal solutions to diverse customers and platforms.
Bohemia Interactive Simulations Bohemia Interactive Simulations, or BISim, is a world leader in simulation technologies and integrated military and civilian training solutions globally. With origins in the gaming industry, we repeatedly deliver high fidelity, low cost, disruptive technology into the virtual, tactical military simulation domain. We successfully exploit gamebased technology with stunning visuals and apply this to the VBS2 range of breakthrough, military-specific simulation products.
C² Technologies Inc. Boeing’s training systems and government services provide the full range of training activities and is an expert in large-scale training systems integration. Worldwide, we have more than 1,300 professionals dedicated to delivering
Since 1989, C² Technologies Inc. has served the federal government, defense, intelligence community and commercial customers to deliver innovative, awardwinning enterprise-wide solutions. We offer diverse practice areas which include training/e-learning, strategic human capital management, mission-critical outsourcing, information technology/
software development, and strategic communications. Based in Vienna, Va., with three development centers across the United States and an additional 20 on government locations, our 400 employees serve clients around the country and the world.
cae CAE is a global leader in modeling, simulation and training for civil aviation and defense. 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 train approximately 100,000 crewmembers yearly. In addition, the CAE Oxford Aviation Academy offers training to aspiring pilot cadets in 12 CAE-operated flight schools. Our business is diversified, ranging from the sale of simulation products to providing comprehensive services such as training and aviation services, professional services, in-service support and crew sourcing. We apply simulation expertise and operational experience to help customers enhance safety, improve efficiency, maintain readiness and solve challenging problems. We are leveraging our simulation capabilities in new markets such as health care and mining.
Calytrix Technologies
Calytrix Technologies focuses on defense training through modeling and
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies simulation by integrating distributed live, virtual and constructive environments, virtual radio communications, application of serious games, and training support. As ‘training integrators,’ we apply leading simulation and game-based technologies to serious training. Our consulting and service work complements our commercial software product developments.
Camber Corporation Camber Corporation provides educational technology and training services to Department of Defense and other agencies at over 100 locations worldwide. Our focus areas include homeland security, chemical and biological support, cyber operations and security, modeling and simulation, systems engineering, and software engineering. We provide simulation tools and services for training, mission planning, rehearsal, after action reviews, command and control, and engineering analysis. Our efforts touch defense interests in every Joint combatant command; over 150 Army, Air Force, and Navy programs; National Guard headquarters in every state and territory; and over 25 NATO or coalition countries in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Carley Corporation
Carley Corporation specializes in the analysis, design, development and
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implementation of large-scale, complex training solutions where performance results are critical. We use proven and emerging technologies and researchbased 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.
solutions are based on over 25 years of DoD-sponsored research and development and incorporate advanced capabilities in cognitive modeling, team training, multimodal interaction, scenario authoring and performance assessment. Over 70 percent of our technical staff of computer scientists, software developers and human systems engineers hold advanced degrees, including 40 percent at the doctoral level. info@chisystems.com www.chisystems.com
Christie
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.
CHI Systems Inc.
CHI Systems, honored to be selected for a 2012 Tibbetts Award by the Small Business Administration, is a leader in human-centered solutions for training, simulation and decision support systems that address a broad spectrum of defense, security and safety needs. Our
CM Labs Simulation Inc.
Advanced virtual training and testing solutions for vehicle, robotic and heavy equipment operations. CM Labs Simulation Inc. is a company creating the scalable visualization and simulation based solutions for those who plan operations, test systems and train crews for vehicles, robotics or heavy equipment. sebastien.loze@cm-labs.com www.vxsim.com
Cogent3D Inc. 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. We have the expertise in the market and an understanding of how simulators are used and what our customers need to do with the displays. Our world-class sales engineers, project managers, design and mechanical engineers and integration experts work together to deliver highperformance visual display solutions for simulation and training that allow you to repeatedly, consistently perform a task or rehearse a scenario with accurate, trueto-life simulation environments. dave.kanahele@christiedigital.com www.christiedigital.com
Cogent3D Inc., a small business based in Tucson, Ariz., creates and distributes some of the world’s most technically advanced 3-D visualization, sensor simulation, cloud computing and mobile applications for modeling and simulation, operational and GIS markets.
Cole Engineering Services Inc.
Cole Engineering Services Inc. (CESI), a 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.
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies We possess exceptional technical expertise in software development, software systems engineering, systems modeling, and in live, virtual and 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), promoting low risk, and program milestone achievement. george.nelson@coleengineering.com www.coleengineering.com
Concurrent Computer Corp.
Concurrent Computer Corporation 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 have deployed and supported thousands of real-time Linux-based solutions throughout the world. Our company’s solutions focus on hardware-in-the-loop and man-in-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 include aerospace, defense, automotive, energy, transportation, medical and financial. info@real-time.ccur.com www.real-time.ccur.com
Craig Technologies Since 1999, Craig Technologies has provided innovative and agile engineering, software and training solutions while delivering exceptional customer service at a lower cost. Our cross-disciplinary approach allows us to support the cost-conscious demands of our customers with a diverse range of capabilities, successfully integrating existing and new platforms to extend the life cycle of mission-critical systems and improve 18 | MT2 17.7
end-user outcomes. A proven performer, we are a service-disabled veteran-owned, woman-owned, and small disadvantaged business that is AS9100 certified and headquartered in Cape Canaveral, Fla.
Creative Technologies Inc.
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
CSC CSC is a global leader in providing technology-enabled business solutions and services. Headquartered in Falls Church, Va., we have approximately 96,000 employees and reported revenue of $15.8 billion for the 12 months ending June 29, 2012. 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 practices to help the U.S. government meet mission-critical requirements.
Design Interactive Inc.
readiness, human performance assessment, and next-gen human system integration. Our customers include a variety of private sector and federal agencies looking to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their people and systems by providing the right training, delivered in the right way, at the right time. In addition to training system consultation, we provide usability engineering consultation services to government agencies as well as some of the most recognizable consumer brands in the world.
DI-Guy
DI-Guy is a leading software developer of tools for real-time human visualization, simulation and artificial intelligence. All of our software offerings come with thousands of ready-to-use characters, appearances and motions. We enable the easy creation of crowds and individuals who are terrain-aware, autonomous and react intelligently to ongoing events. Our product line is used by all branches of the U.S. armed forces and by leading organizations worldwide, including Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins, Boeing, BAE, RUAG and others.
Diamond Visionics LLC
Founded in 1996, Diamond Visionics is a small business based in Vestal, N.Y., that is made up of highly skilled and innovative individuals who represent a formidable knowledge base in the research, analysis and design of simulation technologies. We produce the cutting-edge GenesisRTX 3-D image generation and visualization tools for training and simulation, mission rehearsal, homeland security and medical markets. info@diamondvisionics.com www.diamondvisionics.com
Digimation
Design Interactive Inc. is an economically disadvantaged WOSB specializing in human factors engineering. We focus on four areas of research and development: training systems, cognitive
Digimation was founded in 1992 based on the idea that 3-D technology was the perfect medium to communicate
information and ideas. Twenty years later, we continue to pioneer the use of interactive 3-D graphics to help our clients’ organizations—including some of the world’s largest government agencies and corporations—use this technology to inform, instruct and inspire. sales@digimation.com www.digimation.com
Dignitas Technologies LLC Dignitas Technologies LLC, a woman-owned small business founded in 2004, provides 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.
Disti Corporation
Founded in 1994, the Disti Corporation is a leading provider of graphical user interface tools and technology used to empower the latest in virtual cockpits and instruments, and virtual task and maintenance training applications. We combine advanced graphical user interface technology with strategic innovation to deliver these high-fidelity highperformance 3-D graphical computing solutions to the warfighter.
Dynavision International Dynavision International is the manufacturer and seller of cutting-edge vision training and high performance reaction time monitoring devices. We are also a leader in the industry for neurocognitive and physical movement testing and training. The D2 is a world-famous device for this training and has also been adapted for rehabilitative purposes for traumatic brain injury, stroke recovery and driver retraining. It is now used as a concussion monitoring device and has great applicability for return to play and may have implications towards long term healing. The D2 is in over 800 hospitals
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies and high performance training centers including the USAF Academy, West Point, over 40 VA hospitals and many Army camp bases.
Explotrain LLC
DynCorp International
DynCorp International is a global government services provider working in support of U.S. national security and foreign policy objectives, delivering support solutions for defense, diplomacy and international development. We operate major programs in aviation, logistics, platform support, and training and mentoring to reinforce security, community stability, and the rule of law. Our Training and Intelligence Solutions Group provides expert mentors and trainers, operations, discrete mission support, and end-to-end solutions across a variety of disciplines, supporting the intelligence community, and bolstering peacekeeping initiatives around the world. We have recruited, trained and deployed more than 10,000 highly-qualified mentors, advisors, trainers, and law enforcement trainers to countries around the world. jim.fitzhenry@dyn-intl.com www.dyn-intl.com
Engineering & Computer Simulations Engineering & Computer Simulations is a full-service software development and solutions company located in Orlando, Fla. Our core mission is to provide advanced learning technology solutions to clients within the commercial and government sectors. Our technology portfolio of immersive virtual worlds, serious gaming, performance assessment, staff training and mobile innovations offers efficiencies in education, training and collaboration. We opened our doors in 1997 and have been recognized nationally for its innovation and customer service.
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At Explotrain we know our freedoms depend on the effectiveness of our warfighters, and their success depends on the training they receive. Training our troops to react to the stresses they experience on the battlefield is a difficult and demanding mission. We are dedicated to this mission and have developed the X-0 series of explosive simulators to meet the needs of the warfighter on the ground. Our products are the only non-explosive devices capable of accurately replicating extreme explosive effects to the degree necessary for realistic training without endangering the safety of your troops or your range. information@explotrain.com www.explotrain.com
GameSim Technologies GameSim Technologies is a small, solution-minded software company working in both the game and modeling and simulation industries. Since our founding in 2008, we have shown strong growth with its goal of providing quality products and engineering services to these industries. In addition to being credited on top rated commercial games including Madden NFL and Mass Effect 3, we perform research and development for major M&S programs including SE Core, OneSAF and other government-funded subcontracts. We are highly focused on our customers and work closely with each, from requirements to verification, to ensure your program or product is successful.
General Dynamics Information Technology
Improvised Electronics
As a trusted systems integrator for more than 50 years, General Dynamics Information Technology provides information technology, 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 24,000 professionals worldwide, we deliver IT enterprise solutions, manages large-scale, mission-critical IT programs and provides mission support services. communications@gdit.com www.gdit.com/training
Improvised Electronics engineers and manufactures holistic training systems and training aid components for C-IED and EOD scenarios. Since 2009, we have strived to advance the field to bring the very best and most productive experience possible to those who face the IED threat—every military and law enforcement unit at home and abroad. We manufacture realistic and functional C-IED training aids, earth-shaking blast simulators, and machine gun simulators indistinguishable from the real thing. sales@improvisedelectronics.com www.improvisedelectronics.com
Heartwood Studios Inc. Heartwood Studios empowers companies to build, operate, maintain and market their products by deploying 3-D interactive training and learning solutions anytime, anywhere, on any platform: web, PC and mobile. Our customers use Heartwood’s 3-D Interactive solutions to make their products easy to understand and experience; which in turn results in reduced training costs and higher market engagement. As a market leader, Heartwood is recognized as one of Inc. 500|5000 fastest growing companies in the U.S.
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 and animation industries. IDV, a privately held corporation, was founded in 1999 in Columbia, S.C.
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies Janus Research Group Inc.
Janus Research Group enhances the efficiency and performance of your organization by providing innovative and costeffective services, products and solutions through technological enhancements and improved business processes. We are a forward thinking and leading edge technology solutions provider. Our expertise lies in providing our customers with specialized systems engineering and technical assistance services and the creation and rapid development of innovative, highend, 3-D virtual training and visualization environments. We design and produce virtual environments and visualizations to include: interactive multimedia instruction (IMI Levels I-IV); PC simulations; immersive training through serious games; collaborative multiplayer products; modeling and simulation networks; and cinematic visualizations.
Kitco FIber Optics
Kitco Fiber Optics is a recognized leader in fiber optic training and we offer a diversified variety of ‘hands-on’ certified training for all branches of our armed forces and defense contractors. We have served for 12 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 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
Kratos Defense
Kratos Defense is a life cycle training solutions provider, specializing in developing a workforce dedicated to assuring the readiness, reliability and operational effectiveness of warfighter and C5ISR systems. We help organizations and teams optimize performance by improving 20 | MT2 17.7
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. training@kratosdefense.com www.kratosdefense.com
L-3 Link Simulation & Training
L-3 Link is a world leader in developing and providing total training system solutions to military services worldwide. L-3 Link also is recognized as the world leader in military flight simulators that are currently operational. By continuing to invest in next generation training solutions, we are at the forefront of the development of innovative training technologies designed to enhance student learning, improve throughput and reduce overall costs.
Laser Ammo USA Inc. Laser Ammo is a manufacturer and distributor of cutting edge, innovative technology for small fire arms dry fire training. Our basic product is the Surestrike, a laser cartridge which loads in any fire arm (pistol, AR and Shotgun) and allows the shooter to practice handling and firing techniques. The SureStrike can be programmed to work with any simulator, electronic target, multiple integrated laser engagement system in existence.
Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics Lockheed Martin is the premier provider of innovative solutions for mission readiness and sustainment. Through its Global Training and Logistics business, more than 10,000 skilled employees provide fast-turn, high-quality 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, logistics, operations, readiness, engineering support and integration services. From teaching aircrews to fly the world’s most advanced fighter jet to managing the equipment
troops rely on, we transform technology into affordable training and logistics solutions.
Logistic Services International Inc.
of our live-fire ranges and 5,200 virtual systems are fielded internationally, providing judgmental situational awareness and marksmanship training to the armed forces, law enforcement and security organizations.
Meridian Knowledge Solutions LLC Logistic Services International Inc. 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 aerospace industry. We are also a principal subcontractor to aerospace 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 Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) conformant Interactive Courseware since the inception of SCORM. We are a customer-focused organization with over 450 employees directly supporting training product development.
Marathon Targets Marathon makes the world’s first smart target system for dynamic live-fire training. Smart targets look, move and behave like people—their paths are unpredictable, and their human-like motion makes them challenging to hit. We offer a two-wheel target for flat and paved surfaces, and a four-wheel target for rougher terrain. Our mission is to make live-fire training as realistic as it can be, short of actually stepping into a combat zone. Australian Defence has been using our smart targets since 2008. We have also deployed target systems with the U.S. Marine Corps and Canadian Forces.
Meggitt Training Systems Meggitt Training Systems, makers of firearms training systems (FATS) and Caswell technologies, a division of Meggitt PLC, is a leading supplier of integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training systems, unmanned land and sea vehicles, aerial targets and electronic scoring systems. Following the acquisition of FATS virtual training systems and Caswell International’s live-fire ranges and services, we have continued to grow our capabilities based on the legacy of these two industry leaders. Over 10,000
Meridian Knowledge Solutions is the number one ranked human capital management company for customer loyalty with a documented customer retention rate of 98 percent. Our mission is to provide integrated human capital management products and subject matter expertise, which empower organizations to optimize their business processes and drive breakthrough results. info@meridianksi.com www.meridianksi.com
MetaVR Inc.
MetaVR develops commercial PCbased 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 simulation with the fidelity of game quality graphics. Our software products enable users to build high-fidelity virtual worlds with its terrain generation tools and render, at 60Hz frame rates, the resulting virtual worlds with its real-time 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, urban operations and disaster management. sales@metavr.com www.metavr.com
Mymic Mymic is an industry leader in science and technology to support training, decision making and knowledge management, as well as a provider of choice for custom virtual simulation development. We have been recognized as a high performing organization by key customers and as a trusted resource. In this role, we provide senior management www.MT2-kmi.com
2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies with integrated capabilities using modeling, simulation and visualization technologies and support management with analytical solutions to enhance decision making. We design, deliver and integrate 3-D visualizations and interactive simulations into other media or course material. We also provide engineering and technical services to implement state-of-the-art solutions.
Ngrain
Ngrain is the creator of interactive 3-D simulation technology, software and solutions that have set the standard for technical training and operational support, providing the most true-to-life, virtual hands-on experience. Offering both a development platform and custom solutions, we enable people to represent systems such as jet engines, air brakes or other pieces of complex equipment in the form of 3-D simulations. We transform the way people share knowledge, and we are used to support the training and maintenance of hundreds of equipment systems, including vehicles, weapons, aircraft, communications devices and more.
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company that provides innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. tsdinfo@ngc.com www.northropgrumman.com/ts
Oshkosh Defense At Oshkosh Defense, we specialize in serving the defense industry by designing, producing and sustaining a portfolio of best-in-class vehicles, products and sustainment solutions. Since 1917, we have delivered more than 85,000 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 22 | MT2 17.7
approach to achieving the highest levels of operational readiness and performance, and overall efficiency.
Pinnacle Solutions Inc.
Pinnacle Solutions Inc. is a servicedisabled, veteran-owned small business founded in 2008 to provide training device development and engineering services and has been appraised by Software Engineering Institute (SEI) as capability maturity model integration (CMMI) 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). info@pinnaclesolutionsinc.com www.pinnaclesolutionsinc.com
Plexsys Interface Products Inc. Plexsys Interface Products Inc., a veteran-owned small business, specializes in the provision of modeling and simulation systems and support services for aircraft and airspace control. Accomplishments include the design and support of wargaming exercise scenarios, provision of in-the-field simulation support and development of courseware. We are an original partner in the USAF Distributed Mission Operations program, and are internationally known for our long-haul networked training venues and expansive M&S expertise. We are singularly customer focused, incorporating innovative research to stay engaged with technologies, and support warfighter needs. We strive to provide warfighters the highest fidelity environment for realistic synthetic training.
Polhemus
At Polhemus, it is our mission to give customers the power to break new ground through innovative, cost-effective enabling technologies for the real and virtual world. We engineer and manufacture specialized magnetic motion trackers offering high precision position and orientation (6DOF) measurements used to track pilot line-of-sight,
warrior posture and movement, and simulated military equipment requiring point-ofregard tracking inputs in order to maintain the highest simulation fidelity. In business for nearly 45 years, we offer relevant industry expertise, patented technology and proven success to the military and commercial marketplaces.
Presagis
Presagis is a global leader providing commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) modeling, simulation and embedded graphics solutions to the aerospace and defense markets and is the only developer to deliver a unified COTS software portfolio based on open-standards. We combine cutting-edge technology with innovative services to help customers streamline workflow, reduce project risks, create detailed models and complex simulations, in addition to developing DO-178B certifiable applications. We provide services to more than 1,000 active customers worldwide, including many of the world’s most respected organizations such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, BAE Systems and CAE. info@presagis.com www.presagis.com
Projectiondesign Projectiondesign’s vision is to be the leading manufacturer of high performance projectors. Products reflect the core philosophy—optimized performance for their intended application, and a better priceto-performance ratio than any competing product. Recently we have experienced growth and have opened new offices, acquired our U.S. distributor and hired the industry’s best talent. This combined with our lifelong experience in the development, manufacture and deployment of projectors (including new visual simulation products such as LED and Infrared projection technologies) ensures that our partners benefit from localized support, and customized product configurations to fit specific applications. Intensive training and education is executed in support of important partner activities, maximizing ROI for partners and reducing user total cost of ownership calculations. We work exclusively with integration partners. sales@projectiondesign.com www.projectiondesign.com
Q4 Services LLC
Q4 Services LLC, a small womanowned business, is an independent market-leading supplier of innovative and unique visual display systems to the military and commercial simulation and training industries. The company was incorporated in 2004, when the founders recognized that a market opportunity existed for the supply of new generation technologically advanced visual display systems. A highly capable team of specialist engineers was selected and recruited with significant expertise in visual display systems and flight simulators. With our headquarters located in Florida and an office in the United Kingdom supporting customers in the EMEA region, we specialize in the manufacture, service and support of visual display systems to the simulation and training industry.
Raydon Corporation
Raydon Corporation has been one of the world’s leading developers of simulation training products and solutions for over the last 20 years. In fact, selected members of the U.S. armed services have long depended on us to provide an extensive range of trainers including embedded trainers, tabletop trainers, appended trainers and institutional trainers. We specialize in developing new simulation and training technologies for gunnery training, maneuver training and critical task training. grecker@raydon.com www.raydon.com
Re-lion Re-lion is a global leader in technology for intuitive Terrain Database Generation Systems and simulators for immersive Small Unit Training.
Rocketbox Studios GmbH
Rocketbox is the creator and distributor of a large library of high quality 3-D character models and animations for
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies usage in real time applications and rendering. We also create custom 3-D graphics and motion capturing, 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 20,000 employees and a global service and support network that crosses 27 countries.
Saab Training USA
Saab Training USA is an innovative leading provider of live, virtual and constructive defense training solutions to customers worldwide. We have over 30 years of experience working directly with the U.S. government delivering simulators, instrumentation, exercises and range equipment for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy SEALs around the world. Saab Training USA and Saab Training Systems AB of Sweden combine forces to support warfighters with technologically advanced training equipment and services. brian.domian@saabtraining.com www.saabtraining.com
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 9,000 employees in 100+ locations throughout 45 states, five Canadian provinces and 14 countries. We are ranked in the Top 35 of the largest Federal Prime Contractors by Washington Technology and are ISO 9001:2008 certified with CMMI level 3 capabilities. info@serco-na.com www.serco-na.com
Serco Inc.
Simetri is a leading technology firm based in Orlando, Fla., leveraging over a decade of experience in research, development and engineering capabilities focused on simulation and training technologies. 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 enterprise training environment, including 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 militaries and commercial airlines worldwide.
SIMmersion Serco Inc. provides professional, technology and management services www.MT2-kmi.com
Simthetiq Inc.
SIMmersion LLC, founded in 2002, is a spinout of Johns Hopkins University
Smart Technologies Smart Technologies is a leading provider of collaboration solutions that transform the way the world works and learns. Our business, military and government solutions can help organizations optimize the way teams share and work in real time with digital information, regardless of location. Our interactive whiteboards, flat panel products, collaboration software, services and support can be easily tailored to specific business needs. Using our government solutions, groups can access and share information they need to collaborate, train, present and teach. We maintain a broad portfolio of 205 patents including 88 issued in the U.S. and 117 issued internationally.
Sonalysts Inc.
Simetri
Scalable Network Technologies
Scalable Network Technologies develops high performance network simulation software that increases the communications readiness of current communications systems, emerging communications environments in transition, and the cyber warfare battlefield. Our products and solutions are used by governmental, military organizations, educational institutions and commercial enterprises around the world.
Applied Physics Laboratory. The company’s PeopleSim simulation technology supports the development of advanced training simulations for high-value, sensitive, or difficult conversations such as crosscultural negotiations, suicide intervention, armed forces recruitment, or health care discussions. Clients include all of the all branches of the military services, FBI, DEA, intelligence agencies, National Institutes of Health, the National Suicide Lifeline, and commercial businesses. Our focus is to use advanced technology to change behavior through effective training systems, and to support research that evaluates the effectiveness of soft skills training.
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 simulations. Offering a vast library of high-resolution, cross-platform models and environments together with a series of applications and product suites 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.
Skillsoft Skillsoft is a pioneer in the field of learning with a long history of innovation. We provide cloud-based learning solutions for customers worldwide, ranging from global enterprises, government, and education to mid-sized and small businesses. Our customer support teams draw on a wealth of in-house experience and a comprehensive learning e-library to develop off-the-shelf and custom learning programs tailored to cost-effectively meet customer needs. Our courses, books and videos have been developed by industryleading learning experts to maximize business skills, performance, and talent development. We currently serve over 5,000 customers and more than 13,000,000 learners around the world.
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, Intelligent Tutoring), and serious game development. Our MST solution offers increased readiness through enhanced training effectiveness at a reduced cost, all within a rigorous CMMI-based 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. The company delivers intelligent software solutions for education and training, planning and scheduling, knowledge management and discovery, and decision support.
Sundog Software LLC Sundog visualization scenes. Our and Weather in hundreds
produces real-time technology for outdoor SilverLining Sky, Cloud SDK powers the visuals of training simulators
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2012 Top Simulation & Training Companies worldwide, with physically accurate time of day effects and 3-D clouds. Our latest product, the Triton Ocean SDK, produces realistic oceans and bodies of water complete with realistic waves, ship wakes, reflections and spray effects, for any specified sea state or wind conditions. SilverLining and Triton are available as code libraries for integration into image generators, and also as plug-ins for many popular game engines. We also offer contract development services in the field of visual simulation. www.sundog-soft.com
SWAT Trauma Assistance Training SWAT Trauma Assistance Training (STAT) is an innovative tactical medical training company in San Luis Obispo, Calif. STAT Inc. is focused on providing realistic basic tactical trauma skills and simulation materials to local and federal law enforcement and servicemen. Founded in 2011, we are an up and coming company devoted to the safety, security and medical preparedness of those who put their lives at risk to keep America safe. www.swattrauma.com
Tactical Micro Inc.
Tactical Micro’s innovation in digital instrumentation, advanced audio/video recording and broadcasting provide 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 the Office of the Secretary Defense current training guidance. By nonobtrusively capturing the sights, sounds and data during training, after action reviews can address all of the combat system’s capabilities for an exceptional learning experience. info@tacticalmicro.com www.tacticalmicro.com
Tasc Inc. Founded in 1966, Tasc Inc. helps solve complex national security and public safety challenges by providing advanced systems engineering, integration and decision-support services to the intelligence 24 | MT2 17.7
community, Department of Defense and civilian agencies of the federal government. We have partnered with our customers toward one goal—the success of their missions. Our broad portfolio of services includes mission operations, analysis and engineering; system and policy analysis; program, financial and acquisition management; enterprise engineering and integration; advanced concept and technology development; test and evaluation; independent verification and validation; and cybersecurity. With about 5,000 employees in 40 locations, We generate $1.5 billion in annual revenue.
The Tatitlek Corporation
The Tatitlek Corporation, an 8(a) Alaska Native Village Corporation, specializes in live, virtual and constructive training solutions for the warfighter. Live training specialties include realistic role players, battlefield effects and medical moulage; Virtual training components include contractor logistics support for United States Marine Corps (USMC) simulators (Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer-Enhanced, Combat Convoy Simulator, and Operator Driver Simulator). We provide vertical and horizontal construction; cultural advisory/linguist services; facilities management and operations; janitorial and food services; and IT-centric professional technical services that include geographic information systems (GIS) 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
Tech Valley Technologies Inc. Tech Valley Technologies Inc. is a veteran-owned small business that designs, develops and manufactures realistic targetry for tactical training of the U.S. military and law enforcement. Our technologies are patented and/or patent-pending within the United States, Canada and throughout Europe. Currently, we are launching our live fire Human Interactive Target System (HITS), which is a next generation robotic, interactive manikin that allows shooters to detect a ‘hit’ and/or ‘miss’ in realtime. HITS is suited for military operations on urban terrain (MOUT) facilities and/or
shoot houses to help better prepare and train soldiers for urban combat situations. Our targets may be used with live fire and Simunition (Airsoft, paintball). Our targetry facilitates real-world training experiences to meet the current and evolving demands and training requirements of urban warfare.
Tec-Masters Inc. 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 $54 million in annual revenues over the last five years; with total revenue over $331 million from 2006-2011. 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/cybersecurity.
Ternion Corporation
Since 1989, Ternion Corporation has provided highly flexible simulation solutions to government and commercial organizations worldwide. Our flagship product line FLAMES (flexible analysis, modeling, and exercise system) is a commercial off-the-shelf software suite that provides the framework and all basic functionality needed for constructive simulations, as well as the ability to interface with live, virtual, and other constructive simulations. In addition, our team of experts can develop custom FLAMES-based simulations to meet specific requirements. Unlike any other product in the commercial simulation industry, FLAMES runtime licenses are available for free.
TerraSim Inc. TerraSim provides software solutions and services for advanced visual simulation and database construction. 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 recovers legacy source data and processes it for reuse in any modeling and simulation product. RoadMAP detects, delineates and attributes road networks and other linear features from aerial and satellite imagery. DEMTools merges, refines and manipulates digital elevation models for GIS source data preparation and generation.
Transas Marine International
Transas is an internationally renowned developer and supplier of state of the art on-board and shorebased systems and marine simulators. We offer advanced solutions for various maritime spheres: security services, shipping companies and ship operators; Naval and Coast Guard organizations; training and educational centers; port and harbor administrations; governmental, municipal and local authorities and administrations; environmental services and institutions; OEM partners. Our equipment and simulators include marine onboard equipment, complex integrated on-board systems, electronic cartography, training simulators (marine and aviation), vessel traffic management and information systems, crisis management and maritime security systems and traffic-monitoring systems and communication solutions.
Wegmann USA Inc.
Wegmann USA Inc., a subsidiary of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann, Germany, is a Virginia corporation founded in 1992 whose primary business is manufacturing and related services marketed throughout the world. The Training and Simulation group based in Orlando, Fla., concentrates on ground-based systems for support of the U.S. armed forces and other government organizations. Our training and simulation offers a full range of training, simulation and engineering support services including driver training equipment for military platforms, cars, trucks and rail-borne vehicles as well as gunnery, crew, combat and tactical simulation and training systems. www.MT2-kmi.com
DATA PACKETS
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
Smoke and Bang to Replicate Battlefield Effects for Army’s Live Training Zel Technologies’ Training and Simulation Group, of Orlando, Fla., recently announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI) to produce the next generation of battlefield effects for the Army. The contract, worth up to $35 million over a three-year period, taps into the talents of one of the strongest live training engineering and management teams available to develop the new visual, audio and tactically accurate battlefield effects for the Army’s future live training programs. For the Army, realistic training is a must, and as simulations are engaged to train the troops, the battlefield effects provide real-time feedback to the units in the form of smoke, explosions and auditory simulations to make the training experience as realistic as possible. The design and prototyping efforts that went into ZelTech’s proposal employ the latest and best technologies available today. The program will
be executed and manufactured in Central Florida. The new contract, Battle Effects Simulator (BES), will provide units with realistic effects during their force-on-target tactical training. It will produce the flash/ bang and smoke signatures of various weapons systems being used in training and will simulate/replicate large caliber weapon fire of hostile threats and/or an impact round on military targets. The system is a core feature of live-fire ranges throughout the Army and its training programs. “The ZelTech team is ready to execute the program to put these simulations out in the hands of our troops,” stated ZelTech’s group manager, Bill Barfield. “We are honored to have been selected for this important mission, and our seasoned staff of engineers and managers are leaning forward to make the BES II system a reality for our soldiers.” William Barfield; william.barfield@zeltech.com
Software Interface from Simulators to Radar Systems In line with the rapidly increasing number of Nautis Maritime Simulator clients worldwide, VSTEP continues to innovate and has developed a software interface for IMO Type Approved radar and chart radar systems. This makes radar and ECDIS training possible on real radar and ECDIS systems, instead of emulated systems, and allows radar quality enhancements for all simulator types. The new interface provides enhancements and benefits for maritime simulators. For example, with regards to the ECDIS training in a classroom set-up, one instructor can provide a large number of trainee radar systems with radar video and NMEA data input, while showing the outside view and navigation instruments on a projection screen. This makes high quality yet affordable radar and ECDIS training possible. Also larger simulator set-ups can benefit from the radar interface. The previous “no-brand” radar simulators can be replaced with real type-approved radar systems, still running on a standard PC, without any need for special interface hardware. Some of VSTEP’s full mission bridge simulator clients have already been upgraded with type-approved radar systems from Kelvin Hughes and Maris, to benefit from this increased quality. The Kelvin Hughes and Maris ECDIS systems can show the Nautis radar video as an overlay on the chart view, satisfying a recommendation from the IMO in the new ECDIS Model Course 1.27, published in July 2012. Frank Dolmans; frank@vstep.nl
High-end Military 3-D Characters and Animations Released A new prefab 3-D character library features customizable 3-D models of soldiers and combat animations, allowing developers to license highly realistic content for usage in their products. Rocketbox Studios GmbH, a company specializing in stock 3-D characters and animations, released their new HD line of soldier characters, extending the well-established product series “Complete Characters HD” with military characters. Simultaneously, Rocketbox released a special animation package consisting of a large set of moves for combat situations, usable with all HD characters from Rocketbox Libraries. This “Combat Animation Pack” is made up of 188 highly realistic animations ideal for military simulations and games—for example: running, walking, weapon handling, giving/receiving commands and talking. One of the key features of the soldier 3-D models is the customizability of their textures and mesh attachments. Textures are included in layered (.psd) image files and can be changed easily, including different variations for each uniform (camouflage patterns, badges, tabs, etc.). In addition, separate layers of dirt and injuries are also part of the set. Various equipment items that are attached to the 3-D model are removable, such as helmets, vision systems, weapons and pouches.
www.MT2-kmi.com
A facial animation bone rig is already implemented in this new generation of character models, resulting in a much more lifelike and believable appearance. A wide collection of facial expressions including emotions and phonemes for lip-synced speech are also delivered with each HD character model. All characters are pre-rigged, ready to use and available for integration in a wide range of projects, as they are optimized for usage in real-time engines and include a large number of level-of-detail (LOD) meshes, down to 500 triangles in the lowest LOD. Markus Wojcik; mw@rocketbox.de
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Training Innovator
Q& A
Using Technologies to Enhance Warfighter Training and Effectiveness
Colonel Matthew Clarke Commander Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Simulation and Training Technology Center
Colonel Matthew Clarke currently serves as the commander of the Sergeant First Class Paul Ray Smith Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC) in Orlando, Fla., a subordinate organization under the U.S. Army Research Laboratory’s Human, Research and Engineering Directorate. He assumed his duties in June 2012, after serving as the assistant to the director – Missile Defense Agency for the European Theater. Clarke served in numerous program management and contracting positions. Previous assignments include deputy director, Systems Integration and program chief training officer for the Future Combat Systems Program Office; product manager, Individual Weapons within Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier; and the direct commercial contracting officer for the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Clarke began his career as an acquisition professional in 1995. Clarke grew up in an Army family. He was born in Groton, Mass., and lived in numerous locations within the United States, in addition to Europe and Panama. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in bio-medical engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and holds Master of Science degrees from both the Naval Post Graduate School and the U.S. Army War College. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Distinguished Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and other service related awards. Q: What work is performed at the STTC? A: The technology center researches, develops and transitions innovative technologies to enhance warfighter training and effectiveness. We strive for creative, out of the box solutions that not only provide great utility but also are also affordable to get to the largest number of soldiers as possible. To be clear, we are not program managers, we are science and technology researchers and developers. We don’t produce systems for fielding. We develop the research and technology building blocks for those 26 | MT2 17.7
systems as part of their initial development or lifecycle improvement. The goal is to develop technologies that demonstrate great application not only in the training domain but in the tactical or operational, and others as well. We want technologies that can transition to multiple program managers or PEOs. It’s also a great plus when we develop technologies that link to and advance other research efforts, achieving complementary research synergy. It’s all about training and simulation technology for today and the future—we want to satisfy current warfighter training requirements in addition to those five to 10 years down the road. The emphasis is enduring relevance and utility. STTC provides an excellent government/contractor workforce combined with a great facility that includes classified work space; we can do quality in-house research. However, we want the best technology to benefit our end-user—soldiers, so we leverage the commercial markets, academia and other government research facilities as a routine practice. Today, the STTC is actively pursuing research and development in the areas of intelligent tutors, immersive learning environments, human agent teaming, dismounted soldier training, virtual world technologies, mobile applications [apps] and medical simulators and simulations. www.MT2-kmi.com
Q: If sequestration goes into effect and the Department of Defense’s budget is drastically cut, how will that impact the STTC? A: Every military organization in the research and development business places great emphasis on achieving the most efficient means of executing their programs while continuing to provide quality; the STTC is no different. If sequestration goes into effect it becomes somewhat of a Hobson’s choice, only we won’t have the leave it option. We are already a very lean organization. A large portion of our funding is customer provided. The key to success in maintaining our customer base is to adhere to the same formula we follow today: provide technology products of enduring value and utility to soldiers and create technology that improves the quality and effectiveness of training. Q: How important is the STTC’s relationship with its sister services, academia and industry to meet your objectives? A: Establishing strong relationships is a key part of our strategy and our success. The list you referenced represents our customers, our research partners and our technology providers. While an individual research effort may take years to complete, the overall pace of technology change is extremely quick. Networking and teamwork are crucial to learning about new technology possibilities and solving complex problems. So yes, external relationships are very important and we maintain them at several levels. We have a very close and positive relationship with the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation [PEO STRI]. They are our primary technology development and transition partner. PEO STRI is the major conduit to soldiers for our technology capabilities. We have a long-standing partnership with the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training where we do great work in robotics, human robot interaction, dismounted soldier simulation and medical simulation. We also have a strong relationship with the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies [ICT], a U.S. Army-sponsored University Affiliated Research Center. The ICT brings film and game industry artists together with computer and social scientists to study and develop immersive media for military training, health therapies, and training. In addition, we are a strong member participant in Team Orlando, a collaborative association of the U.S. Department of Defense and other government agencies, academia and industry, as well as state and local government organizations with the mission to research, develop, test, evaluate, acquire and support simulation and training systems for the armed forces.
Like many areas in research and development it is easy to conclude that this is something the government just does not do well. We underestimate the complexities involved. I don’t necessarily agree. Often it is a function of resource application. Requirements always outpace resources. Q: Can you discuss the importance of using intelligent agents in training? A: Intelligent agents are one of the most critical emerging training technologies; they include virtual humans [VH] and adaptive computer-based tutoring systems [CBTS]. Both VH and CBTS are essential in supporting learning as required by the Army Learning Model [ALM], but have the added bonus of reducing human resources needed to conduct training by taking the place of human role-players and instructors during self-development and other training. The ALM describes a learner-centric career long process that meshes self-development with institutional instruction and operational experience. For the self-development process, soldiers interact with CBTS intelligent agents that fill the gap traditionally occupied by human instructors in institutional training. VHs act as friendlies, adversaries and neutral role-players and are a primary mechanism to present information and feedback to trainees, test trainee knowledge, and challenge their creativity and adaptability in solving problems. Tutoring agents running
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in the background assess the progress of the trainee, ensure trainees are sufficiently challenged by assessing their physiological and behavior measures in near real time, and also determine when they have mastered essential concepts so they can move on to the next level. Currently we are involved in two primary programs of research to enhance the realism and responsiveness of VH, and make CBTS adaptable, easy and affordable to build/modify/support, and responsive to the individual learner’s requirements. Two products of this research include the Virtual Human Toolkit [VHT] and the Generalized Intelligent Framework for Tutoring, known as GIFT. Both the VHT and GIFT provide authoring capabilities to lower the entry cost of developing VHs and CBTS. GIFT also provides a developing set of best instructional practices, and templates for integrating sensors, developing domain content and creating/modifying surveys.
Soldiers assist in the testing and evaluation of the Dismounted Soldier Training System by conducting simulated missions in a virtual reality environment. [Photo courtesy of Simulation and Training Technology Center]
Q: How do you see advances in real-time distributed simulation for analysis and experimentation evolving over the next few years? A: Distributed simulations operating in real time generate extremely large amounts of data traffic. One can easily argue that as simulations become more complex, their associated challenges—data management, the ability to provide services, etc.— increase in complexity as well. We are researching ways to meet these challenges. Utilizing the capabilities of cloud computing, as is done in the emerging commercial infrastructure, may enable us to eliminate or at least reduce the use of expensive computing facilities. Through the use of virtualization and resource time-sharing, clouds can serve as a single set of physical resources to accommodate analysis and experimentation needs. They have the potential to provide the benefits of economy of scale and, at the same time, become an alternative for scientists to solve challenges through the use of clusters, grids and parallel environments. However, this concept presents its own set of issues. The systems must be secure while at the same time allow large numbers of participants from virtually any location. In addition, the efficiency of the management of the data sent and received is critical to ensure acceptable levels of service. Finally, preservation of the “real-time” facade to maintain the coherence of the simulation is critical. In addition to cloud computing, the simulation community is moving to leverage multiprocessor systems as well as adopting the new general-purpose programming of graphics processors. The proliferation of virtualization and cloud based approaches to software services will allow for an exponential expansion of capability. Q: How is the STTC working to improve advanced distributed simulation? 28 | MT2 17.7
A: The STTC has a long history of pushing the limits of science and technology in the area of advanced simulation. Distributed simulation is one part of our diverse research portfolio. Continuously improving existing models and simulations to interoperate towards an end—analysis, experimentation, testing, training, etc.—is a requirement that will not go away. In turn, we are focusing research into how we can better provide interfaces to complex simulations. Our goal is an interface that is intuitive to a diverse set of users while providing a robust methodology for turning models and simulations into configurable building blocks. This is linked to our research in “cloud” and virtualization technologies, systems engineering and human systems integration. The concept is to understand the functionalities required by our users, then develop those models and simulations and their associated interfaces that perform those functions. While we have an eye on existing architectures, we are also researching methodologies for the future of simulation. We are pushing the limits of next generation architectures for modeling and simulation. There have been many advances in computer science in recent history, such as hybrid computing architectures [CPUs/GPUs], self-forming systems, etc., that we are bringing into the simulation domain. The goal will be to determine where simulation can go in the future and then work with our user community to achieve that future. The Army is moving training toward a concept they are calling the ALM for 2015. To facilitate this, we are researching methods to develop and assess an integrated, technology-enabled learning environment as well as prototype training materials to provide integrated training support across multiple platforms, e.g., personal computer, mobile device, virtual worlds, etc. Sometimes it is a function of applying the technology from other research areas, such as data-driven systems, to the training domain in novel ways. www.MT2-kmi.com
For instance, our sister divisions in our higher headquarters at HRED do fantastic research into the human dimension. We leveraged some of this work over the years. In partnership with other elements of HRED, we are researching a distributed soldier representation that will provide a soldier-focused service-oriented distributed modeling and simulation architecture supporting the development and evaluation of large scale distributed system of systems applications. Q: How does the STTC determine what to research? A: We are constantly exploring, researching and attempting to create new training technologies that satisfy today’s requirements and maintain their value over time. Our funding, the color of our money, allows us to work basic, applied and advanced technology development research. We work projects with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency as well as working with program managers, and in some instances directly with an operational unit. The challenge is to find the right balance within that research spectrum as we determine our future investments. STTC has a very educated and knowledgeable workforce with years of experience. In terms of early research, they have an excellent view on what areas of research we should pursue in a specific technology. They understand where research in a specific area is going or not. We also have a great relationship with our Training and Doctrine Command [TRADOC] and acquisition partners who clearly understand the needs of the Army and their current programs. Bringing these groups together sets the conditions to really synchronize the requirements of the day and the art of the possible. Without a doubt, collaboration is a predominate driver in our decision making process. We meet formally with our partners several times a year to discuss near and far future efforts. We collaborate informally even more. Our collaboration efforts do not focus solely on future efforts. We also constantly review our current works searching for those specific technology efforts that are not just demonstrating success but are truly ground-breaking and potentially cross domain contributors.
prototype system known in the medical community as MATT, short for Multiple Amputee Trauma Trainer. This system consists of two lower amputations with animatronics technology that provides natural limb movement. Human patient simulators or human actors can wear it to support realistic hemorrhage control training. We continuously receive extremely positive feedback from soldiers returning from deployments on this system’s ability to prepare them for both the physical and emotional requirements of events involving traumatic medical situations. In addition to the medical items, STTC is working closely with the TRADOC on a low-cost, government-developed, massively multiplayer online environment called the Enhanced, Dynamic, Geo-Social Environment, or EDGE for short. EDGE can be accessed anywhere in the world through any open internet connection, allowing soldiers to enter the persistent environment that mirrors the real world in avatar form; whether they are at home, work or deployed. Soldiers reach out virtually to train and leverage expertise from other warfighters at different locations around the world, familiarizing themselves with the operational environment, rules of engagement, negotiation, and cultural and interrogation skills. We are also developing apps for both the iPhone and Android operating systems to include: game-based language training, immersive and interactive equipment sustainment trainers, endto-end classroom content delivery software, basic training concepts, digital field manuals and live terrain tools. O
Q: Is there anything new on the horizon at the STTC that is planned to be implemented in the near future? A: We have a lot of great research and technology efforts in the works. But, in this case, I want to highlight just a couple of things we are doing on the medical and immersive sides. The quality of the medical training research and associated technologies at the STTC is outstanding and significantly improving the standard for medical training in the Army. The STTC continues to research the development of synthetic tissue as a way to reduce the reliance on live tissue for training and the creation of wounds that accurately depict battlefield injuries right down to the feel and smell. Our medical simulation team provides unparalleled research and innovations that really have revolutionized battlefield trauma care and increased warrior survivability. Hemorrhage control is still the single most important lifesaving aspect in battlefield trauma medicine. Over the past few years, the STTC in cooperation with industry developed an award winning www.MT2-kmi.com
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Helicopter Simulation,
Real Benefits Why the military is relying on simulation for helicopter training more and more. By Kenya McCullum, MT2 Correspondent Over the years, simulation has become an integral part of many areas of training in the military. And when it comes to training helicopter pilots, the use of simulation has grown exponentially because the technology offers pilots the opportunity to hone their skills in a safe and efficient environment.
The Benefits of Simulation in Helicopter Training Helicopter simulators offer a number of benefits that make these technologies a huge asset to the military. Safety: First and foremost, simulators are used to keep helicopter pilots safe as they learn complicated and risky maneuvers for their missions. “We’re saving lives. We can train events in a rotary wing helicopter that if you did [them] in a real aircraft, you are potentially killing aviators that we have spent hundreds of hours training,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mark Bliss, product manager for Air and Command Tactical Trainers at the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation. “We can put them in extremely dangerous and extremely difficult maneuvers to perform and let them practice over and over and over again—and they can crash that simulator a hundred times and walk away.” Affordability: Dollar for dollar, simulation gives the military an economical way to train helicopter pilots—costs that would be a lot higher if the training was conducted on an actual aircraft. Simulators can take a beating during training exercises that would wreck real helicopters. And even if the simulators are crashed during training exercises, the replacement costs are not nearly as much as they would be with the real aircraft. Convenience: Using simulators adds a level of convenience in training because it frees up the actual helicopters for more challenging tasks. As a result, pilots are able to become proficient in more elementary tasks on the simulator and there is no concern about scheduling conflicts for the real helicopters. Also, with simulators, training classes don’t have to be postponed when an aircraft is undergoing repairs—a scenario that, according to Gary Coleman, vice president of Army Programs at L-3 Link 30 | MT2 17.7
Simulation & Training, was all too common when he served in the military. “A lot of times there was training that we wanted to do, but because our aircraft were at certain stages of maintenance, we weren’t able to get enough aircraft together at one time to do the type of training we may have wanted to do,” he explained. In addition, the increased use of simulation has added a level of personal convenience for military trainees. Brian Bailey, the chief engineer for Apache Training Systems at Boeing, said that when the Army didn’t have enough Apache aircraft simulators to go around, this often created a logistical problem for soldiers who needed training. “Originally when they only had a few fixed simulators, the time between training sessions was sometimes six or seven months apart,” he said. As a result, trainees often had to travel to another military base to get the training that they needed, which caused them to be away from their home and families, and had a negative effect on their quality of life.
The Drawbacks of Simulation in Helicopter Training Despite the number of benefits associated with the use of helicopter simulation in training, there are still some shortfalls that the military needs to address in order to increase the effectiveness of the training. Fidelity: Thanks to developments in technology, the fidelity of simulators gets better and better all the time. But, you still can’t get the exact same experience from using a simulator that you can get from flying a real aircraft. “There are real-world factors that affect aircraft, affect flying and affect how aviators react to the aircraft and to the flying that the simulator just can’t simulate—the true effects of wind on the tail rotor, the true effects of an updraft due to hot weather over the desert, you name it, are things in nature that impact an aircraft that truly can’t be simulated,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tim Hogan, Aviation Training Management Branch Head of the Marine Corps. “The last thing we want to do is have the pilot and the aircrew experiencing that for the very first time when they’re under duress in a combat situation.” www.MT2-kmi.com
Contributions from Industry Partners
system that allows students to immerse themselves in the cockpit of an aircraft and gain a situational understanding of the equipment before they work in the higher-fidelity simulators. “It allows them the opportunity to work on checklist procedures and gain a familiarity with the crew station in a slightly lowerfidelity environment—a fidelity level that’s appropriate for those particular training tasks,” said Vic Torla, director for Lockheed Martin’s Air Crew Training and Rehearsal Support program. “In other words, you don’t want them to learn how to turn a radio on when they’re in a very expensive simulator—let’s teach them how to do that in an MFTA type environment.”
The military relies on its industry partners to create helicopter simulators that will allow them to train pilots in the most efficient and effective way. Among the companies that the military works with are Boeing, CAE, L-3 Link Simulation & Training, and Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics. Boeing: One of the most popular products that Boeing makes for helicopter simulation training is the Longbow Crew Trainer, which is used to train pilots on how to operate Apache helicopters. For over 10 years, the military has increased its use of this high-fidelity product because of the numerous features that it offers trainees—including night vision sensors, The Future of Helicopter Simulation in radar simulation, a high-resolution display system and the Military a radar simulation system. CAE: CAE develops a series of high-end training Simulation is constantly evolving, and the milidevices that allow helicopter trainees to simulate the tary has plans to evolve its helicopter pilot training entire environment that they will face when they do along with it. their real missions. One of the ways that CAE accomWith the increased use of unmanned aircraft sysplishes this is by creating simulations that mimic the tems, the Army National Guard is working on using weather patterns helicopter pilots may face in the simulation for training on how to use this technolBrian Bailey air. For example, CAE’s simulators can replicate a ogy—including training that incorporates manned brownout—where a huge dust bowl forms around an brian.bailey-jr@boeing.com and unmanned systems in one training environment. aircraft—which is one of the most common causes of In addition, the National Guard is working on the loss of a helicopter. increasing its training of certified instructor opera“Literally, within seconds, the crew is completely tors, which will help pilot trainees get the feedback engulfed in this ball of dust, and it sort of catches you they need as they go through their training prooff guard to the point where you lose complete visual grams. control and if you’re not used to that, it’s very easy to “That’s one of the very key aspects of any kind either bump into another helicopter or hit the ground,” of simulation usage—the fact that you have trained said Phil Perey, senior director, Global Business Develobservers to watch you and how your crew interface opment–Helicopters at CAE. with each other, and also how you direct missions,” In addition, CAE’s simulators are designed to teach said Bill Squires, the deputy branch chief of the Army helicopter pilots dangerous maneuvers, such as landNational Guard Aviation Operations and Training. Phil Perey ing on rooftops and ships, which would be impossible According to Lieutenant Commander Lloyd to train in an actual aircraft. Smith, H-60 Lead for Naval Aviation Training Sysphilippe.perey@cae.com L-3 Link Simulation & Training: L-3 Link Simutems and Ranges, the Navy is continuously working lation & Training makes products ranging from full on ways to increase its use of helicopter simulation, flight simulators to collective training simulators. and is evaluating the best ways to do that. Their products are used to train inexperienced pilots “Some scenarios and training situations are betwho are going through the aircraft qualification proter suited for simulation from both a training efficacy cess and experienced pilots who are working on addiand/or cost standpoint, such as emergency procetional qualifications, such as instructor pilot training dures and instrument flight training, cockpit funcor maintenance test pilot training. In addition, L-3’s tionality and displays, complex adversary scenarios, simulators train pilots on collective training tasks, and when airspace or ranges is limited. The requirewhich give a group of pilots the opportunity to learn ment to train highly-qualified aircrew remains the how to work well together as a team. same from a training perspective,” he said. “CurGary Coleman Lockheed Martin Global Training and Logistics: rently, the standard pilot syllabus involves a combiLockheed Martin manufactures helicopter simulators gary.s.coleman@l-3com.com nation of both simulation and live flight training. In such as desktop trainers and full weapons systems the future, the Navy is evaluating if more training trainers. In addition, the company also develops helicopter training events can be accomplished in the simulator rather than in the aircurricula that are used by military pilots. In order to do this, the comcraft. No matter the mix of simulation and actual flights, the goal is pany hires contractors with military experience who have an extensive to continue to produce fully qualified aircrew ready to execute their background and operational knowledge on how aircraft are deployed assigned missions when called upon.” O and used. Lockheed Martin also makes a multi-function training aid (MFTA), which is designed to be the intermediate step that trainees For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea make between the academic, computer-based training lessons and at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives the high-fidelity weapons systems trainers. This is a lower-fidelity for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com. www.MT2-kmi.com
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Command Profile
Office Planning, developing and integrating M&S programs and activities. Q: Can you describe the role and responsibilities of the Army Modeling and Simulation Office [ASMO]? A: Our main goal is to help the Department of the Army’s modeling and simulation [M&S] proponent [the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8] plan, develop, integrate and resource M&S programs and activities which support soldiers by balancing current force needs with future force capabilities. To do this, we support the director, Center for Army Analysis [CAA], in his role as the Army M&S Advocate and provide the vision, strategy, oversight and management of modeling and simulation across all Army M&S communities. On behalf both of the G-8 and the director, CAA, AMSO acts as the focal point for Army M&S matters in dealing with joint staff, Department of Defense M&S Coordination Office, other services and other nations. The AMSO is also charged with creating and managing a fully trained M&S workforce that best meets Army war 32 | MT2 17.7
fighting needs. I have two subordinate divisions which execute most of the actions associated with these roles and responsibilities: The M&S Division, led by Mark Young, and the Simulation Proponent [SP] and School Division, led by Roger Samuels. The M&S Division performs three critical functions. First, it develops, synchronizes and promulgates Army M&S policy and strategy. Second, it develops and synchronizes the Army’s M&S enterprise efforts across Army communities and commands. Finally, it helps coordinate Army M&S priorities and requirements with The Office of the Secretary of Defense, joint commands and organizations, allies, and other required organizations in support of Army priorities. The Simulation Proponent and School Division is responsible for the education and training of Army M&S professionals and manages the Army’s civilian and military programs: Career Program [CP] 36–Analysis, Modeling and Simulation; and Functional Area [FA] 57–Simulation
Operations. There are over 2,500 CP 36 and 500 FA 57 professionals in the Army today. Q: What are the top three challenges AMSO currently faces? A: From an Army enterprise perspective, there are a couple of things that I think about. First, we have a very dynamic community of users across the Army who develop and use M&S tools to enable specific war fighting and support functions. It is a constant challenge to coordinate and synchronize these M&S activities across the entire force. Additionally, we want to gain the maximum benefit for the dollars the Army spends on development of M&S capabilities. To this end, we want to ensure that these capabilities are known across the force to encourage re-use and collaboration. AMSO is working to see across the Army with regard to these M&S capabilities and then share that knowledge to leverage current and planned efforts. Finally, we continue to maximize the development www.MT2-kmi.com
Compiled by KMI Media Group staff
and use of the Army’s internal M&S capabilities and ensure standards are in place to encourage interoperability. Q: What new programs or initiatives does AMSO need to be implemented in the near future? A: We are staffing a new Army M&S Strategy and Vision for Vice Chief of Staff of the Army signature. We expect to have it out on the street very shortly. The strategy will be followed by an updated Army Regulation 5-11, Management of Army Modeling and Simulation and DA Pamphlet 5-11, Verification, Validation, and Accreditation of Army Modeling and Simulations. Both of these documents are currently in final draft and are being prepared for Armywide staffing. Finally, the Simulation School is working on completing a synthetic training environment [STE] to support the qualification and certification of our FA 57 officers. Currently scheduled for completion at the end of fiscal year 2013, this on-site STE will allow for the combining of the six-week simulation operations course with the two-week battle command officer integration course into a single eight-week course. Finally, the Simulation Proponent and School Division is working on fully deploying the STE to support the qualification, certification, education and training of our total workforce. The STE should attain initial operating capability in early FY13, enabling the Modeling and Simulation School to provide students and communities hands-on training and instruction with constructive simulations, gaming, models, networks and knowledge management/Army Battle Command Systems. Q: How does AMSO work with industry to meet its goals? A: We work indirectly with industry, mostly through the program managers, and the materiel and combat developers; however, our SP Division is charged with integrating our education, training, and workforce development with DoD, joint, industry and academia. Q: Is there anything else you would like to say that I have not asked? www.MT2-kmi.com
Colonel Michael “Mike” Sanders Assistant Director of Modeling and Simulation Center for Army Analysis Chief Army Modeling & Simulation Office
Colonel Michael Sanders serves as the assistant director of modeling and simulation for CAA and chief of AMSO, leading the Army Modeling and Simulation Office, which includes both the Modeling & Simulation and the Simulation Proponent and School Divisions within CAA. In this role, Sanders is responsible for ensuring that AMSO provides the vision, strategy, oversight, and management of M&S across all Army M&S communities. This includes: being a proponent for Army M&S matters in dealing with Joint Staff, DoD M&S Coordination Office, other services, academia and industry; promulgating M&S strategy and policy for the Army and a fully trained M&S workforce, both military and civilian, that best meets Army war fighting needs. Sanders comes to CAA with over 27 years of military service, most recently as the C-IED branch chief at HQ ISAF in Afghanistan. He has served with troops in the 82nd Airborne Division, the 2nd Armored Division (Fwd) and the 101st Airborne Division (AASLT), as an observer/controller during two tours at the Joint Readiness Training Center, as well as an infantry trainer in
a Readiness Training Detachment with the 155 Armored Brigade (MSARNG). He has served three tours at HQDA, in AMSO, the Objective Force Task Force, and most recently at the Joint IED Defeat Organization. Sanders also served at OSD level as the deputy director of the Modeling and Simulation Coordination Office. His awards and decorations include the DSSM, BSM (1OLC), DMSM, MSM (6OLC), both the OSD and Army Staff ID Badges, CIB, Master Parachutists and Air Assault badges, and the Ranger Tab. Sanders graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles as a Distinguished Military Graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in history. He holds a Master of Science in administration from Central Michigan University, a Master of Science in simulations from the University of Central Florida, as well as a Master of Arts in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Infantry Basic and Advance Courses, the U.S. Command and General Staff Course, the Army War College, and both the Operations Research/Military Application Course and the Functional Area 57 Qualification courses.
A: I am happy to be rejoining the AMSO team. I was first assigned to AMSO as a major in 1996 and was responsible for working on the Synthetic Theater of WarArmy program. Initially, we were looking to integrate live, virtual and constructive [LVC] simulations in support of distributed training events. By the time I left AMSO in 1998, we were helping to provide a LVC capability to Korea, U.S. Army Central Command, Force XXI [Digitized] Battle Command Training and Mission Rehearsal at III Corps, and special operations aviation,
using Distributed Interactive Simulation protocol/High Level Architecture and Modular Semi Automated Forces. One Semi Automated Force and Warfighter Simulation were concepts; now they are a reality. We have accomplished a lot in those 16 years, and I am looking to help set the conditions for the next 16 years. O For more information, contact MT2 Editor Brian O’Shea at briano@kmimediagroup.com or search our online archives for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.
MT2 17.7 | 33
Imaginarium
Next Generation Learner Team Presents ‘Imaginarium’ Workshop at Orlando Science Center Article provided by Advanced Distributed Lab During SIM Quest Camp at the Orlando Science Center (OSC), 23 science campers participated in the Imaginarium workshop, a camp focused on different uses of simulation. The Advanced Distributed Lab (ADL) Initiative Next Generation Learner research team allowed the campers to discover how to use the virtual environment to simulate certain aspects of human behavior interaction with a personal assistant for learning (PAL). The team installed their Imaginarium virtual world environment at OSC to introduce fifth and sixth graders to the use of modeling and simulation in social science careers. The OSC staff and ADL research team are studying how learners can become better critical thinkers who adapt successfully to unfamiliar and changing situations, a research area called adaptability, or adaptive thinking. The researchers want to know not only how a learner’s interactions with digital media such as a PAL affects that individual’s learning, but also how it affects collaborative activities and learning within groups. Using the Imaginarium environment as a tool, the Team members take turns playing different roles on the Imaginarium. [Photos courtesy of Elaine Raybourn, Ph.D. with permission of the Orlando Science Center] researchers have created an immersive experience to facilitate interactions with a simulated PAL. This allows them to understand human/ The planned research project will encompass aspects of learning digital interactions in a safe, creative environment. theories and social science research as well as leveraging the technologies Lead social scientist and principal investigator on the project, ADL’s of intelligent tutoring systems. The selected ecosystem subject matter was Elaine Raybourn, Ph.D., points out how this research could help fill in chosen as it relates to enhancement of STEM (science, technology, engisome gaps between the tutoring provided by intelligent tutoring systems and neering and math) education through the use of digital technologies. ADL’s the personal, nuanced mentoring of a skilled human tutor. “How learners Next Generation Learner Imaginarium team includes a fifth grade gamer, interact with and learn from future digital media may be fundamentally a social scientist, an artist and 3-D modeler, an instructional designer and different than how they learn from human teachers and tutoring systems software engineers. today,” said Raybourn. “This research will help us understand the role of “Our workshop at the Orlando Science Center would not have been so distributed cognition in problem solving when the participants negotiate successful had it not been for the efforts of Jeff Mills, Peter Berking, Alan knowledge generation by drawing on each other as well as asking for help Workman, Kent Weeks and Steven Vergenz,” said Raybourn. “We all have a lot from simulated PALs.” of passion and energy around the research and working directly with kids.” She noted that there are four key attributes of the ultimate interactive The interactive Imaginarium experience, built on the Open Simulator PAL: personalized, persistent, transparent and ubiquitous. “Our vision is that virtual world platform, will be available at specific times (TBD) in the ADL a PAL should help learners become curious, reflective, adaptive and indepen- booth (#2221) atI/ITSEC. For more information, contact Raybourn at dent thinkers, and not dependent on technology for answers.” nglrteam@adlnet.gov. O
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Matrox Avio F120 KVM Extender delivers realtime 3D graphics and HD video up to 2 km away from the workstation over a single fiber-optic cable, for simulation and training applications.
MetaVR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.metavr.com www.matrox.com/avio/mtt
Polhemus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 www.polhemus.com Raydon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C2 www.raydon.com
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35 Simformotion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avio_militairy_ad_final_0512.indd www.catsimulators.com The Tatitlek Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 www.tatitlek.com
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Calendar October 22-24, 2012 AUSA Annual Meeting Washington, D.C. www.ausa.org/meetings/2012 December 3-6, 2012 I/ITSEC Orlando, Fla. www.iitsec.org February 20-22, 2013 AUSA’s ILW Winter Symposium and Exposition Fort Lauderdale, Fla. www.ausa.org/meetings/2013
www.MT2-kmi.com
April 7-9, 2013 AUSA ILW Army LandPac Symposium & Expo Honolulu, Hawaii www.ausa.org April 8-10, 2013 Sea Air Space National Harbor, Md. www.seaairspace.org/seapowerexpo-online/
improvisedelectronics.com
May 22-24, 2013 ITEC Rome, Italy www.itec.co.uk
MT2 17.7 | 35
INDUSTRY INTERVIEW
Military Training Technology
Skip Rodgers President Polhemus Skip Rodgers is president of Polhemus, the leader in magnetic motion tracking for precision motion measurement. Formerly the vice president of military programs, Rodgers has established expertise in simulation and training, as well as real aircraft integration of their high accuracy trackers.
the company in the late 1960s and began work on military navigational aids for aircraft. The Polhemus mission today, as it was back when the company began, is deeply rooted in providing hardware and tracking expertise to the military and defense community.
Q: Can you describe Polhemus’ history and evolution?
Q: What is an example of your success in the military, and what are some of your goals [specific to the training/simulation industry] over the next year?
A: In the late 1960s, Polhemus started with navigation system studies as part of military development programs for improving navigational systems utilized by military aircraft. Shortly thereafter, internal research regarding magnetic fields led the company to pioneer the world’s first magnetic motion tracking system. The initial application for the newly invented high resolution tracking system was to track the motion of a pilot’s head; the objective was to more efficiently match aircraft sensors and displays to the actual point-of-regard the pilot was focused on at any given moment. The reverse was also possible in that a pilot could be dynamically cued in real time to look in a specific direction when an aircraft sensor system identified an incoming threat. This coupling of a precision motion tracker with a visual display allowed for what is today known as helmet mounted cueing systems [HMCS]. Polhemus branched out in the ’80s with product launches within the commercial virtual reality markets. In 1995, Polhemus engineers won an Academy Award for Technical Achievement due to the success of a magnetic digitization device that allowed three-dimensional data points to be collected with a simple handheld stylus. Both the stylus and FastScan, a laser-based, magnetically tracked, handheld scanner, have been used by creative production studios to animate films such as Toy Story, Beauty and the Beast, and Ice Age.
HMCS. We supply and support the identical tracker to the simulation community responsible for training aircrew to utilize HMCS capabilities. Polhemus also addresses the motion tracking needs within dismount and mechanized training shoot domes, forward observer/call for fire and search and rescue simulators. Polhemus G4, Fastrak and Patriot tracking systems are our most popular products outside of Scout. Q:What are some of the new training/ simulation technologies Polhemus is developing? A: We’ve developed fully scalable tracking coverage systems that allow our customers the ability to simply add hardware components as their tracking needs evolve. G4, our latest tracker, offers this scalable value, in addition to tetherless tracking that many dismount training systems need to employ. Q: How are you positioned for the future within the military? A: Polhemus maintains a high level of internal research and development. The military is a core segment of our business; we take a great deal of pride in supporting this market and its mission. Being able to offer the training and simulation market the same proprietary tracking technology fielded on real, fighting aircraft positions us well to serve our customers.
Q: What are some of your key products in the DoD training and simulation industry?
Q: What is Polhemus’ connection with the defense community?
A: The Scout trackers are flying on F-16, A-10 and C-130 aircraft today—the driving force behind the highly accurate Scorpion
A: It is our legacy as a corporate organization. Our founder, Bill Polhemus, was a retired Air Force navigator when he founded
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A: We provide the Scout head trackers integrated into the Scorpion HMCS flying on A-10, F-16 and C-130 aircraft now. Our goal is to support the integration of these same trackers within the simulation and training community. The Scout and G4 trackers offer the highest tracking fidelity possible to those responsible for emulating real aircraft systems within mission and crew trainers. Q: How do customers benefit from Polhemus’ varied resources and expertise? A: Beyond our tracking hardware, we support our customers as they integrate visual coupled systems into their platforms; we work through the complexities of creating common reference frames, minimizing system level latency and other engineering challenges associated with integrating, in many cases, dozens of subsystems into one harmonized trainer. Q: How do you measure success? A: We lead with our product lines and support expertise in an effort to give our customers the power to break new ground within the real and virtual worlds they service. Success in this regard leads to customer satisfaction and loyalty to our company as a valued partner. This, along with knowing we are providing high-fidelity training capabilities to the men and women serving in the armed forces, makes all of us at Polhemus very proud to be the leader in precision motion tracking; this is our true measure of success. O
skip@polhemus.com www.MT2-kmi.com
I/ITSEC Issue
NEXTISSUE December 2012 Vol. 17, Issue 8
America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine
Cover and In-Depth Interview with:
Dr. James Blake PEO PEO STRI
Features Sniper Training Snipers play a vital role in a variety of operations, and to achieve mission success they need to be trained to handle almost any contingency.
SERE Being isolated from their units or trapped behind enemy lines can leave warfighters in a fight for their lives, where they need to rely on their survival, evasion, resistance and escape [SERE] training to stay alive.
Explosive Ordnance Diffusion An in-depth look at how the Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School trains sailors to handle a variety of explosive ordnance to safely eliminate the threat.
Special Section
Program Manager Training Systems (PM TRASYS)
Command Profile: First Army Exclusive interview with United States Army Lieutenant General J. Michael Bednarek, commanding general, First Army, as well as insight into First Army’s live, virtual and constructive training for reserve and active duty components.
Insertion Order Deadline: November 5, 2012 • Ad Materials Deadline: November 12, 2012
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