SDS International (SDS) has been awarded a contract to provide a low-cost, high-fidelity, PC-based MQ-9 Desktop Mission Trainer to the US Air Force to support human performance studies and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) crew training, including weapons and tactics training.

 

SDS International's Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida originally delivered a MQ-1 Simulator version (including pilot and sensor operator stations) of its PC-based Remotely Operated Vehicle Adaptable Tracking/Training System (ROVATTS) simulator line to the USAF's 711th Human Performance Integration Directorate (711 HPW/HP), Brooks City-Base, Texas. Based upon the success of the currently fielded ROVATTS-MQ-1 Simulators and the military's need for a low-cost, high-fidelity PC-based MQ-9 simulator training system, SDS was awarded a contract by the USAF to develop an MQ-9 version of it ROVATTS simulator line.

 

When delivered in Spring 2009, the ROVATTS-MQ-9 simulators will incorporate high fidelity aerodynamics packages (including 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 systems will also include operator (pilot and sensor operator) control stations with fully functioning head-down-displays (variable information tables and menu button interfaces), map tracking displays, normal and emergency procedure functionality, record/playback and data-capture/analysis capabilities, and weapons employment (AGM-114 Hellfire missile and GBU-12 laser guided bomb) capabilities. ROVATTS-MQ-9 simulators will be delivered in a number of hardware configurations including COTS laptop versions for portability or COTS PC-based table-top versions that preserve the correct physical layout of both pilot and sensor operator stations, with each configuration using the same high-fidelity software.

SDS International recently delivered an upgrade to its LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator, consisting of High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon system simulation capabilities, for use by the Air Force Research Laboratory/Directed Energy Division (AFRL/DE), Kirtland AFB, NM.

 

Under this effort, SDS International's Advanced Technologies Division developed, integrated and tested additional HPM plug-in component capabilities for SDS' LiteFlite® simulator for use in upcoming Advanced Concept Event (ACE) exercises. The HPM plug-in provides 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 modular architecture. This 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 (SDS) has been awarded a follow-on contract by the US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC) to provide significant upgrades to the human/hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) virtual test bed SDS helped develop earlier this year. The latest upgrades will further the Army's ability to evaluate hardware and software subsystems for the Army Technologies Objectives (ATO) which will be managed by the Future Warrior Technology Integration (FWTI) program.

 

Under the original contract, SDS' Advanced Technologies Division delivered its AAcuity® Hero-FPS to the NSRDEC and provided systems engineering support to integrate the DIS-based AAcuity® Hero-FPS simulator with the FWTI Cursor-on-Target (CoT) message network providing the capability to assess evolving FWTI system hardware and software in highly-realistic, virtual environments throughout the development cycle. The resultant HIL-networked test bed supports evaluation of overall FWTI ATOs system capability, measures technical performance parameters, and partially validates hardware and software subsystems. Under the current contract, SDS will improve DIS/CoT translations; add the capability for the FPS HIL system to display and interact with live players in the virtual scene; add realistic Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capability; add specific Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) and ground sensor capabilities; and significantly enhance human representations to include weapons employment. SDS will also upgrade the previously-delivered primary database to better support participation from Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and MOUT-type operations; deliver additional terrain databases; expand the number of AAcuity® Hero-FPS stations that can participate; and provide initial integration of the networked-capable HIL system with selected computer generated forces.

 

AAcuity® Hero-FPS possesses the capability to observe/interact with virtually any distributed exercise and employs a variety of weapons, chem-sticks, lights, etc. while moving throughout the scene. AAcuity® Hero-FPS can function as an individual soldier or provide the appropriate views (visual, NVG, and IR) and firing capabilities associated with virtually any weapon and/or position on or within a specified vehicle. These robust capabilities make AAcuity® Hero-FPS an excellent choice for research and development, test and evaluation, and training applications in stand-alone and/or distributed environments.

SDS International (SDS) has been awarded a contract by the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEOSTRI) to provide technical services supporting the USSOCOM Special Operations Forces Air Ground Interface Simulator (SAGIS).

 

Under this contract, SDS' Advanced Technologies Division, with assistance from Nova Technologies, will support the SAGIS Special Operation Forces (SOF) Technology for Eye Limiting Image Resolution (STELIR) recapitalization effort by replacing the existing STELIR Image Generator computers with current technology that provide a common baseline with other computers recently recapitalized in the SAGIS. SDS and Nova will also provide support to ensure the successful participation of the SAGIS in the Emerald Warrior exercise, and support an evaluation that will determine the recommended requirements for visual system resolution and field-of-view for Joint Close Air Support (JCAS) concurrency certification on a simulator.

SDS International (SDS) has been awarded a contract to further enhance its PC-based MQ-1 Training System originally delivered to the USAF’s 711th Human Performance Integration Directorate (711 HPW/HP), Brooks City-Base, Texas. SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida originally delivered an 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. SDS has subsequently delivered improved MQ-1 Simulators to a number of US and international customers.

 

The currently delivered ROVATTS™-MQ-1 Simulators incorporate high fidelity aerodynamics packages (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 systems also include operator (pilot and sensor operator) control stations with fully functioning head-down-displays (variable information tables and menu button interfaces), map tracking displays, record/playback capabilities, data-capture/analysis capabilities, and weapons employment capabilities. ROVATTS™-MQ-1 Simulators can be delivered in a number hardware configurations including COTS laptop versions for portability or COTS PC-based table-top versions that preserve correct physical layouts of both pilot and sensor operator stations, both using the same high-fidelity software.

 

Based upon the success of the current ROVATTS™-MQ-1 simulators and the military’s need for a low-cost, high-fidelity PC-based MQ-1 simulator training system, SDS was awarded a follow-on contract by the US Air Force to provide significant, additional capabilities to its ROVATTS™-MQ-1 simulator focusing on the expansion of checklist/normal functions, introduction of critical system faults and the inclusion of additional sensor/weapons employment capabilities. The upgraded MQ-1 simulator will be capable of supporting a broader range of human performance studies and training of both introductory and operational Unmanned Aircraft Systems crewmembers.

SDS International (SDS) has been awarded a contract by the US Air Force to develop a state-of-the-art Munitions Storage Virtual Trainer (MSVT) to support the Conventional Munitions Maintenance Officer Course (CMOC) and the Nuclear Maintenance Officer Course (NMOC) taught at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas.

 

Under this contract, SDS Advanced Technologies Division, with assistance from Nova Technologies, will provide the realistic training environment needed to support the preparation of Air Force Officers for the management and leadership duties they will face during conventional and nuclear munitions maintenance and storage operations. As such, the MSVT will have the flexibility and adaptability needed to support both the CMOC and NMOC in a capstone capacity to practice the students newly acquired skills while also providing the ability to exercise required judgments in a virtual environment. The MSVT will consist of a commander/instructor station, a central display, and ten student stations representing the key munitions storage functions.

 

The MSVT, operating on commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, will provide realistic real-world scenarios eliciting student inputs, actions, and communications, and will provide intuitive interfaces that support student interactions from positions representative of what will be required of them in actual Munitions or Weapons Storage Areas (MSA/WSA). The MSVT will also ensure the actions of each student will affect the requirements and actions of the others. Since these interactions must occur within the virtual environment, the MSVT will include realistic and effective 2D and 3D representations of those environments provided by SDS' high-fidelity, AAcuity® PC-IG. The MSVT will support automated station-operations and provide the required after-action-review (AAR) capability needed to support effective training. It will also allow the commander/instructor to effectively develop, control, monitor and update scenarios, including the ability to greatly enhance training realism by creating additional MSA/WSA sites using a dynamic MSA/WSA creation tool to be developed by SDS.

SDS International recently delivered a non motion-based simulator to the 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 satisfied NAMRL’s simulation 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. This specialized SD version of LiteFlite® evolved in response to requirements embedded in a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program focused on providing the US Navy and Marine Corps with their next-generation spatial awareness/disorientation training program. The simulator delivered to NAMRL was designed for ease of movement, rapid transition from a fixed-wing to rotary-wing configuration, and flexible positioning of key components needed to support unique SD research efforts. As such, the system includes an adjustable, multi-level display table holding a 61” Digital Light Processing (DLP) out-the-window display, an adaptable head-down display with touch-screen, and a single COTS computer hosting both the LiteFlite® host simulation software and its embedded AAcuity® PC-IG software. The system also includes a specialized seat supporting both fixed-wing and rotary-wing controls, and a separate laptop computer-station hosting SDS’ robust Instructor Operator Station (IOS) recently updated to support SD scenario generation, control, recording, playback and data tabulation/graphing.

 

SDS’ SD expertise, 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 turn-key, 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 has been awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) contract by the US Navy entitled “Biodynamic and Cognitive Impact of Long-Duration Wear of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) During Normal Flight Operations.” This research effort (performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida) will focus on establishing quantifiable measurement techniques, using ground-based dynamic simulation, to determine the physical and cognitive effects of long-duration wear of the F-35 JSF HMD in order to optimize pilot performance in the F-35 tactical maneuvering environment. During Phase I, SDS will define and develop a methodology to determine the physiological limitations and performance effects on pilots while using the HMD for extended periods of time, including flight in a high-G tactical environment. The desired outcome of this research is to produce an “HMD Mass Index (HMDMI)” that functions in a manner similar to the “Body Mass Index (BMI) used by health practitioners. The HMDMI will provide a graphic envelope chart to show the relationships among the amount of time an HMD is worn, weight of the HMD, how the weight is distributed on the head, and pilots’ strength factors (physiological). These objective comparisons should enable the Navy/Marine Corps to correctly screen pilot candidates (anthropometrically), reduce pilot spatial disorientation, prevent head and neck injuries of pilots on specific missions, and prevent certain incidents/accidents related to use of HMDs.

 

Initial SBIR Phase I efforts will focus on analyzing existing research literature describing cognitive and physiological HMD strains, injuries, and measurement methodologies; identify dynamic simulator technologies capable of pilot-in-the-loop, ground-based static and dynamic flight simulation; and defining F-35 specific mission requirements while using the HMD. Additionally, SDS will define objective biometric variables that support the HMDMI research methodology, develop the scientific methodology to be used for Phase II research, conceptualize the HMDMI design, and develop an initial model that will integrate relevant variables and associated data points into the HMDMI interpretive charting system.

SDS International (SDS) recently delivered a laptop-based, MQ-1 simulator to the National Aerospace Laboratory (NLR), Amsterdam, Netherlands. The MQ-1 version of SDS’ low-cost, high fidelity PC-based Remotely Operated Vehicle Adaptable Tracking/Training System (ROVATTS™) simulator line will be used by NLR personnel in a Netherland’s DoD sponsored R&D program focused on Human Factors issues in the operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from a Ground Control Station, particularly regarding teamwork issues.

 

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 human/hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test bed capable of evaluating hardware and software subsystems for the Army Technologies Objectives (ATO) of the Future Force Warrior (FFW) program at the US Army Natick Soldier Center (NSSC), Natick MA.

 

Under this contract, SDS’ Advanced Technologies Division delivered an improved version of its AAcuity® Hero-FPS to the NSSC and provided systems engineering support to integrate the DIS-based AAcuity® Hero-FPS simulator with the FFW Cursor-on-Target message network providing the capability to assess evolving FFW system hardware and software in highly-realistic, virtual environments throughout the development cycle. This HIL networked test bed, which includes three Hero-FPS positions, will support evaluation of overall FFW ATOs system capability, measure technical performance parameters, and partially validate hardware and software subsystems. As part of the AAcuity® Hero-FPS delivery, SDS provided an initial tactical vignette that includes wooded and urban environments with personnel, vehicles and potential targets, plus several geo-specific 3D terrains including a highly-detailed 3D terrain of the Natick facility. SDS also provided general system training covering equipment setup, operation and maintenance, plus specific training to allow the user to modify and/or create new scenario vignettes for use in a wide-variety of tactical applications.

 

AAcuity® Hero-FPS possesses the capability to observe/interact with virtually any distributed exercise and employs a variety of weapons, chem-sticks, lights, etc. while moving throughout the scene. AAcuity® Hero-FPS can function as an individual soldier or provide the appropriate views (visual, NVG, and IR) and firing capabilities associated with virtually any weapon and/or position on or within a specified vehicle. These robust capabilities make AAcuity® Hero-FPS an excellent choice for research and development, test and evaluation, and training applications in stand-alone and/or distributed environments.

SDS International (SDS) recently delivered two F-16, LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Flight Simulators to the AFFSA for use in the Air Force’s Advanced Instrument School (AIS) located in Oklahoma City. The AIS offers a graduate-level school for instrument flight to senior Air Force flight instructors and evaluators and required cost-effective, non-motion-based simulators to add an application segment to the theory and policy segments of the course.

 

SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida, satisfied this requirement by providing two specialized versions of its LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulators 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. Each system delivered to the AFFSA includes three out-the-window visual channels with visual scenes provided by SDS’ AAcuity® PC-IG, an F-16 head-up-display (HUD), a touch-screen hosting head-down-display (HDD) instruments, a stick and throttle, a cockpit, and a stand-alone Instructor Operator Station (IOS) capable of supporting scenario generation, operation, recording and After-Action–Review (AAR). The simulators will support instrument flight training including instrument departures, enroute navigation, and both precision and non-precision instrument approaches/landings under realistic day, night, and weather conditions. The AIS could use these simulators for individual training or networked training using LiteFlite®’s DIS capability.

 

The LiteFlite® Reconfigurable Simulator is as easy-to-use turnkey DIS/HLA capable system that includes 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 ease-of-use, transportability and footprint are the driving factors. For example, laptop versions of LiteFlite® simulators provide the virtual component on I-FACT systems delivered worldwide. LiteFlite® simulators represent an affordable 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) has been awarded a contract by the US Army Natick Soldier Center (NSSC) to develop a human/hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test bed capable of evaluating hardware and software subsystems for the Army Technologies Objectives (ATO) of the Future Force Warrior (FFW) program.

 

Under this contract, SDS’ Advanced Technologies Division will deliver its AAcuity® Hero-FPS to the NSSC and will provide systems engineering support to integrate the DIS-based AAcuity® Hero-FPS simulator with the FFW Cursor-on-Target message network providing the capability to assess evolving FFW system hardware and software in highly-realistic, virtual environments throughout the development cycle. This HIL networked test bed will support evaluation of overall FFW ATOs system capability, measure technical performance parameters, and partially validate hardware and software subsystems. As part of the AAcuity® Hero-FPS delivery, SDS will provide several geo-specific 3D terrains and an initial tactical vignette that includes wooded and urban environments with personnel, vehicles, and potential targets. Additionally, SDS will provide general system training covering equipment setup, operation, and maintenance. Specific training will also be provided so that NSSC can modify and/or create new scenario vignettes for use in a wide-variety of tactical applications.

 

AAcuity® Hero-FPS possesses the capability to observe/interact with virtually any distributed exercise and employs a variety of weapons, chem-sticks, lights, etc. while moving throughout the scene. AAcuity® Hero-FPS can function as an individual soldier or provide the appropriate views (visual, NVG, and IR) and firing capabilities associated with virtually any weapon and/or position on or within a specified vehicle. These robust capabilities make AAcuity® Hero-FPS an excellent choice for research and development, test and evaluation, and training applications in stand-alone and/or distributed environments.