SDS International was competitively awarded a contract to deliver a cost-effective, non motion-based simulator to Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory (NAMRL) to support their research associated with spatial disorientation (SD) in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aviation environments.

 

SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida will satisfy this requirement by providing a specialized version of its LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator product line currently being used by a number of United States and foreign military customers for a variety of Research and Development (R&D), Test and Evaluation (T&E), and Training applications. The specialized SD version, which rapidly transitions from a fixed-wing to rotary-wing configuration, evolved in response to the challenges SDS faced during its current Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program focused on providing the US Navy and Marine Corps with their next-generation spatial awareness/disorientation training program. Under that SBIR, SDS will deliver a Spatial Awareness Training System (SPATS) that includes courseware based upon innovative spatial strategies and simulation capabilities needed to deliver operational training capabilities that allow students to recognize, avoid, and recover from key SD situations associated with fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight operations.

 

SDS’ expertise in SD training, coupled with its proven PC-based simulation and image generation capabilities, allowed SDS to meet NAMRL’s demanding requirements for a PC-based, cost-effective, commercially-available simulator capable of supporting research variables related to spatial cues, spatial reflexes, spatial strategies, and unique specific forms of spatial disorientation -- and identifying and testing solutions for the prevention of SD in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aviation environments.

 

LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator products are delivered as easy-to-use turnkey, DIS/HLA capable systems that include fully integrated and tested hardware and software components, system documentation, and operator training. Using identical software, LiteFlite® configurations can range from cockpit-based systems, where the accurate physical layouts of the various controls/displays are required, to table-top (PC- or laptop-based systems), where transportability and footprint are the driving factors. LiteFlite® simulators represent an affordable simulation training system providing cost-effective, high-fidelity capabilities using COTS computers for use in R&D, T&E, and individual/team-training and mission rehearsal applications.

SDS International (SDS) recently delivered a ROVATTS™- MQ-1 Simulator (Pilot Station) to Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, Florida for inclusion in new courses in their aviation curriculum focused on how to best implement unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into civilian operations. As such, the MQ-1 Simulator version of SDS’ low-cost, high fidelity Remotely Operated Vehicle Adaptable Tracking/Training System (ROVATTS™) simulation software line will be used to familiarize students with characteristics and limitations of UAS flight operations, and allow them to get "hands-on" operating time at a fraction of the cost of operating an actual UAS.

 

The ROVATTS™- MQ-1 Simulator, produced by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida, represents but one of the virtually unlimited types of air, ground, and sea-based Unmanned Vehicle Systems capable of being simulated by ROVATTS™’s highly adaptable architecture. One ROVATTS™- MQ-1 Simulator includes both pilot and sensor operator stations that incorporate a high fidelity MQ-1 aerodynamics package (including critical landing/turbulence/control-delay affects); DIS/HLA connectivity; various head-up-displays; functioning head-down-displays (including variable information tables and menu button interfaces); Electro-Optical/Infra-red sensor displays portrayed on high-fidelity terrain scenes provided by SDS’ AAcuity® PC-IG; map tracking displays, record/playback capabilities; and data-capture/analysis capabilities.

 

ROVATTS™- MQ-1 Simulators can be delivered with several hardware configurations optimized for end-customer applications. Using identical software, these configurations range from COTS PC-based tabletop systems (where accurate physical layouts of the various controls/displays are required) to laptop-based systems (where transportability and footprint are the over-riding factors). ROVATTS - MQ-1 Simulators provide an affordable MQ-1 training system for use in research, individual/team training, and mission rehearsal applications.

SDS International (SDS) recently delivered a laptop-based MQ-1 Simulator to the Air Force Research Laboratory Human Effectiveness Directorate, Warfighter Training Research Division, Mesa, AZ. The MQ-1 Simulator version of SDS’ low-cost, high fidelity PC-based Remotely Operated Vehicle Adaptable Tracking/Training System (ROVATTS™) simulator line will be used by AFRL personnel to conduct collaborative research.

 

The ROVATTS™- MQ-1 simulator, produced by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida, represents but one of the virtually unlimited types of air, ground, and sea-based Unmanned Vehicle Systems capable of being simulated by ROVATTS™’s highly adaptable architecture. One ROVATTS™- MQ-1 simulator includes both pilot and sensor operator stations that incorporate a high fidelity MQ-1 aerodynamics package (including critical landing/turbulence/control-delay affects); DIS/HLA connectivity; various head-up-displays; functioning head-down-displays (including variable information tables and menu button interfaces); Electro-Optical/Infra-red sensor displays portrayed on high-fidelity terrain scenes provided by SDS’ AAcuity® PC-IG; map tracking displays, record/playback capabilities; and data-capture/analysis capabilities.

 

ROVATTS™- MQ-1 simulators can be delivered with several hardware configurations optimized for end-customer applications. Using identical software, these configurations range from COTS PC-based tabletop systems (where accurate physical layouts of the various controls/displays are required) to laptop-based systems (where transportability and footprint are the over-riding factors). ROVATTS - MQ-1 simulators provide an affordable MQ-1 training system for use in research, individual/team training, and mission rehearsal applications.

SDS International (SDS) has been tasked to provide enhanced capabilities to the SDS-produced PC-based MQ-1 training system delivered to the USAF’s 311th Performance Enhancement Directorate, Brooks City-Base, Texas. SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida delivered a MQ-1 version (including pilot and sensor operator stations) of its low-cost, high fidelity PC-based Remotely Operated Vehicle Adaptable Tracking/Training System (ROVATTS™) simulator line to Brooks in 2006. The ROVATTS™- MQ-1 simulator incorporates a high fidelity MQ-1 aerodynamics package (including critical landing/turbulence/control-delay affects); various head-up-displays (HUDs); and Electro-Optical/Infra-Red Sensor displays portrayed on high-fidelity terrain scenes provided by SDS’ AAcuity® PC-IG. The system also includes an operator control station with fully functioning head-down-display (variable information tables and menu button interfaces), map tracking displays, record/playback capabilities, and data-capture/analysis capabilities. The ROVATTS™- MQ-1 simulator provides a realistic environment to support USAF aerospace research efforts to assess the unique physiological, psychological, cognitive, and environmental stresses inherent in remotely piloted aircraft operations.

 

Under this current contract, SDS will provide additional capabilities to the ROVATTS™- MQ-1 simulator, including an enhanced capability to evaluate the performance effectiveness of Warfighter-recommended predictive HUD symbology and the ability to realistically simulate control lags experienced when using SATCOM to control operational MQ-1 missions.

SDS International was awarded a contract to upgrade its LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator to include High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system simulation capabilities for use by the Air Force Research Laboratory/Directed Energy Division (AFRL/DE).

 

Under this effort, SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division will develop a new HPM plug-in component for SDS’ LiteFlite® simulator for use in the upcoming Advanced Concept Event (ACE) 2007 exercises. This plug-in will be similar to the C-130 Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) plug-in previously delivered to AFRL/DE and used in their LiteFlite® simulator during ACE II. The HPM plug-in will provide a parameterized F-16 mounted HPM pod, accurate simulation of the precision guided HPM weapons delivery, basic weapons probability of kill (Pk), lethality and damage assessment models for use with specific unclassified target entity types, and distributed interactive simulation (DIS) emissions of directed energy fire protocol data units (PDUs) and entity damage status PDUs to properly reflect events related to HPM weapon engagement.

 

The addition of the HPM plug-in adds to the rapidly growing list of unique LiteFlite® capabilities, further demonstrating the flexibility and extensibility of LiteFlite®’s recently revamped architecture. This modular architecture facilitates the development and integration of a variety of functions including complete aircraft/space systems, custom aero/astro models, panel instruments, engines, sensors, and weapons, as well as, the integration of other existing (third-party) simulation codes (aero, weapons, sensors, etc.).

SDS International will demonstrate several of its latest products at the 78th annual scientific meeting of the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) on 14-15 May 2007 at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, allowing attending aerospace medical personnel to gain hands-on experience with innovative aeromedical-related products developed under US Navy-sponsored Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants. These products will be at booth #206.

 

Representatives from SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida, will demonstrate the next-generation Spatial Awareness Training System (SPATS) being fielded for use in US Navy and Marine Corps aviation physiology training programs. SPATS training encompasses the application of new spatial strategies through innovative use of academic training (instructor-led, Computer-based Training, and Wed-based Training), immersion training (observing simulation-generated SD scenarios), and simulation training (focused on hands-on, spatial disorientation (SD)-specific, scenario-based training using SDS’ low-cost, non-motion-based LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator. Since SD is a potential problem for all aviators in virtually all phases of flight, variations of SDS’ low-cost spatial disorientation/awareness training system should have wide applications to military, private, and commercial aviation.

 

SDS will also demonstrate its Digital-Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (D-SSQ) and Self Guided-Dynamic Visual Acuity Test (SG-DVAT) software. The D-SSQ is an affordable, paperless, software-based system that is fully digitized to significantly speed-up data collection, test scoring, data storage, data manipulation, and assessments. As such, the automated D-SSQ facilitates significantly quicker and more accurate pre- and post-simulator sickness assessments. On a broader scale, SDS’ laptop-based SG-DVAT has direct applications for clinical diagnostics for vestibular pathology screening and research including simulator-human compatibility assessments, pharmaceutical interaction studies, and sensory science evaluations. Inclusion of SDS’ innovative “Motion Visual Cue” system, that guides test facilitators and subjects through a DVAT test, makes the SG-DVAT an excellent tool for screening and research applications.

SDS International has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract by the US Navy to develop advanced aircraft flight fidelity measures to help better quantify the criteria required for Navy/Marine Corps operational flight trainer acceptance.

 

This research effort (performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida), will focus on developing a unique software-based Fidelity Assessment Simulator Tool (FAST) that provides valid, reliable and accurate simulator fidelity comparisons for any type of aircraft. FAST is envisioned as an automated software package that bases simulator fidelity upon a set of proposed simulator fidelity analysis parameters, such as, mission-requirements, user-acceptance (pilot feedback), cost and risk analysis, simulator components (hardware & software), and biometric variables (physiological feedback). The resultant tool will facilitate objective comparisons enabling the Navy/Marine Corps to maximize training investments through simulator fidelity analysis by gauging how well specific requirements are met during simulated training evolutions.

 

SBIR Phase I efforts are often focused solely on analyzing existing research literature and developing concepts and design strategies for later proof-of-concept in Phase II. However, SDS will conduct a more aggressive Phase I by identifying key mission requirements, identifying and evaluating applicable simulator components for different aircraft types and different land and ship-based missions, identifying specific biometric variables applicable to simulator fidelity assessments, and developing key flight and non-flight related objective measures of effectiveness/cost. Moreover, during Phase I, SDS will also conduct a “proof-of-concept” demonstration of the FAST prototype software on rotary-wing and fixed-wing versions of its PC-based, high-fidelity, LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator.

SDS International has been awarded a contract to deliver its next-generation Spatial Awareness Training System (SPATS) for use in US Navy and Marine Corps aviation physiology training. The award marks SDS' successful transition of the technology from the Phase II development stage of a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grant to the Phase III commercialization stage-delivery of operational training capabilities that allow students to recognize, avoid, and recover from key spatial disorientation (SD) situations associated with fixed-wing and rotary-wing flight operations. The successful development/transition of this SBIR product by SDS International's Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida clearly demonstrates the organization's innovativeness, research and development expertise, and production capabilities.

 

SDS' approach to SD training encompasses the application of new spatial strategies through innovative use of academic training (instructor -led, Computer Based Training and, Wed Based Training), immersion training (observing simulation-generated SD scenarios), and simulation training (focused on hands-on, SD-specific, scenario-based training using SDS' low-cost, non-motion-based LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator with its associated AAcuity® PC-IG and GeoSource-RTB™ rapid terrain generation).

 

Building upon strategies and simulation scenario capabilities developed under the Phase II effort, the SPATS delivery under this contract will include interactive SD courseware to support indoctrination training for aeromedical students and initial annual fleet training of flight personnel for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. It will also include three specifically-developed SD mishap-lessons-learned (MLL); an Instructor Scenario Authoring Capability (ISAC) that will allow military instructors to easily author SD scenarios using SDS' LiteFlite® simulator to support future MLLs as they arise; and a detailed simulator specification defining SPATS simulation requirements needed to support all SD training phases.

 

Since SD is a potential problem for all aviators in virtually all phases of flight, SDS envisions an extensive worldwide military, private and commercial aviation market for variations of its innovative, low-cost spatial disorientation/awareness training system purchased by the US Navy.

SDS International received the 2006 North American Frost & Sullivan award for Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) Business Development Strategy Leadership of the Year for “its commitment to world-class military research and development (R&D) and its MQ-1 training system, a key platform in the future of DMO.”

The award (received by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida) recognizes the company’s ability to best perceive consumer needs, develop products and/or services that meet customer needs, successfully introduce products or services to the industry, and identify new market segments to expand the existing customer base. As the award winner, SDS was recognized for demonstrating the vision, technology and successful marketing needed to demonstrate superior market growth skills associated with its PC-based, DMO-capable MQ-1 simulator.

 

Warfighter focus and commitment to R&D enabled SDS to recognize the need for—and rapidly develop/field—a low-cost, high-fidelity MQ-1 simulator capable of supporting R&D, test and evaluation, and training/mission rehearsal applications. As the first in SDS’ planned family of Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVS) simulators called ROVATTS™(Remotely Operated Vehicle Adaptable Training/Tracking System), the MQ-1 simulator delivers targeted, comprehensive training solutions for far less cost than rival systems. The simulator comes in COTS-PC and -laptop versions (with training requirements driving the configuration) and includes high-fidelity aerodynamics, Heads-Up-Displays, and Heads-Down-Displays -- and supports pilot/sensor operator training requirements: including individual/crew, initial through mission ready, and stand-alone or distributed team-training requirements. Addition of SDS’ GeoSource-RTB™ provides a rapid (within hours) terrain generation capability, and high-fidelity AAcuity® PC-IG facilitates anytime-anywhere training/ mission rehearsal using user-generated, geo-specific, round-earth terrains with 3D cultural features.

SDS International has been awarded a contract modification to provide significant enhancements to its ongoing Phase II small business innovative research (SBIR) program to develop the next-generation Spatial Awareness Training System (SPATS) for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. This SBIR (performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida) is focused on developing a comprehensive training solution that allows students to recognize, avoid, and recover from key spatial disorientation (SD) situations. SDS received the contract enhancement as a direct result of the Navy’s favorable assessment of SDS’ Phase II prototype SD courseware and scenario-based SD simulation capabilities.

 

SDS’ approach to SD training encompasses the application of new spatial strategies through innovative use of academic training (instructor led, Computer Based Training and Wed Based Training), immersion training (observing simulation-generated SD scenarios), and simulation training (focused on hands-on, SD-specific, scenario-based training using SDS’ low-cost, non-motion-based LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator). The primary focus of the enhancement is to broaden the initial SPATS Phase II effort by significantly increasing the simulation capabilities to include fixed-wing ejection-seat aircraft, fixed-wing non ejection-seat equipped aircraft, and rotary-wing aircraft -- and subsequently, significantly increasing the number and variety of SD scenarios made possible through the increased simulation capability. Under the enhancement, SDS will also develop a list of initial, refresher, and annual SD training objectives to support the near-term fielding of SPATS’ innovative spatial strategies and training approaches/capabilities for the US Navy. Since SD is a potential problem for all aviators in virtually all phases of flight, the resultant SPATS capability will have direct cost benefits to training military, private, and commercial aviators alike.