SDS International has been awarded a Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract by the US Army to develop a PC-based, interactive, human-computer visualization training system that will effectively train well-defined, human-visualization skills critical to the success of the warfighter.  This STTR, entitled Joint Visualization Module for Enhanced Human-Computer Capabilities (performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida), will focus on the development of a prototype training system that applies digital 3D technology to provide more efficient, effective and available (distributed) methods to learn basic 2D map-reading skills and, ultimately, to better comprehend Mission, Enemy, surrounding Terrain, engaging Troops and Time (METT-T) constraints, and be able to expeditiously deduce tactics or strategies critical to improving survivability and mission effectiveness under  varying terrain and threat environments.

 

SDS will leverage the extensive visualization capabilities resident in its AAcuity® PC-IG, ARGoST Rapid Terrain Generation system, and other distributed-training applications to develop a comprehensive suite of technologies and training packages that will enhance the visualization and conceptualization capabilities of the warfighter.  While the initial focus will be on the entry-level soldier up to and including junior Noncommissioned Officers and Company Grade Officers, the overall training-system architecture will support a wide variety of training applications ranging from individual/self-paced learning to distributed, instructor-led/facilitated team training in both open and urban terrain settings.  The goal of this STTR is not to develop additional warfighting tools to be carried on the battlefield but, rather, to provide innovative, effective 3D visualization training tools that enhance the development of the critical cognitive skills needed for soldiers to more effectively employ forces on the modern battlefield.

SDS International (SDS) has been awarded a contract to provide a flexible PC-based MQ-1 Simulator to the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (Brooks AFB, TX) for use in assessing the impact of and possible mitigation strategies for the unique physiological, psychological, cognitive and environmental stresses inherent in Remotely Piloted Aircraft operations. 

SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida will build upon a current MQ-1 Simulator version of its low-cost, high-fidelity PC-based LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulation product line to provide the realistic simulation environment needed to support USAF research efforts.  LiteFlite®’s modular/extensible architecture, coupled with its high-fidelity aerodynamics/weapons/heads-up-displays (HUDs)/instrumentation, realistic out-the-window (OTW)/sensor scenes, and built-in distributed interactive simulation (DIS)/high level architecture (HLA) capability make it an ideal tool to support ongoing research and development, test and evaluation, and crew training/mission rehearsal requirements for a variety of space/flight platforms -- including manned and unmanned systems.

When delivered, the improved LiteFlite® MQ-1 Simulator will incorporate a high-fidelity MQ-1 aerodynamics package (including critical landing/turbulence/control-delay affects); current and evolving HUDs; high-fidelity OTW/sensor displays (provided by SDS’ AAcuity® PC-IG); and realistic weapons capabilities.  The system will also include an operator control station with fully functioning heads-down-display (data tables/menus), map tracking displays, record/playback capabilities, and data-capture/analysis capabilities.  Additionally, SDS will deliver the LiteFlite® Software Developer’s Kit to allow development/integration of additional simulation codes (aerodynamic, avionics, weapons, sensors, engines, etc.) into LiteFlite® that may be needed to support evolving research activities

SDS International (SDS) is providing visualization products/technologies to IHI Aerospace (IHI), Tokyo, Japan for various simulation research and development efforts focused on Japan Defense Agency (JDA) requirements, specifically maritime Infrared sensor applications.  IHI, a long-time supplier of simulators and simulation systems to the JDA, selected SDS’ AAcuity® PC-Image Generation (PC-IG) based upon the high fidelity and adaptability of the IG, and the quality of 3D water, Night Vision Goggle, and Sensor modules.  SDS’ AAcuity® PC-IG, developed and supported by SDS’ Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, FL, provides state-of-the-art image generation capabilities for IHI’s Test and Evaluation, Simulation, and Experimentation efforts for the JDA.

 

SDS offers a full suite of PC-based AAcuity® IG systems and LiteFlite® reconfigurable simulation systems with applications for air, space, land, and maritime-based simulations.  Product applications include military research and development; test and evaluation; operational training; and mission rehearsal, as well as, add-on augmentation enhancements to operational systems, C4ISR information displays, web-based and computer-based training, academic research and instruction, and commercial game use.

SDS International has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract by the US Air Force to focus on a developing metrics and a software suite for qualifying the impact of simulator fidelity (e.g. force cueing systems) on pilot performance during simulated combat environments.   This research effort (performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida), will focus on developing a Biometric Fidelity Analysis Standardization Tool (BioFAST) that will provide valid, reliable and accurate fidelity comparisons enabling instructional design professionals to maximize training investments by utilizing effective aviation biometrics that measure precise levels of compatibility between simulator components and human systems, and thereby provide a means to establish an optimum fidelity standard for use in DMO and other training simulations.  The resulting BioFAST will enhance simulator training effectiveness by providing simulator designers and training specialists a decision making tool that evaluates applications of force cueing, and other means of stimulating the human sensory system in a simulated environment.

 

Objectives of this SBIR include: identify biometric variables that have potential for utilization with the proposed BioFAST design; define how specific Mission Essential Competencies (MECs) and skill level requirements are dependant upon various biometric parameters; implement the Fidelity Anchoring Method which includes a systematic justification of simulation fidelity requirements and ensures that fidelity decisions and resource investments are based upon the identified users of the simulation; conceptualize the design components and methods for the BioFAST prototype; and provide a preliminary demonstration of selected biometrics for application within BioFAST.

SDS International has been awarded a Phase II small business innovative research (SBIR) grant by the US Air Force to develop, evaluate, and demonstrate a distributed planning, debriefing, and after-action-review (AAR) capability. Work for this Phase II SBIR will be performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida, and will focus on providing an effective trainee collaboration capability during mission planning/briefing and for trainee/instructor interaction during mission monitoring, debriefing and AAR for long-haul, distributed, computer-driven, simulations supporting team coordination training.

 

SDS will build upon baseline capabilities resident within its AAcuity® PC-based Image Generation (IG) software, combined with results from earlier research efforts, to develop a “System for Close interActive Briefing, After-action-Review and Debriefing (SCABARD)” that will facilitate planning and debriefing in a distributed environment. A prototype SCABARD will be delivered at the conclusion of the research program. The research effort will investigate a variety of novel approaches aimed at ensuring geographically dispersed trainees and instructors can visually and audibly interact with each other; electronically distribute mission information plotted on physical maps in a seamless manner; concurrently view and traverse through relevant terrain within the virtual environment generated by the IG; flag significant mission details in that virtual environment; mark, annotate and replay important milestones in a mission on demand; record simulations; and extract and replay timelines marked by events of interest in the simulation.

 

Planned approaches include methods for bi-directional 2D–to-3D terrain morphing; electronically plotting, assigning and distributing routes; monitoring the fidelity of team member actions; annotating exercise events using text or audio-embedded visual markers and selectively replaying them through human interface devices; and recording exercises to multi-attribute-indexed databases permitting event extraction during AAR through voice or text-based queries.