mt2 20 2 final

May 2015Volume 20, Issue 2

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UAS Operator Training O Flight Simulation O ProjectorsReadiness O Night Vision Training

Skill Builder

Rear Admiral Michael S. White

CommanderNaval Education and Training Command

Spotlight on Medical Simulation

Special Section:

America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine

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May 2015Volume 20, Issue 2military training technology

World’s #1 Military Training Magazine & Site• 7IssuesPerYear• MoreReadersbyFar

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Cover / Q&A

ReaR admiRal michael S. White

commandernaval education and training

command

16

Departments2 editoR’S PeRSPective4 PRogRam highlightS/PeoPle14 data PacketS26 team oRlando27 ReSouRce centeR

Industry Interviewemanuele meRloHead of integrated training System (itS)alenia aermacchi

28

“If we can leverage what they already

know and build the foundational

skills they will need to operate in the fleet, we can produce

sailors who are better trained in a more rapid

manner and motivated to do their jobs. It’s an exciting time to

be here.”— Rear Admiral

Michael S. White

Features

5diveRSe toolS aid uaS tRainingthe explosion in use of unmanned aerial systems (UaS) or remotely piloted aircraft has created very demanding training needs. constant improvement in sensors, communications and command and control means initial training must be constantly updated.

By Henry Canaday

9tRaining foR night viSionas night vision goggles become more common and vital to military operations, from ground combat to night flights by helicopters and other aircraft, industry is stepping forward with a variety of training solutions to ensure that users take advantage of the benefits and avoid the risks of the technology.

By Harrison donnelly

23tRaining technology foR ReadineSSthe United States faces a looming crisis of military readiness, and new training technologies could play a key role in the remedy, according to panelists at a recent government/industry event focused on the nation’s preparedness for future conflicts.

By Harrison donnelly

24Redefining Pilot tRainingas militaries continue to face tough budget decisions and maintain readiness in an evolving global security environment, industry simply must leverage innovation to deliver more realistic and robust aircrew training.

By Jon ramBeau

19PRojectoRS meet tRaining challengeWith the aid of rapid technological progress in the consumer movie and television markets, projectors used for military training are providing the lower costs and improved results needed to meet the challenge of increasing reliance on simulation systems.

By erin Flynn Jay

SPotlight on medical Simulationinterview with lieutenant colonel christopher M. todd, army product manager for medical simulation

listing of leading medical simulation companies

Special Section

11

12

In this issue’s article “Redefining Pilot Training,” Jon Rambeau highlights the continuing movement toward simulated flight training, due both to cost-effectiveness and to the ability to offer trainees a wide range of experiences. A recent Air Force project offers an example of another relevant factor—the potential impact of live flight training on the civilian population and economy.

Having received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in early spring, the Air Force is implementing a major expan-sion of the Powder River Training Complex, which will greatly expand an existing bomber training airspace to cover some 35,000 square miles in North and South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming.

The Air Force argues that the proposal would save up to $23 million a year in fuel costs while improving training realism. “Potential U.S. adversaries have devel-oped, and are developing, targeting threats which, in turn, require the B-1 and B-52 aircrews to be able to address targets in different ways and from distances in excess of those possible in the existing Powder River” area, the service has warned.

The proposal has drawn strong support from the South Dakota congressional delegation, but equally vocal resistance from Montana lawmakers, who argue that the expanded flights could endanger or delay other aviation in their state. They also cite an Air Force report acknowledging that sonic booms and low-level flights could disturb residents and livestock.

In seeking approval for the expansion, the Air Force put forward a number of steps to mitigate the impact. Large exercises involving 20 aircraft would be limited to three days per quarter and no more than 10 a year, for example.

The expansion appears to offer advantages in enabling the Air Force to prepare pilots for the changing nature of air warfare, and FAA officials say they are committed to maintaining public safety. Nevertheless, the discussion also points to another possible benefit of simulation technology.

Harrison Donnellyeditor

Recognized Leader Covering All Aspects of Military Training Readiness

editorialEditorHarrison donnelly [email protected]

Copy EditorsKevin Harris [email protected] Jonathan magin [email protected]

CorrespondentsPeter Buxbaum • Henry Canaday • Scott R. Gourley erin Flynn Jay

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Military Training Technology

Volume 20, Issue 2 • May 2015

eDitor’S PerSPectiVe

Naval ROTC incoming midshipmen freshmen perform a facing movement during NROTC freshman orientation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The week-long orientation introduces incoming NROTC freshman to Navy life and the training they will undergo during their four years at the university. [Photo courtesy of Naval Education & Training Command]

Real-time screen captures are from MetaVR’s visualization system rendering 3D virtual terrain of Kismayo, Somalia, and are unedited except as required for printing. The real-time rendering of the 3D virtual world is generated by MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene GeneratorTM (VRSGTM). 3D models are from MetaVR’s 3D content libraries.Copyright © 2015 MetaVR, Inc. MetaVR, Virtual Reality Scene Generator, VRSG, the phrase “Geospecifi c simulation with game quality graphics,” and the MetaVR logo are trademarks of MetaVR, Inc.

With MetaVR visuals used for simulated UAV camera payload video in ground control stations and in manned aircraft simulators, UAV operators, pilots, and JTAC trainees can achieve fully correlated HD H.264 simulated sensor video with accurate KLV metadata that replicates the actual sensor payload imagery of ISR assets during MUM-T and other distributed training exercises.

www.metavr.com

The U.S. Army recently purchased 300 licenses of MetaVR visuals for embedded training in its Universal Ground Control Stations and for Institutional Mission Simulators.

Since 2002, the Army has used MetaVR visuals for simulated UAV camera payload video for Shadow, Grey Eagle, Aerosonde, and Hunter training.

Program highlightS Compiled by KMI Media Group staff

Air Force Colonel Christopher A. Coffelt, who has been selected for the grade of brigadier general, has been assigned as commander, Spaatz Center for Officer Education, and comman-dant, Air War College, Air University, Air Education and Training Command, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.

Army Brigadier General John A. George has been assigned as director, requirements integration directorate, Army Capabilities Integration Center, Army Training and Doctrine Command, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

Aptima has announced the promo-tion of Christopher E. Brouady to the position of vice president, contracts, where he will be responsible for the company’s contracts, security and intel-lectual property departments.

Compiled by KMI Media Group staffPeoPle

Christopher E. Brouady

Contract Cuts Costs of Diverse Training PortfolioA General Dynamics-led team has been

awarded the Live Training Transformation (LT2) Consolidated Product-line Management (CPM) Next contract by the Army. The General Dynamics team was awarded the original CPM program contract in 2009 by the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Program Manager for Training Devices. With this award, the General Dynamics team will

continue managing the Army’s LT2 live training systems that include nearly 300 training ranges worldwide, with training that scales from indi-vidual soldiers to brigades participating in live force-on-force and force-on-target training. The CPM Next award is a five-year, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract with a total poten-tial value of $415 million. The LT2 CPM Next contract will help the Army continue to reduce the

costs and complexity associated with maintaining its diverse portfolio of training systems. Team members include Assured Information Technology Engineering; Alion Science and Technology; Applied Research Associates; Big Lever Software; Carley Corp.; General Dynamics Information Technology; Leidos; Madcap Software; nFocus Solutions; Phoenix Logistics; Productivity APEX; Raytheon; and Riptide Software.

CACI International has received a $43 million task order contract to continue providing engineering support, including modeling and simulation of sensor and imaging systems, for the Army’s Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD). This 12-month contract, awarded under the Strategic Services Sourcing contract vehicle, sustains CACI’s business in its C4ISR market area. NVESD conducts research and development of advanced night vision and other sensor technologies, such as infrared weapon sights and surveil-

lance systems that enhance the effec-tiveness of forces in nighttime and limited visibility conditions. Under this contract, CACI will provide modeling and simulation services to assist NVESD in evaluating sensor system technology and concepts to determine effectiveness of military training in relevant scenarios. The company will also assist in developing and deploying technology enhancements that increase reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capabilities.

John Spadafore;[email protected]

Modeling and Simulation Services Aid Night Vision Unit

http://www.rockwellcollins.com/~/media/Images/Products%20and%20Systems/Simulation/RealFires%20Trainer%2004[3/25/2015 10:52:03 AM]

Rockwell Collins will provide the Australian Army with the latest-gener-ation Joint Fires Observer ( JFO)/Joint Terminal Attack Controller ( JTAC) simu-lator designed to meet all of the service’s training requirements now and into the foreseeable future. This system, part of the RealFires family of JFO and JTAC simu-lators, will be located at the School of Artillery and is fully integrated with the Rockwell Collins FireStorm Integrated Targeting System. The Rockwell Collins FireStorm system forms the core of the Land 17 Phase 1B Digital Terminal Control System. The RealFires system is a fully scalable solution that can be delivered as a range of training solutions, from desktop to full 360-degree immersive domes. The JFO/JTAC simulator delivered to the School of Artillery includes training room facili-ties, a 270-degree dome, high-fidelity graphics and full simulation of FireStorm sensors.

Simulator Meets Attack Controller Training

Needs

www.MT2-kmi.com4 | MT2 20.2

The explosion in use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) has created very demanding training needs. Constant improve-ment in sensors, communications and command and control means initial training must be constantly updated.

Lessons learned in the field using a still very young technology are another reason for refreshing training. And the many environments in which UASs are de-ployed and the varied missions and targets they handle further expand the training challenge.

Training with actual UASs is necessary but not suf-ficient to meet all these needs. Classroom instruction, web tools, interactive sessions and simulated UAS operations are also necessary. As with manned aircraft, simulation makes training far more economic, safer and even more realistic. Simulation can repli-cate far more varied scenarios than live training could practically and safely do.

This is especially true for larger UASs and RPAs, which are very ex-pensive to fly, a bit risky to operate and may carry weapons whose de-livery is their primary role. Smaller UASs are more practical to use in training, but even here simulation improves efficiency and increases the variety of training tasks that can be accomplished.

Simulation Software

Software that provides extraordinarily detailed, realistic, flexible and responsive portraits of UAS operational environments, such as that provided by MetaVR, supports some of the best simulation tools.

MetaVR offers the Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG), a real-time, 3-D graphics engine that renders very large and realistic areas of a specific geographic location. VRSG is commercial off-the-shelf and runs on game-level Windows computers.

Two VRSG features—physics-based infrared (IR) capability and its ability to simulate UAS video feeds—are especially important to UAS training, according to W. Garth Smith, president of MetaVR.

For input to VRSG, MetaVR developed its Terrain Tools plug-in to Esri’s ArcGIS software, which enables users to build high-resolution, geo-specific terrain with whatever imagery, elevation and culture data

sources they have. To enhance realism of 3-D terrain, MetaVR’s own remote-controlled aircraft collects image data at 1-inch resolution.

MetaVR recently released a game-like editor, VRSG Scenario Edi-tor, for creating 3-D scenes and scenarios in VRSG. Users drag and drop data on 3-D terrain, create paths with waypoints, assign appear-ances, and animations and sequence activities in time.

Content is critical to MetaVR applications, Smith said. A variety of geo-specific 3-D terrain databases are available free or at nominal costs with a VRSG license. For the continental United States, 3-D ter-rain at 1-meter or better resolution is available, as is terrain for Africa and much of Asia.

These terrain databases have high-resolution insets of areas of interest, some with geo-specific culture. The company has also built libraries with over 5,500 models and continually adds new models.

For UAS training, VRSG can stream real-time, HD-quality sim-ulated video that is indiscernible in composition from actual UAS

W. Garth Smith

[email protected]

By Henry Canaday

mt2 CorreSpondent

Simulation SyStemS make pilot training Safer, more eConomiC and even more realiStiC.

www.MT2-kmi.com MT2 20.2 | 5

video feeds. UAS operators can thus fly a simulated UAS using the same hardware as the real system.

High-resolution geo-specific synthetic environments are impor-tant in UAS training, and realism in sensor mode is particularly im-portant. VRSG’s physics-based IR sensor modeling computes IR sen-sor images directly from a visual database in real time. It combines automatic material classification of visual red-green-blue images with a physics-based IR radiance and sensor model. The simulated sensor scene thus emulates heat signatures of terrain, vehicles, characters and objects. VRSG generates video feeds with the same format and content as real UAS data feeds.

The higher the resolution of the terrain images, the better the simulation. MetaVR’s new imaging aircraft comes in handy here, en-abling compilation of terrain at 1-inch resolution, Smith noted. “With a 1-inch resolution database, users can create a physics-based IR pro-file of terrain with a very high degree of realism.”

MetaVR software is used for training Army UAS operators, and VRSG provides simulated video feeds for several intelligence-gather-ing platforms. MetaVR visual data has been used in UAS simulators mainly through the Joint Technology Center/Systems Integration Laboratory Multiple Unified Simulation Environment/Air Force Syn-thetic Environment for Reconnaissance and Surveillance simulation system, at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and other UAS training sites. The Army uses VRSG to train operators of the RQ-7 Shadow, Gray Eagle, Aerosonde and RQ-5 Hunter in portable, classroom and embedded configurations.

VRSG is also embedded in the Army’s Universal Ground Control Station in Universal Mission Simula-tors, the next-generation simulator for multiple UASs.

VRSG Scenario Editor builds scenarios for UAS training in basic scans, route reconnaissance and target identification. A common example is teaching operators to spot the placement of IEDs in urban envi-ronments. Combined with tactical air simulation, this information can be used to simulate air strikes.

To learn vehicle identification, sensor operators examine simulated thermal signatures to determine whether vehicles are friendly or targets. At a fraction of the cost of live training, MetaVR scenarios can train both new UAS operators and seasoned veterans.

live fligHt

With its experience training Army and Special Operations Com-mand personnel on small UASs such as the RQ-11 Raven and RQ-20 Puma, BOSH Global Services offers a training provider’s perspective. BOSH trains on RPAs at the Air Force Academy, where it also runs an air operations center and trains in RPA command and control, ex-plained Ervin Schoolfield, the company’s director of flight services.

BOSH uses both live flight and simulations for Army training in small UASs. Training starts off with simulation but then turns to live flight.

“Simulation helps,” Schoolfield said. “But for most small UASs, they have to get a hand on it and throw it up in the air. To simulate that, I would have to put a dome on it to get an entire field of view. That’s not practical.”

Small UAS training takes about eight days for students, who in-creasingly function as both pilot and sensor operator. “The military is getting into one-operator systems,” Schoolfield noted. “You throw

it up in the air and work the camera. Automation keeps it where it’s supposed to be.”

The larger Air Force RPAs require three to four months to train on, and pilot and sensor operators are still separate. There is a push for one pilot to control multiple RPAs, and automation might help here.

In training for RPAs and UASs weighing more than 100 pounds, simulation is used much more extensively than in the case of small UASs. “There are many reasons, including where you can fly. We could not train on larger UASs without simulation,” he explained.

BOSH is platform-agnostic, in contrast to UAS manufacturers that train on their own aircraft. Some OEMs try to make their profits on training after platform sales, Schoolfield suggested, adding, “We focus solely on training, and we have no biases.”

The Army and Air Force are pushing hard to get to a universal ground station for UAS control, and BOSH wants to get involved in that effort. “We want to understand that, so if it comes out we will be ready,” Schoolfield said.

gHoSt team

Another example of innovative UAS training initiatives comes from Northrop Grumman’s Global Hawk Operations and Sensor Training (GHOST) team, which works out of Beale AFB, Calif., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D. The GHOST team includes instruction designers, develop-ers, graphic artists, programmers, subject-matter experts and instruc-

tors specializing in UASs, according to Julia Baldwin, program manager.

GHOST develops instructor-led presentations, interactive web- and computer-based training, video and simulator training for the RQ-4 Global Hawk. Its QPort Toolkit offers customized computer training and assessment. The web-based Qport provides a learn-ing management system with interactive courseware, performance tracking and quizzes. GHOST also has instructors who do classroom instruction, simulator training and flight training of sensor operators.

GHOST supports all Global Hawk models: EQ-4 Block 20 Battlefield Airborne Communication Node;

Block 30I Enhanced Integrated Sensor System (EISS); Block 30M Air-borne Signals Integrated Program; and Block 40 Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program.

The team recently developed an interactive Part Task Trainer (PTT) for Block 40 sensor operator qualification and continua-tion. PTT provides customized scenarios that enable sensor opera-tors to practice ground-station setup and procedures for before and during missions. Operators also practice ad-hoc tasking and target management, and PTT assesses their performance.

The GHOST team is now developing a blended approach that com-bines web training with PowerPoint and video, thus joining the advan-tages of classroom and computer-based training. Northrop Grumman is looking to this approach to exploit the knowledge of RPA experts in instructor-led presentations, economically providing on-demand instruction when needed.

GHOST staff members are also prototyping a virtual reality en-vironment for training RPA maintainers. Using a Unity Game De-velopment Engine and Oculus Rift headset, it puts maintainers in a 3-D world.

The courseware, with high-fidelity graphics, video, animations and interactive simulations, can train RPA crew in comparatively

Julia Baldwin


short periods, Baldwin said. PTT is also expected to further shorten training times and reduce requirements for instructors and live flights for break-in training.

modular arCHiteCture

The last two years have seen an explosion of offerings in civilian and military UAS markets, noted Eric Simon, head of innovation mod-eling and simulation at Presagis. But, he added, the exponential number of combinations of different UAS flight platforms and sensor packages often makes it challenging for UAS opera-tors to understand the best cost-per-formance solution for each mission.

So Presagis has been improving its own UAS capabilities. The firm does UAS research and performance analy-sis and also trains in tasks, missions and operation of UASs. Its UAS capa-bilities use a wide range of simulation tools to support applications over the entire UAS life cycle.

Presagis offers a complete and modular simulation architecture. Within this architecture are applications for specific UAS training challenges. For example, the FlightSIM and HeliSIM products handle flight platform dynamics, while its VegaPrime-IR/NVG and Presagis Radar simulate sensor packages. Presagis VAPS-XT works with UAS ground control stations and includes a path to certification under the FAA’s standard for safety in airborne software. For synthetic threats and natural environment, there is Presagis Stage, and Presagis Ter-raVista and Creator handle synthetic terrain and 3-D models.

Presagis software can simulate any configuration of either fixed- or rotary-wing UASs, Simon explained. Simulations include the ef-fects of any payload that affects the UAS’s mass, lift, drag, moment of inertia and center of gravity.

The company has already implemented Presagis models for the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, IAI’s Eitan, or Heron TP, the MQ-8 Fire Scout and many others. “Our technical services can support any specific imple-mentation effort required,” Simon said

Most recently, Presagis has been working on support for quad-copters and octocopters. It is developing a sample application for a generic ground control station, launching a new high-fidelity radar simulator and furthering its FAA certification tools.

“Future development efforts will focus on flight path planning, mapping, visualization, analysis and interpretation of UAV sensor data on 3-D terrain,” he predicted.

A significant advantage of simulating UAS missions prior to actual sorties is that it enables pilot and sensor operator to improve coordi-nation between platform dynamics and sensor performance. They can thus execute an optimal mission in one pass with the best range and angle for the sensors to capture information, thus minimizing mis-sion risks and costs.

immerSive environmentS

L-3 Link offers training and simulation solutions with fidelity matching the operation of vehicles and payloads in specific environ-ments. Its immersive environments simulate thousands of lifeforms and vehicles, all integrated with artificial intelligence.

L-3 Link’s simulated sensors have the same capabilities, limi-tations and effects present in actual operations, including fac-tors affecting data link and responses crews will see under varying conditions. “The goal is to realistically train for all missions with zero flight time in actual aircraft,” said Jeff Schram, director of business development.

L-3 Link makes the software and part of the hardware for the Air Force Predator Mission Aircrew Training System (PMATS). The system trains three crew members—pilot, sensor operator and an-other crewmember who can review images. PMATS simulates RQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper operation.

The company initially delivered 26 PMATS units, used at Hollo-man AFB, N.M., Creech AFB, Nev., March Air Reserve Base, Calif., various Air National Guard units and by U.S. Special Operations Com-mand. The Air Force is considering deploying another 50 PMATSs.

PMATS is used for both a lengthy initial training course and for recurrent training. L-3 Link keeps PMATS concurrent with many updates in payload and capabilities for each platform, and the com-pany plans this year to field a number of concurrency updates.

L-3 Link is also intent on keeping PMATS an immersive training environment difficult to distinguish from actual flight. “Integration with the entire battlespace will be the norm for training,” Schram said, adding that concurrency updates come as frequently as every six months.

These upgrades may be for weapons or sensors, for example to provide higher-definition video or better handling of degradation

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eric Simon

[email protected]


by weather. Operators will be able to train on both current RPA pro-grams as well as those about to be introduced. They will thus be fully prepared when new systems are installed on platforms.

L-3 Link also won a contract from General Atomics for eight appended Blue Box HD Block 30 training units for integration on Predator and Reaper ground control stations. The units will run the same software as PMATS. When crews are unable to fly real RPAs due to adverse weather, they can refresh their skills on a system connect-ed to an operational ground control station. The Air Force currently conducts more than half of Predator and Reaper training through simulation, and L-3 Link systems are capable of even more train-ing. Appended Blue Box systems enable crews to train in deployment without traveling to training facilities, and are also low-cost and easy to maintain.

Indeed, simulation is getting so close to real RPA flying that the Air Force would like to do all training on simulators, Schram said. But it still needs to do live training for other parts of the RPA system, for instance physically launching and re-covering aircraft, to exercise all per-sonnel and equipment.

L-3 Link would like to exploit its experience with PMATS for new customers and other UASs. Schram noted that non-recurring engineer-ing work has been done, so L-3 could save time and money in simulating other UASs. The company is also interested in the international mar-ket for UASs, which the Obama ad-ministration opened a bit for more exports in early 2015. “There is a big hunger out there for these.”

SeriouS gaming

Crew Training International (CTI) creates courseware and does in-struction on the Predator and Reaper at the Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nev. The school trains tactical ex-perts and leaders of airmen skilled in integrated battlespace dominance across land, air, space and cyber do-mains, according to Matthew Black, CTI senior vice president, business development. Nellis has trained Pred-ator and Reaper weapons instructors since 2008.

CTI also creates courseware and conducts crew resource management (CRM) training for Predator and Reaper crews from Creech, Holloman and March, as well as Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, N.Y.

Using more than 20 years of expertise in courseware develop-ment, CTI is currently building an interactive serious game to train RPA pilots. This game will save time by supplementing training completed in the simulators.

“All students will be able to access our serious game program with their computers, allowing them to go through the game out-side of normal classroom and training hours,” Black said. “It will also save them time in the simulator because students gain impor-tant skills and knowledge of RPAs through CTI’s serious game.”

AEgis Technologies’ Vampire simulation software is embedded in ground control stations (GCSs) for the Raven, Wasp and Puma. “It gives operators the same touch, feel and interface they will get on the real system because it is the real system,” stressed Del Beilstein, vice president of business development. Putting the software on GCSs lessens the load of deploying troops, while still allowing them to train anywhere.

The tool is integrated with FalconView mission-planning soft-ware for small UASs. Vampire includes geo-specific terrain, moving 3-D models, simulated weather, atmospheric and time-of-day effects, plus realistic tactical scenarios. It is the only simulation software for the three small UASs, with 4,000 licenses issued to the Army and Marines.

The Army used to send UAS operators to train at Fort Benning, Ga. About two years ago, the Army began training instructors at Fort Benning, then sending them to the field to do initial training. So AE-gis developed Vampire Institutional Training System (ITS), a class-room version of Vampire. Instructors can control simulations on each GCS, see how students react to emergency conditions and grade the students. The ITS version allows one instructor to teach 10 teams of 20 students, with two on each GCS. AEgis has fielded 34 Vampire ITS systems.

Another innovation is the Vampire Bidirectional Advanced Trainer (BAT). The Army’s One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) is a Toughbook computer that has allowed non-UAS soldiers to pull down sensor images from UASs. The service is now moving to a bidirection-al OSRVT that allows non-UAS soldiers to also take control of UAS payloads. There are now 400 Vampire BATs training them in how to do it.

In a few months, Vampire will support a new UAS—the Shrike, a vertical takeoff and landing rotorcraft made by AeroVironment. O

For more information, contact MT2 Editor Hank Donnelly at [email protected] or search our online archives

for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.

Del Beilstein

[email protected]

Matthew Black

[email protected]

A pilot and sensor operator train on L-3 Link’s Predator Mission Aircrew Training System. [Photo courtesy of L-3 Link]

Jeff Schram

[email protected]


As night vision goggles (NVG) become more common and vital to military opera-tions, from ground combat to night flights by helicopters and other aircraft, industry is stepping forward with a variety of training solutions for ensuring that users take advantage of the benefits and avoid the risks of the technology.

The green imagery of light-amplifying NVGs has become familiar to movie and television viewers, and their functionality has be-come commonplace for thousands of military, law enforcement and emergency personnel. The training offered by a number of com-panies for NVG in ground operations can generally be completed in about a day of hands-on practice.

In aviation, however, where NVGs of-fer not only major benefits in safety and operational effectiveness, but also signifi-cant challenges that need to be dealt with in training. This is particularly true for military pilots of helicopters and other air-craft, who must cope with security restric-tions—lighting, for example—as well as the unique characteristics of NVGs.

“Most NVGs restrict the field of view of the aircrew, reduce or eliminate 3-D depth perception, generate halos and blooming effects around reddish light sources, and impact the crew’s ability to view aircraft

avionics displays. Each of these constraints on their own could significantly impact both the safety and mission readiness of the crew,” noted Phil Perey, senior direc-

tor, strategy and business development for CAE.

“The goals of NVG train-ing are to expose new air-crews to these constraints and instill proper opera-tional behaviors during NVG operations,” Perey contin-ued. “For example, crews are trained to use a regular head scanning pattern to circum-vent the limited field of view of the NVG goggles. They are

also exposed to environmental conditions that cause depth miscues, such as distant red lights as well as scene blackout effects caused by strong moon shadows.”

“Although most of the emphasis is on what NVGs can do, little is said about what NVGs cannot do. NVGs are great tools and certainly extend the aircrew’s capability, but there are several imitations that are not readily apparent,” said Dick Leland, president of the National AeroSpace Train-ing and Research Center, which is operated by Environmental Tectonics Corp. (ETC).

For example, “NVGs do not provide an easily discernible cue if the pilot is fly-ing into severe weather unless lightning is present. Severe weather is often only cued by an increase in scintillation in the NVG image. There is also a significant

amount of image interpretation needed when using NVGs, since inland bodies of water may appear as depressions, power lines do not show up well, and shadows show up as voids,” Leland explained.

Managing the interface between NVGs and other life support equipment is some-thing that must be carefully considered and taught, as are such human factor issues as the weight of the goggles on the helmet, he said. “Additionally, since peripheral or ambient visual cues are very important in maintaining spatial orientation, spatial dis-orientation is a significant human factor issue, particularly in aerodynamically agile aircraft such as helicopters and fighters.

“An effective training program must address these issues, and trainees must re-ceive comprehensive training including ac-ademic instruction followed by interactive training using their actual NVGs prior to engaging in flight operations with NVGs,” Leland added.

inStruCtional teCHnologieS

As in many other fields, NVG training choices are split between hands-on experi-ence and simulated—or, in this case, also stimulated—instructional technologies.

Real-life instruction is a training focus for Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU), a night vision specialist that offers equip-ment, service, training and the cockpit modifications needed to accommodate goggle use.

goggleS offer BotH BenefitS and SignifiCant CHallengeS tHat need to Be dealt witH in training. By HarriSon donnelly, mt2 editor

phil perey

[email protected]

MT2 20.2 | 9 www.MT2-kmi.com

“We don’t use a simulator. We have looked at them and know that the Air Force and others use them. But we don’t see a value. I’ve used simulators, and we don’t think there is a value based on the cost of the simulation or stimula-tion, and the additional time requirements, and the gain is very little,” said Kim Harris, ASU director of operations.

“We do a one-day aca-demics course for initial qualification and then begin flying the next night. Most of the training occurs in the customer’s aircraft and location. We travel to wher-ever they are and provide the training in their environment,” Harris said. “Simulation has a value, but it’s not as good as what we see in real life. They just don’t have a grasp on the simulation. There are various technical issues with the projectors that they are battling with. It’s solvable but expensive to get there.”

The company emphasizes effective use of aircraft lighting, such as searchlights and landing lights. “In the civilian world, we’re not worried about people shooting at us, so we use searchlights and landing lights to great effect, which is contrary to military guidance. When you’re flying for the mili-tary, lights just make you a target,” he said.

“Even with the military operations, though, there are a lot of times when skilled use of aircraft lighting, whether visible or infrared, can make a dramatic difference in how well we can see and locate obstacles in difficult environments. It’s not intuitive how you use it because the way we use aircraft lighting with NVGs is significantly different than how we do it unaided. If you turn the light on and try to use goggles, it will cause the goggles to gain down and degrade the image. So you really have to know what you are doing with it,” Harris continued.

CAE, meanwhile, focuses on simulated systems that are fully integrated into the cockpit training environment, which Perey explained “enables the crews to train all phases of the NVG mission, including tran-sition into and out of NVG use, crew and avionics interactions, and realistic scene ap-pearance under varying weather and light-ing conditions.”

The company provides flight simula-tors with full NVG training capability, which

can meet helicopter and fixed-wing aircrew training requirements, and can be deliv-ered in both full-flight simulators and flight training devices.

Providing support for NVG training re-quires a system-design ap-proach touching the cockpit, visual system and instruc-tor operator system, Perey noted. “First, the cockpit in-struments and panels must be NVG compatible. This is accomplished through use of original aircraft equipment designed for NVG, or simu-lated equipment fitted with appropriate filters.

“Second, our CAE Medal-lion-6000 visual system includes modeling capabilities to distinguish between the ap-pearance of objects in visible light (without NVG) and the near-infrared range to which NVGs are more sensitive, and real-time shadow generation reflecting the moon phase and position,” he continued. “Both of these features optimize the training that can be provided. The visual system hardware, and particularly the projectors, are selected and configured to provide the dark scenes necessary for NVG operation.”

Recent innovations include the CAE Medallion-6000 image generator’s real-time shadow simulation, which enables pilots to experience the change in appearance of a particular terrain area as a function of the position of the moon. In addition, selective filters have been added to the display system projectors to enhance the black level and improve the fidelity of the NVG appearance.

Simulation/Stimulation

ETC provides classroom NVG train-ing that includes academic instruction and hands-on learning, as well as simulators that offer NVG compatibility.

“A hallmark of ETC’s simulators is the ETC profile editors, which allow users to use ETC-supplied training profiles or to create, store and run new training profiles. This ca-pability allows the simulators to keep pace with changing training needs. It also allows for mishap investigation and training of les-sons learned. Profiles can be automated or instructor- led,” Leland said.

Since ETC’s simulators support spa-tial disorientation training and have a full

meteorology menu, virtually any NVG flight situation can be presented to the trainee, he noted. The Authentic Flight Simulator-400 also allows trainees to practice NVG opera-tions in a realistic sustained G environment that very closely replicates what they will experience in the aircraft.

“With ETC’s level of simulation fidelity, the trainee takes away a full appreciation of what the NVGs can do, what they cannot do and how to use the NVGs effectively and safely in both normal and emergency flight situations. The trainees’ risk-management skills are made significantly more robust as a result of the training,” he said.

Another important distinction in NVG training is between stimulation and simula-tion programs.

“Stimulation involves creating an envi-ronment that accurately replicates the real world where the actual NVGs can be used, while simulation usually involves simulat-ing the NVGs using cathode ray tubes,” Le-land explained.

“For training fidelity, stimulation is su-perior,” he contended. “In stimulation, the trainees use their actual NVGs. They learn firsthand the value of proper preflight, fit-ting and focusing. They also learn firsthand how the actual NVGs operate in the opera-tional environment and therefore under-stand and appreciate all of the nuances of NVG use.”

Display and integration technologies can also be critical in this area. With its unique systems integration technologies such as Christie AutoCal, ArrayLOC, Accu-Frame and Twist, for example, Christie can address key criteria in simulated environ-ment design such as automatic calibration, geometric accuracy, image blending and warping, resolution, color and brightness uniformity, latency, smear reduction, and overall reliability and sustainability, accord-ing to Curtis Lingard, technical product manager.

“With their unique dual-input architec-ture and using Christie InfraScene, Matrix Series projectors use separate channels for visible light and near-infrared spectrum for a more realistic NVG training experience,” he said. O

For more information, contact MT2 Editor Hank Donnelly at [email protected] or search our online archives for related stories at www.mt2-kmi.com.

Kim Harris

[email protected]



SPotlight on medical Simulation

Q: How would you describe the mission and current deployment of the Medical Simulation Training Center (MSTC), and what is your role in overseeing the program?

A: The MSTC mission is to save lives by supporting unit medical readiness requirements. It provides commanders a turnkey approach to sustain and validate combat medic (68W) emergency medical technician (EMT) recertification requirements and facilitate com-bat lifesaver (CLS) training to non-medical soldiers. The system provides instructor/operators, often augmented by local medical as-sets, to teach Army Medical Department Center and School-approved (AMEDDC&S) performance-oriented training curricula to soldiers from the active, reserve and National Guard components. Its suite of integrated specially selected training devices, environmental simula-tion capability and computer-based training and validation tools cre-ate the foundation to optimally create and sustain combat casualty care skills necessary for warrior survivability.

By allowing instructors to recreate the sights, sounds and situ-ations of combat environments, medics and non-medical personnel can rehearse lifesaving interventions that keep our soldiers, sailors and Marines alive on the battlefield. There are currently 21 MSTCs located in the United States, Europe and Korea. PM MedSim is re-sponsible for managing the life cycle of the MSTC program of record and, in collaboration with the AMEDDC&S, continuously assesses emerging technologies.

Q: What are you doing to expand the impact and bring the benefits of the approach taken by the MSTCs to other areas?

A: Sustaining combat medic proficiency through a centralized ap-proach has become a cornerstone of maintaining unit medical readi-ness. One example is the Transport Medical Treatment Laboratory (TMTL). The TMTL, a simulation system developed to improve Army flight paramedic skills, immerses students in stressful environments that include a realistic UH-60 cabin while caring for critically injured patients simulated with high-fidelity human patient simulators.

Q: What are some of the key technologies used at MSTCs, and what are the promising new technologies on the horizon?

A: Short of actually treating combat casualties, treating a simulat-ed patient is the only way to prepare Army combat medics and sol-diers to perform urgent lifesaving procedures necessitated by com-bat trauma. The current MSTC system utilizes high-fidelity patient

simulators to provide accurate clinical simulation (simulating a patient) and enhanced environments to provide tactical simulation (simulating the environment in which a patient and care provider in-teract). In combat trauma training, it is critically important that pa-tient simulators provide real-time physiologically accurate responses and look, act and feel realistic to the senses. This realism helps inocu-late the trainee to the shock of seeing serious injury and affects how certain procedures are performed. There continues to be significant advances in realistic-looking synthetic materials that accurately rep-licate skin, blood, bone and organ density.

Q: Your office recently asked industry for information on medical multi-task and part-task trainers. What role do you see for these types of systems?

A: One of PM MedSim’s roles is to develop synergy within the or-ganization to optimize the procurement of medical simulators. It is critical that we are capable of providing the best simulation capability to meet user needs and remain abreast of technological advances that influence technology refreshment programs. Part-task and multi-task medical trainers are at the foundation of quality clinical simula-tion. Patient simulation technology has become an integral part in educating health care providers at all levels. Deliberate rehearsals in a risk-free environment, whether in a hospital or an austere loca-tion, allow providers to hone their proficiency and decision-making in complex emergency interventions. Our goal is to understand the capabilities of industry as we seek to meet user needs. Industry gives us the pulse on current and future medical simulation technology and capabilities.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?

A: PM MedSim is dedicated to providing solutions that improve the training and sustainment of Army health care providers while reduc-ing total ownership cost. Through an interagency agreement with the Veterans Hospital Administration (VHA), PM MedSim is able to leverage VHA medical modeling and simulation advancements for Department of Defense providers throughout the Military Health System. We have also recently added Lieutenant Colonel Dan Irizarry, M.D., to our staff. Dr. Irizarry is a board-certified family physician with experience in both combat and clinic based medicine. His role is to provide advice and assistance in synergizing acquisition with clinical imperatives to field solutions best fulfill requirements, and ultimately, save lives and improve health care. O

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher M. Todd, Army product manager for medical simulation (PM MedSim) within the Program Executive Office Simulation, Train-ing & Instrumentation (PEO STRI), recently gave Military Training Technology readers an update on his organization’s work.

reHearSing lifeSaving interventionS tHat keep warfigHterS alive on tHe Battlefield.



WWW.STRATEGIC-OPERATIONS.COM(858) 244 - 0559

Human-Centered Engineering

AptIMAMatt [email protected]

B-LIne MeDIcAL

BoHeMIA InterActIVe SIMuLAtIonS

cAe HeALtHcAre

cHI SySteMS Inc.

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cSe SoftwAre Inc.

DeDIcAteD coMputIngMike [email protected]

DefenSe LogIStIcS Support Inc.

DeSIgn InterActIVe Inc.

Medical simulation plays a critical role in maintaining operational readiness for military medics, and the developers who provide these solutions are consistently using innovative technologies to meet the needs of the military. At the same time, the military is one of the most important markets for medical simula-tion, providing much of the funding for devel-opment and offering some of the most pressing needs for it.

The medical simulation industry is a large and growing field, encompassing technologies from mannequins and simulated blood to vir-tual patient avatars. In general, the market is segmented into mannequin-based simulation, web-based simulation, simulation software and simulation training services. Growth factors in-clude the increasing focus on training of medi-cal practitioners, rising health care costs, focus on patient safety and demand for minimally invasive technologies.

Although medical simulation is becoming critical throughout the health care industry, military applications have played a large part in its success and funding. Some examples of sce-narios useful for medical applications include casualty assessment, war trauma response, emergency evacuations, training for commu-nications between teams, team/individual after action assessment and scenario recreation from recorded data.

Medical simulation of combat trauma through the use of mock injuries applied to people, dummies or fake body parts to emulate casualties provides a realistic combat environ-ment while also lessening psychological trauma experienced by former students when exposed to actual injuries.

Following is a list of the leading companies in the field.



[email protected] www.gaumard.com

Gaumard®Simulators for Health Care Education

Trauma HAL® 3040.100Rugged and Resilient Trauma Simulator

MICRO SENSOR 1.8 The Latest From Polhemus

US & Canada: 800.357.4777 | 802.655.3159 | polhemus.com/micro-sensors

• Training & Simulation—Image Guided Surgery • No Line-of-Sight Required • Track up to 16 Sensors Updating as Fast as 240 HZ • Head & Limb position and Orientation Real-Time Tracking

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DIAMonD VISIonIcS

DIScoVery MAcHIne Inc.

engIneerIng & coMputer SIMuLAtIonS

gAuMArD ScIentIfIc coMpAnyfathia [email protected]

generAL DynAMIcS InforMAtIon tecHnoLogy

HeArtwooD Inc.

Icf InternAtIonAL

IngMAr MeDIcAL

InnoVAtIon In LeArnIng

InterAct MeDIcAL

KrAtoS DefenSe & SecurIty SoLutIonS Inc.

LAerDAL MeDIcAL

LeIDoS

LocKHeeD MArtIn

MeDIcAL SIMuLAtIon corp.

MeDIcAL trAInIng conSuLtAntS

MIMIc SIMuLAtIon

MyMIc LLc

nASco

ngrAIn

operAtIVe experIence Inc.

orgAnIc MotIon

pocKet nurSe

pocKet nurSe

poLHeMuSJohn [email protected] www.polhemus.com/micro-sensors

SAAB

SAIc

SIMBIonIx uSA corp.

SIMetrI

SIMMerIon LLc

SIMuLAB corp.

SMootH-on Inc.

STRATEGIC PERATIONSHYPER-REALISTIC TM MEDICAL TRAINING

StrAtegIc operAtIonS Inc.Kit [email protected]

SynDAVer LABS

tecHLIne tecHnoLogIeS

VcoM3D Inc. carol [email protected]

VIrtuAL HeroeS— A DIVISIon of ArArandy [email protected] www.virtualheroes.com

VIrtuAL reALIty MeDIcAL center

Data PacKetS

AgustaWestland North America, Bristow Group, Doss Aviation and Rockwell Collins have announced that they are in discussions to develop a turnkey solution to address the rotary-wing pilot training needs of U.S. military and government customers. The solution would provide for total life cycle support and management centered on the United States-built AW119 helicopter, the best-in-class, single-engine aircraft that is a versa-tile platform for pilot training. The services-based support solution would include provision of training helicopters, simulators, ground instruction, fleet management and maintenance of the aircraft.

This support model offers a distinct advantage to military and govern-ment customers in that they no longer have to incur the significant costs associated with acquiring this new technology fleet, nor the infrastructure to support it.

“This solution will lift the financial burden of buying and ease the burden of supporting commercial aircraft for government and mili-tary customers with pilot training needs,” said Robert LaBelle, CEO of AgustaWestland North America. “It will allow them to focus their vital

resources on core military missions instead of investing unnecessarily to recapitalize a total end-to-end pilot training system. With the contribu-tion of other consortium partners, this solution will also capitalize on AgustaWestland’s experience in delivering turnkey support and training solutions on a global basis in both the commercial and government markets.”

The four companies developing the solution are leaders in their respective industries with extensive experience in pilot training, fleet management, operations and maintenance. AgustaWestland is one of the world’s most innovative manufacturers of rotary-wing aircraft, training and support solutions. Bristow Group is a global leader in fleet operations, maintenance and pilot training, including the world-renowned Bristow Academy. Doss Aviation provides fixed- and rotary-wing pilot and flight training for the U.S. Army and Air Force, while Rockwell Collins is a global supplier of avionics equipment, flight simulation systems and services.

The AW119 is a modern helicopter built and assembled at AgustaWestland’s U.S. facility in Philadelphia, Pa.

Sundog Software has released version 4 of its SilverLining Sky, 3-D Cloud and Weather SDK for simulation and game developers. The update offers a new representation of stratus and overcast cloud layers with 3-D depth, and a physically rigorous simulation of how light scatters within thick clouds.

“SilverLining 4’s new stratus clouds are so realistic you’ll even see effects like fogbows, glories and anti-solar points on them, and it just falls naturally out of the math behind it all,” said Frank Kane, founder of Sundog Software. “The stratus clouds also have a new level of 3-D detail that makes them seem even more real, and that’s especially important in today’s virtual reality applications.”

SilverLining 4 achieves these effects by rigorously simulating the scat-tering of light within clouds using the best model available: Mie scattering, which is simulated down to 0.1 degree resolution at multiple wavelengths. By taking advantage of the capabilities of modern graphics cards, this level of detail can be applied to cloud layers 200 kilometers across, while still running at hundreds of frames per second.

“It’s all about creating immersive virtual environments,” Kane said. “In an outdoor scene, an overcast sky might make up half of the image. If it doesn’t look real, your brain will pick up on that. We especially don’t want that to happen in flight training and simulation, where the reduced visibility associated with these clouds is a big deal.”

Frank Kane;[email protected]

Cloud Simulations Enhance Training Realism The Center for Surface

Combat Systems (CSCS), working with Surface Training Systems Program Office at the Naval Sea Systems Command and Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, is completing the development and installation of a training simulator funded by Surface Warfare Resource Sponsor to improve shipboard navigation system maintenance training.

The need for a new training approach was driven by navigation mishap investigation reports and combat missions requiring precise navigation data. This new integrated navigation training solution teaches electronics technicians the interrelationships of shipboard navigation architecture and its importance in effective weapon system employment.

Navigation systems in Navy surface ships are made up of various components that obtain or distribute navigation data throughout the ship to multiple ship systems. But current training methodology approaches each system individually and does not present the technicians with an opportunity to train in a system of systems environment.

“In order to overcome the training gap, a Navigation System Maintenance Trainer (NSMT) is being installed at CSCS Unit Dam Neck that will feature a training system composed of simulation devices and technical training equipment,” said Captain Len Remias, CSCS Unit Dam Neck commanding officer. “The NSMT will permit electronics technicians to receive hands on training in preventive and corrective maintenance troubleshooting procedures. In addition, the NSMT will train students on all the components of the complex navigation system network.”

Simulator Improves Navigation Maintenance Training

Alliance to Develop Rotary-Wing Training Solution


Compiled by KMI Media Group staff

Christie, a provider of digital projec-tion solutions, has announced its laser projection system platform and products. Anchored by the Christie Freedom laser illumination system, the Christie Solaria CP42LH (Cinema), Christie D4K60LH (ProVenue) and Christie Mirage 4KLH (Immersive Environments) models are now available for widespread adoption, having been field-proven with key Christie customers in 2014/2015 in both publicly announced and non-disclosed installations.

“By providing from 5,000 to 60,000 lumen brightness, 4K resolution and on up to the Rec. 2020 color space for the best color reproduction in the industry,

Christie’s RGB laser systems are setting new standards for incredible bright-ness, wider color gamut and astounding contrast,” said Don Shaw, senior director, product management, Christie. “With this announcement, Christie redefines what the world’s best shared experiences are capable of by increasing performance and capabilities across multiple applications and markets.”

The Christie laser projection system used in all models is based on a scal-able laser light source with a choice of projection heads and a fiber cable that connects the laser light source with the projection head. The complete laser

projection system is engineered to produce high brightness levels and exceptional color utilizing a high-bit-depth 4K resolu-tion imaging engine.

The Christie Freedom laser illumina-tion system’s modularity allows for 5000 lumen increments (‘steps of light’) output per module in a rack-mounted array of modules. The Laser Module consists of multiple RGB lasers, a cooling system and a fiber connection, which allows each module to be self-contained, thus providing modular redundancy to the Christie Freedom laser illumination system.

Mike Garrido;[email protected]

TerraSim, a Bohemia Interactive Simulations company, recently showcased new product innovations that included MaterialMAP 1.2, the upcoming release of image classification soft-ware that generates, attributes and exports surface material maps for use in a variety of modeling and simulation runtimes, such as VBS2/3, Steel Beasts Pro, OneSAF OTF, JCATS and JSAF CTDB. These surface material maps are used to determine entity mobility and routing, visual effects and sensor simulation, all of which produce higher-fidelity environments for more accurate training.

Key new features within MaterialMAP 1.2 include faster image processing and classification; new reassignment tools to redefine classified pixels to other surface types; vector import support to supplement image classification and pixel reassign-ment; aggregation support for VBS3 extended surfaces; and a new defined class for storing vector polygons to preset pixel colors.

TerraSim will also be demonstrating new functionality planned for TerraTools 5.1, the next version of the company’s flagship terrain generation software. Notable features include new and continued support of the latest runtime updates across constructive, visual and serious simulation; importation of geospatial data and model content from the CDB terrain format; and file and personal geodatabase import improvements.

Spencer Huff;[email protected]

Image Software Produces High-Fidelity EnvironmentsUnder a contract with the

Navy, Charles River Analytics, a developer of intelligent systems solutions, will improve sonar training for the Navy. The system for Sonar Training, Motivation, Assessment, Tailoring and Enhanced Remediation (ST-MASTER) aims to improve sonar training and operation on ships conducting anti-submarine warfare (ASW).

ASW is a vital strategic concern to the Navy since hostile submarines can pose serious threats to naval forces and seaborne lines of communication. “For ASW-capable surface ships, reaching and maintaining ASW proficiency is compli-cated by the lack of opportunities to interact with submarine targets,” explained Navy Captain Wayne Thornton (Ret.), principal investigator on ST-MASTER at Charles River.

To address this issue, the Navy has developed Surface ASW Synthetic Trainer (SAST), a system for conducting high-fidelity synthetic training to improve the sonar proficiency of ASW-capable surface ships. The Navy seeks to improve the ability of commanders to assess the sonar readiness of their units, as well as providing for sonar operators and teams being able to assess themselves.

“We are developing and evaluating ST-MASTER to work with the Navy’s SAST to improve sonar training and provide timely, detailed feedback on sonar profi-ciency,” continued Thornton. “It will incorporate motivation models, assess users’ motivation levels and provide tailored feedback enhanced by immersive learning simulation features.”

ST-MASTER includes a number of innovative features to improve individual and team motivation and learning, such as motivation models that harness both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. It also takes a novel approach to tailor training and feedback for individuals and teams by using intelligent agents to modify training scenarios and customize rewards to achieve proficiency goals and dynamically maintain motivation.

Navy Seeks Improved Sonar Training

Laser Projection System Boosts Brightness, Contrast


Rear Admiral Michael S. White became the 18th commander of the Naval Education and Training Command on January 24, 2014.

His career as a naval aviator includes assignments with Attack Squadron (VA) 72, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Strike Fighter Squad-ron (VFA) 22, executive and commanding officer of VFA-137, air operations officer for Carrier Group One, and deputy commander and commander, CVW-5.

White’s assignments to shore and staff billets include Naval Strike Warfare Center, Bureau of Naval Personnel, VFA-125, direc-tor of the commander’s action group at U.S. Northern Command, director of Aviation Career Management Division (PERS 43) at Navy Personnel Command, the chief operating officer for Naval Education and Training Command and assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4).

White also served as commander, Carrier Strike Group 11 (Nimitz Strike Group) completing a deployment that included exercises in the 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas. He has flown more than 3,800 flight hours and made more than 1,000 carrier-arrested landings.

He is a 1983 graduate of the University of Colorado and earned a Master of Arts degree from Webster University in 2005.

White was interviewed by MT2 Editor Harrison Donnelly.

Q. In your first year as commander of NETC, what have been your greatest challenges and achievements?

A: My big challenge coming here was in understanding the mag-nitude of the training domain. On any given day, 30,000 or more sailors are in training at some location around the world. Because of that magnitude, we have tremendous leaders who ensure that production continues and that training is effective and efficient. They are overseeing the IT systems, labs and classrooms that go into training, making good decisions and balancing priorities. So I have the privilege of watching them operate. Any organization this large brings with it the constant set of balancing priorities, when we want to put more sailors of a certain type through, for example, and how we repurpose our training to flex with the needs of the fleet.

On the positive side, it’s been inspirational when I go out and visit our centers, and get to meet young men and women who have chosen to serve their country in a tumultuous time. It’s great to see their dedication and desire to serve and contribute. That is the highlight of what I do.

Q: What are some of the key programs or initiatives you plan on implementing in 2015?

A: You may have seen Vice Admiral Bill Moran, chief of naval per-sonnel, talk about how we must adapt our training system, which has evolved over time but is still very much a rote system where ev-eryone goes through the same classes at the same time, into some-thing that is tailored to the individual, and that the sailor of 2025 would be more accustomed to. We have a lot of technology that is already developed and more that is emerging, which, for example, enables us to take a reconfigurable flat screen and display on it the exact type of engine that a sailor might work on. Rather than having one training device that everyone used going through their primary school, we will be able to get them hands-on experience on a basic device, and then show exactly what they are going to see when they report to their unit. We’re starting to bring those reconfigurable trainers online now, which is one of the most exciting things we are doing. It enhances the realism of what sailors will see and better prepares them for what they are going to do. It resonates with this generation of learners.

Another exciting area is what we are calling “eSailor,” which we are going to pilot in a few weeks by handing out tablet devices to our newest recruits. On the devices, we will have various publications, such as the Bluejackets Manual, and will also experiment with se-rious games—gaming technology designed to help people learn.

Rear Admiral Michael S. WhiteCommander

Naval Education and Training Command


Skill BuilderTraining that Resonates with a New Generation

Q&AQ&A

They will also have other tools that we haven’t had be-fore. We will see how this resonates with this group of sailors, and how we can apply our investment to make that a bigger project, and truly put a device into the hands of sailors that enhances their performance and learning all the way through their training.

Q: What changes would you like to see in the Navy’s A schools? If you break the “one school, one time” model for basic training, as you have suggested, what do you replace it with?

A: We will always have an obligation to teach some fundamental skills to new sailors, such as safety and life-protective equipment. We need to emphasize pro-cedural compliance and checklists, and in many cases teach basic tools skills if they don’t have that experi-ence. There is a place in the A schools to deliver all of these safety, procedure and compliance skills, as well as the theory behind it. If you are going to be an electri-cian’s mate, you need to understand the basic theory of electricity. I believe that this requirement will continue to exist as our starting point. But what I would like to see in the future is that we deliver these basics to sailors at the start of their careers, and give them the skills they need to operate for the first 18 to 24 months on their ship, squadron or submarine. Then we bring them back, and now that they have had some hands-on experience and have spent time holding a checklist in their hand, we can take them to an advanced level much more quickly using some of the technol-ogy we talked about, but also capitalizing on the experience they have to accelerate that part of their learning. Rather than teach ev-erything up front, let’s give them a basic set of skills to get started, and then after they have had their hands on the equipment for a bit, pull them back and help them understand on a deeper level. That’s where I’d like to take our A schools, and beyond them create a continuum of learning across a career. In that continuum, we need refresher training as well. For example, you may be a machin-ist’s mate who spent three years as a recruiter. When it is time for you to return to sea, you may not have touched an engine for three years, and things may have changed. So we owe it to you to provide refresher training so you are ready for that assignment.

Q: What are your plans for bringing more advanced training to the forward-deployed sailor?

A: In the near term, one plan is to use “flat-panel simulation,” for-mally known as the Multipurpose Reconfigurable Training System. It’s a flat-panel screen that we can display anything on. It’s not just a touchscreen, but [it] also has some tactile motions, such as the turning motion of a wrench. The bottom line is that instead of hav-ing to build a large training device and place it in a building in an overseas location, now we have screens that we can put in virtually any classroom, and update or load them with the equipment the sailors there are working on, and allow them to get upgrades in training right where they live and work. That’s for the near term—to keep moving this type of technology out to classrooms all over the world, and then leverage what it can do for us. In the longer term, we’re starting to experiment with virtual worlds. In virtual worlds, you are at a computer terminal, and it appears as if you

are in a classroom, with an avatar for the instructor. We can use blackboard and smartboard programs so that a subject-matter ex-pert, perhaps sitting at the Aegis Training and Readiness Center in Dahlgren, Va., could teach a class to someone in Spain. I think that technology has yet to mature to the level we want, but we are ex-perimenting and prototyping it now.

Q: How are you working with the fleet to better enable readiness?

A: Our goal is to make sure that as soon as a sailor walks across the brow of the ship he has been assigned to, we have imparted as much knowledge as we can upon him. The place I think I can help in the readiness equation is to get training that is very specific to a unit a sailor will go to, whether at the accession level or later in a career, so that when they walk aboard, they know the exact type of radar or software that they are going to use, which they have been able to get trained on through simulation. I believe this will produce sailors who are better prepared to fulfill their billet the moment they walk aboard their unit, and lead to better readiness.

Q: How do you get the latest information on what equipment and systems they are using and how things have changed?

A: In the formal sense, we have human performance requirements reviews. We bring in sailors and learning experts who review the material for a certain rating, and decide if it is still relevant or needs to be updated. That happens every two to three years for every rat-ing, and that is how we keep our basic courseware up to speed. We also try to distribute training effectiveness surveys. Most of our learning centers are in three concentration areas, so we can get a pretty good amount of feedback from instructors and fleet leaders. But we probably have some work to do to formalize that process, and I think we’ll have to do that when we move to this continuum of learning.

Q: What benefits do you see from adoption of virtualized classroom instruction, and how do they compare with more traditional teleconference instruction?

A student at Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal School tapes a fuse prior to removal during a training scenario in the Tools and Methods division. The school provides high-risk, specialized, basic and advanced EOD training to more than 2,200 U.S. and partner nation military and selected U.S. government personnel each year. [Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy/by Ensign Elizabeth Allen/Released]


A: We’ve just done a small pilot using virtual world technology. What separated this from a standard teleconference was the fact that we could link the sailor to training equipment. We conducted the pilot with sonar men who were at computer terminals. They would interact with a training sonar system in a separate location, and the instructor was able to monitor what the student was doing. Instead of just a one-way delivery, like a teleconference would of-fer, we now had an instructor watching students manipulate their console and providing feedback as if they were standing over their shoulders. That is an exciting way to deliver remote training, but much more technologically challenging than a teleconference. We started the pilot with initial A school students, taught them using the virtual classroom and then compared their exam scores with those of students who were taught in the traditional way. In our first run, the scores were nearly identical, so we determined we didn’t lose anything going this way. But we did learn much about how to deliver instruction and how instructors need to understand the virtual world. So we’re looking forward to continuing to re-search and develop this technology and experiment with it. The vision is that one day if a ship home ported in Singapore needed some upgrade training, we could deliver it to them without flying a group of instructors there. We’ll get there, although it may take a few years.

Q: What do you see as the mission of the Center for Information Dominance (CID), and how are you moving to streamline training there?

A: The CID covers a lot of our ratings, from what you could call cyber-warriors to the basic information technicians who keep our networks running day to day. The exciting development we have had there is what we call digital tutoring. This is a technology that many people are probably familiar with, where a sailor is at the digital tutor console, and the curriculum they are receiving is in a constant feedback loop so that if a sailor appears to have mas-tered a topic, he moves past it quickly. But if he struggles, it is reinforced multiple times. We have done some pilot tests, and it was hard to pry the sailors off the machines at the end of the day because it was so engaging. It reached them at a curiosity level and a motivational level that made them want to learn. What the digital tutor does is get us away from having to teach every sailor at the same pace in a classroom. They work at their pace as the machine delivers it. It’s pretty exciting technology. Our first class is going to start soon, and we’ll be tracking them very closely to see how their performance is. This is another opportunity to revolutionize how we train.

Q: What new education and training technologies do you see as having the greatest potential for NETC?

A: The one that I think will really give us some leverage is the reconfigurable training system I mentioned. This allows us to say that this morning this will be a destroyer, and this afternoon it will be a cruiser. Then we will be able to give sailors an immersive expe-rience of the ship or aircraft they will go to. The second emerging area is first-person gaming. If we can model the inside of a ship and have a sailor walk through as in a first-person game, and conduct a material inspection, for example, or go through the steps for dam-age control in a very immersive way, that will be an exciting step

forward as well. The last thing applies more to our soft skills—the avatar and serious game technologies. You can use an avatar to help teach counseling skills, or even suicide prevention, such as recognizing when a peer is in distress. Some of the avatar tech-nologies coming forward are taking us out of a role-playing mode and into something that immerses the student and really brings the knowledge transfer. Serious games is another area—the idea that a sailor can play a game and walk away with some knowledge.

Q: What role does industry play in the command’s work, and how could both government and companies change in order to improve the way they do business together?

A: All of the things I’ve described to you did not come from my office, but from the smart people in industry. The things that they are presenting to us, and what we are learning from various con-ferences, have opened our minds on how we break away from the sequential group training methodology into something that is tai-lored, personable and immersive for the sailor. So we will continue to watch very closely what industry develops and figure out how to capitalize on that. What we owe industry is a better coordination of our learning requirements. If aviation needs a trainer for a plane, they will buy a single trainer, and if the surface community needs a trainer they will buy one as well. But what we have found is that there are best practices in industry that we could leverage across these community stovepipes to create a better experience for our sailors. We are trying to look at training solutions that are appli-cable across a variety of areas.

Q: As a performance-driven organization, how does the NETC measure success?

A: This is an interesting question for us. We can measure that a student, at least at the time she took the test, had absorbed the knowledge to pass it. That’s good information, but what we need to measure more effectively is how they perform on the job when they go to their first tour. We have some survey mechanisms to do that, but we have not matured to a level where we can rapidly as-similate that feedback, since it goes through a relatively long pro-cess. There are some exciting technologies out there, so that when people train on electronic devices, we can monitor more closely what they mastered quickly and what they struggled with. That will help us understand the weaknesses in our training, so that we get everyone to an appropriate level. We haven’t delved far into that, but we’re very interested in how some of these measurement techniques available with many devices can help us produce a bet-ter sailor.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to say?

A: We’re at a transitional time. The technology of learning is re-ally emerging and becoming affordable at the same time that we are having a new generation of sailors come to the Navy with dif-ferent skills. They are very adept at using their mobile devices to their advantage, which was not a skill I brought into the Navy 32 years ago! If we can leverage what they already know and build the foundational skills they will need to operate in the fleet, we can produce sailors who are better trained in a more rapid manner and motivated to do their jobs. It’s an exciting time to be here. O


With the aid of rapid technological progress in the con-sumer movie and television markets, projectors used for mili-tary training are providing the lower costs and improved re-sults needed to meet the challenge of increasing reliance on simulation systems.

Key trends in projector training for the military include reducing maintenance time and support costs of projector-based visual sys-tems; 20/20 visual acuity; reduced motion blur and improved dynamic response with greater lumen efficiency; and day, night and all-weath-er night vision goggle (NVG) simulation and sensor integration.

The needs are evident at the Coast Guard’s Aviation Training Center, which provides initial, recurrent and upgrade training for the HC-144, MH-60 and MH-65 aircraft using a blend of in-teractive courseware, lectures, simulator events and flight events.

“Many of the more challenging events are placed in the simulators to reduce the risk to students and aircraft and to provide a more realistic training environment for the students. Some of these high-risk evolutions include failures of the en-gines, flight control systems and other critical systems to the

aircraft,” said Lieutenant Commander Dave Hunter, HC-144A instructor pilot.

A primary challenge facing trainers is to affordably move more of the training out of the aircraft and into the simulated environment, noted Tom Stites, special projects manager for

JVC’s Visual Systems Division. In the past, how-ever, the resolution of available projectors and the required image generators to drive them lim-ited their ability to do this.

JVC’s primary product for the U.S. military is the DLA-SH7, a 4000 lumen, 4096x2400 (10 megapixel) projector that, over the last four years, has been widely adopted for “fast jet” training applications.

“The projector is based on JVC Kenwood’s direct-drive image light amplification (D-ILA) technology, a distinct form of liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) technology. A smaller number of our HD resolution 2K projectors are also used

for less demanding applications, often in rotorcraft simula-tors,” he said.

“Stimulated NVG training was also quite challenging. Now, that is no longer the case. The challenge now is being able to do this affordably, given the budget constraints this market

By erin flynn Jay

mt2 CorreSpondent

new SyStemS Support inCreaSed relianCe on Simulation By Cutting CoStS and offering improved viSual reSultS.

tom Stites

[email protected]


segment is laboring under. We have brought the projector side of the equation down considerably over the past four years and will con-tinue that trend even further as we progress with new technologies,” said Stites.

Until recently, all JVC projectors used a reliable, high-performance lamp-based illumination system. The alternate illumination technolo-gies did not lend themselves to their core D-ILA imaging design with-out severely limiting their brightness and contrast ratio capabilities or driving the cost to an unacceptably high level.

“We are now manufacturing our 2K projectors with our new long-life BluEscent Laser-Hybrid illumination system. This system provides illumination system lifetime of 20,000 [hours] to more than 40,000, depending on output level, without sacrificing any of the image attributes that our D-ILA technology is known for,” said Stites. “Maintenance costs for lamp changes and calibration can be substantially reduced over the lifetime of the projector. I expect to see broader adoption of BluEscent technology in our product line as we move forward.”

JVC’s path forward will address the challenge of more affordably providing solutions that bring “eye-limiting” resolution to a wider ar-ray of training devices and applications, while reducing the long-term cost of ownership. The company has started this with its e-shift tech-nologies, in both the 4K and 8K class of projectors, and will continue to push the boundaries of performance in all areas.

performanCe requirementS

Boeing provides projector-based visual systems to U.S. and foreign militaries to satisfy a broad range of aircrew training requirements. It uses training task analysis and visual system design tools to select projec-tors to satisfy the unique performance and supportabil-ity requirements of each program.

“Projector characteristics evaluated as part of each selection process include resolution, brightness, ANSI and sequential contrast, power consumption, cost of consumables, NVG stimulation characteristics and motion-base compatibility,” said Harry Streid, associ-ate technical fellow for Boeing Training Systems and Government Services. “Although there are additional features that have been designed into purpose-built simulation peculiar projectors in the past, many of these features, such as warp and blending, can now be added to the image generator by the system integrator and be performed more cost-effectively there.”

With the pace of innovation in projector technolo-gy no longer being driven by the simulation and train-ing industry, Boeing is looking more toward the digital cinema and consumer marketplace for state-of-the art products. Projector types currently being fielded by Boeing use all of the major projector technologies, in-cluding D-ILA, LCoS and DLP.

Boeing has met a number of major challenges in support of military training commands, Streid noted. “Depending upon the aircraft platform, training task set and training environment, these challenges have included high acuity (approach-ing 20/20) over a full field of view, high deployability and high sup-portability, combined with night and NVG training in addition to day/night and all weather conditions.

“One example of high acuity of view would be the Boeing Constant Resolution Visual System (CRVS), which was the first visual system installed in four-ship mission training centers around the world to support 20/40 visual acuity over the full field of view of an air superior-ity fighter cockpit,” he added.

Several hundred ultra-high-definition projectors have been deliv-ered as part of the Boeing CRVS over the last three years. The CRVS also provides high-fidelity NVG stimulation using flight hardware goggles. A high-deployability training example would be the Apache Longbow crew trainer, which provides a high-fidelity visual and sen-sor training environment in an air mobile container.

Boeing began installing LED-based projectors to replace the origi-nal CRT projectors in these devices more than four years ago and has now provided more than 200 of these solid-state, light-source projec-tors to the program.

“In considering what type of light source to use for each projector application, the type of projection screen must be considered. Front projection screens are relatively inefficient because of the large size re-quired to enclose the cockpit and allow for front projection from with-in the dome or partial dome. Such front projection displays require arc lamp illumination to meet the high lumen output requirements. Rear projection screens are much more efficient, but are more prone to speckle, especially with laser illuminated projectors,” said Streid.

Boeing has worked with the major suppliers of rear projection screens to develop screens that are less susceptible to speckle and are well-positioned to begin fielding laser illuminated projectors to satisfy full-field-of-view training applications at higher reliability and

reduced operating costs. In the future, Boeing plans to continue expanding

the types of training tasks that can be performed in the simulator by integrating projector technologies that have met the demanding reliability requirements of the commercial marketplace. “The pace of innovation in the display industry today requires the expansion of the traditional integrator’s role of simply cabling up off-the-shelf projectors. Exploiting today’s projector technology requires leveraging image generator and database capabilities,” said Streid.

“More recently, Boeing is improving the visual system dynamic response as required for the most de-manding man-in-the-loop training applications by ex-ploiting emerging 120 Hz projector update capability with a unique IG architecture,” he continued. “Going forward, particular emphasis will be placed upon inte-gration of projector based visual systems with sensors and helmet displays, especially for the wide range of vi-sual training environments encountered in nighttime tactical scenarios.”

nigHt viSion

Rockwell Collins provides several projector plat-forms to the U.S. military. “We offer our ProSim ul-tra-contrast projector, which was recently awarded

Military Training Technology’s Blue Ribbon for Innovation. ProSim was designed to meet the demands of complex military and commer-cial aviation training requirements by providing the darkest night and night vision system capabilities while still delivering full-bright-ness light points and realistic daytime scenes,” said Misty Dawson,

Harry Streid

[email protected]

Misty Dawson

[email protected]


programs manager, display and projector products with Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions.

“The projector enhances simulation using Rockwell Collins’ patented fourth panel technology to achieve an industry-leading na-tive contrast ratio without the use of a light-limiting iris or filter. In addition to our own projector series, Rockwell Collins also offers third-party commercial projectors with Rockwell Collins-designed enhancements to meet specific U.S. military requirements by incor-porating features such as control software, electronic and optical blending, and automatic alignment,” she explained.

Military forces rely heavily on enhanced vision systems such as night vision and helmet-mounted display devices, but training with these devices presents a challenge in simulation when try-ing to replicate the real world in an out-the-window display. Since the transition from CRT-based calligraphic projectors to fixed ma-trix displays such as LCoS, LCD and DLP, replicating a true night scene has required technology enhancements, as these architectures inherently allow residual levels of brightness that prevent a true black image.

Rockwell Collins has addressed the black level issue with a pat-ented technology utilized in the ProSim projector. It radically im-proves the dark level of fixed matrix displays without reliance on filters or irises that compromise the peak whites needed to recreate a realistic scene usable for training.

“This allows us to project a true night sky, greater scene content such as cultural lighting and landing lights, and effects like flares and explosions. In addition, this technology eliminates the need for optical masks typically placed in front of a projector to create good blending at various times of day and night. Because our projectors are purpose-built with simulation in mind, our technology enables simulation and training content without compromises such as opti-cal blend masks or irises,” said Dawson.

The projection device cannot be assessed independent of the vi-sual system, as there are challenges that require high levels of inte-gration between the projector and the rest of the display to create an enabling solution to overall training requirements. “Projectors are typically used in multichannel environments to create a truly immersive reality. One challenge is how to combine those devices into a system that presents multiple projectors as a single seam-

less image,” said Dawson. “Our Griffin rear-projected dome offers a seamless 25-channel solution that utilizes Rockwell Collins’ auto-alignment to align the geometry, tune luminance, chromaticity, gamma, and edge-blends automatically.”

Another challenge at the display system level is that the coat-ing selection of a projection screen, lens choices and incident angles of projected light can radically impact the resulting brightness and contrast a pilot perceives from the eyepoint. Rockwell Collins ad-dresses this issue by taking an integrated systems engineering ap-proach to address all training requirements and ensure that the dis-play system meets the training needs of the military.

The company’s current offerings include mature lamp-based technology that offers much higher brightness than legacy CRT-based lighting and current LED technology. The higher brightness projector platforms enable them to utilize more robust screen coat-ing approaches, which create a higher-contrast scene than would be available with a lower light output projector.

High-contrast systems make it easier to resolve details in im-agery and provide a better training experience than low-con-trast systems. Contrast affects the perceived resolution and low- contrast images look washed out. For NVG stimulation, a good ratio of infrared to visible emission is needed to properly stimulate night vision systems.

“Projector-based training in the future will continue to im-prove as new technology is introduced and existing technology is enhanced. Solid-state lighting also is improving, with trends show-ing increases in brightness and the emergence of laser phosphor platforms. These improvements, coupled with improved life cycle costs, will provide cost of ownership savings for the military,” said Dawson.

“We have also been fielding high-resolution 4K projectors on military programs for several years, and now that the consumer and entertainment industries have embraced that technology, we can feel confident it is here to stay,” she said. “Higher frame rates also open up opportunity at the system level to reduce smearing and blur to provide less distraction in fast-paced scene content.”

There are no display devices currently in the market that en-able full field-of-regard training that mimics the real world like mo-saiced projection based display systems. “These systems are capable

The DLA-SH7NLG is an advanced 4K2K projector incorporating three 1.27-inch 4K2K D-ILA display devices. It produces extremely high-quality images for use in planetariums, museums, simulators and medical institutions. [Photo courtesy of JVC]

With its 2nd-generation LED illumination system, the Barco FL35 offers double the resolution and 50 percent more brightness than any other LED-illuminated projector. [Photo courtesy of Barco]


of beyond 20/20 performance in a full 360-degree immersive environment, providing content beyond users’ peripheral vision no matter where they look,” said Dawson. “We will continue to watch both projec-tor trends and other display trends to find the best fit for enabling simulation displays. The question for the future will be how much realism we need in training, and how can simulation and training providers most efficiently enable that reality as technology continues to advance.”

ligHting teCHniqueS

Barco provides a scalable line of DLP-based projectors, which range from the very compact and lightweight F22 model up to the larger and more light-intensive 3-chip F85 model. “The F22 model is well-suited for helicopter simulators with its possibil-ity to project with a higher vertical field of view, while the F85 model is ideal for applications demanding more light, like ship bridge simulators,” said David Fluegeman, director of training and simulation for Barco. “We have chosen to use DLP technology to en-sure the projectors are future-proof with a stable im-age year after year, and we’ve designed all the projec-tors to operate 24/7, which is a huge benefit for the military, trains round the clock and has a key concern about cost.”

Barco provides lamp- and LED-based projectors to the training and simulation industry. Both lighting technologies are highly reli-able and proven in all segments of the market. However, Fluege-man said, deploying LED-based projectors, particularly in high-use simulators, can substantially reduce the total cost of ownership over the life of a simulator compared with lamp-based projectors. This is due to several factors, including the limited number of moving parts in the projector, little no need for calibration after the initial install, and an LED life expectancy of up to 100,000 hours. Addition-ally, because the LED has a greater color gamut with high contrast and deep black levels, LED-based projectors provide a very rich color palette, which improves overall image quality.

Barco recently introduced its first laser phosphor DLP projector, and continues to adapt its designs to achieve the form/fit/function/price profile that the simulation market demands.

Positive training demands realism—total immersion in the task or mission without direct cognizance of being in a simulator. “The challenge faced by military training commands worldwide is to provide high-fidelity trainers that deliver the positive training our troops demand, while dealing with an environment of constantly strained acquisition and operational budgets. By providing a scal-able product line that can deliver high levels of visual acuity at vari-ous price points, Barco can address any program requirement and deliver exceptional visual quality,” said Fluegeman.

Projector-based simulators have a promising path forward in the military training market, he continued. “Projectors still provide the best pixel precision of any display technology used, and they pro-vide truly immersive, seamless, and realistic environments for train-ing while being cost-efficient, especially when you think about full 360-degree dome systems and complex curved screen designs.

“Projectors, along with adjacent developments in continuous color balancing, auto-calibration, and warp/blending, will continue

to play a prominent role in training devices used in both military and commercial training applications,” Fluegeman predicted. “Resolution and speed will continue to advance, with 4K 120Hz on the doorstep. But these will be gradual adoptions, as moving to these performance levels puts a great demand on the image generator, and can drive additional cost via the need to upgrade performance on the compute side of the visual system.”

Color imagery

Digital Projection provides a wide variety of pro-jectors for use by the military. Its 3-chip DLP Titan

projectors are used in many command and control applications as well as in research and development and simulation applications where the Titan’s bright-ness, 120 Hz capability, portrait mode capability, and reliability are desired features.

“Our 1-chip DLP M-Vision LED projectors are used on flight trainers, forward observer train-ers and other trainers where their good bright-ness, great color imagery and NVG compatibility provide a robust, low-cost projector solution,” said Phil Laney, director of simulation and visualiza-tion. “Our 3-chip DLP HIGHlite projectors are

used by the military in many secure rooms where we do not know how they are being used, but we do know that the projector’s brightness, warp and edge-blending capability were desired features by those end-users.”

From the projector display point of view, Laney said, the train-ing commands have challenges in finding projectors that can meet training needs while being reasonably priced and having low costs of operation.

Digital Projection says it offers the highest number of projector models with solid-state illumination, as well as the brightest solid-state projectors in LED and laser-phosphor illumination.

The company markets three lines of LED projectors in bright-ness up to 3,000 lumens and up to 4K resolution with 60,000 hours of run time for the LED illuminators. These projectors have options for IR channels for NVG stimulation, dimming, smear reduction and many other features.

“The future holds great promise for display systems. Along with the expected march to higher resolutions, I expect higher contrast levels and greater color space will be two projector drivers to even better perceived resolution with a better ability to resolve targets at a distance,” Laney said.

“Most projectors these days can only reproduce about 30 per-cent of the colors we see in the real world,” he continued. “New projectors, including models from Digital Projection, offer the ability to reproduce up to 70 percent of all colors the eye can see. A greater dynamic range for contrast and color are areas being ex-ploited now in the projector industry that the military will eventu-ally benefit from.” O



David Fluegeman

[email protected]

phil laney

[email protected]



The United States faces a looming crisis of military readiness, and new training tech-nologies could play a key role in the remedy, according to panelists at a recent govern-ment/industry event focused on the nation’s preparedness for future conflicts.

The panel session, held during the Na-tional Training and Simulation Association’s recent Readiness Summit, focused on the topic, “What Technologies Could Drive Next-Generation Training Concepts?”

For participants in the daylong summit, concerns about readiness sta-tus have grown both because of and in spite of the past de-cade of conflict. Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have cre-ated a large cadre of exception-ally skilled military personnel but also left potential gaps in the future supply, particularly of those prepared for major state-to-state combat rather than counterinsurgency.

To respond to those needs, members of the panel identified a variety of “game-changing” technologies ap-plicable to training, including social media, big data analyt-ics, advanced metrics, digi-tal tutoring and the latest in neuroscience research.

Frank DiGiovanni, direc-tor of force readiness and training in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Read-iness), for example, pointed not only to the popularity of massive, open, online courses (MOOCs) but also to the opportunities cre-ated by combining them with social media.

“There is a lot of learning going on in the social media environment, including MOOCs,” he observed. “Because the courses are so large, students have gone to social media to fill in gaps on learning. If you look at what tech can do, there is promise in the use of social media to build social learning environments.

“What’s cool about a MOOC is that it allows you to teach a lot of people simul-taneously, and it uses the social media component to reach people in the course who might have valuable knowledge. We’ve termed that ‘transmedia social learning,’” DiGiovanni said.

Another promising area is using big data analytics to improve both recruitment and training, he suggested. “There is enough data out there for us to figure out who we are bringing into the military. Are we recruiting

for the people and skills we need? Do we have the right balance and people who are agile? Can we use big data to better assess people and then nurture them throughout their careers?” DiGiovanni asked.

Thomas H. Killon, act-ing director, Office of Naval Research, emphasized the need for improved training metrics. “How do you effec-tively measure the progress in learning of the individual and use that information effectively to manage the training environment and the curriculum in a way that facilitates acquisition of ex-pertise?” he asked.

“We have the tools to do it more efficiently, but we need to press forward,” Killon

continued. “One aspect of that is the ability to rapidly create and manage the scenarios that we generate. We need to make it easier for instructors to create the right kind of environments and manage those environ-ments effectively to provide the right kind of training.”

While most military training focuses on the collective instruction of groups, J. Dexter Fletcher of the Institute for Defense Analyses called for greater attention on individual tu-toring, which studies have shown produces much greater progress for the student. But

while providing every student with a tutor would obviously be prohibitively expensive, he said, digital tutoring using intelligence programs can yield “astronomical” results compared with collective instruction, as was the case with a recent Navy program that used a digital tutor to train IT specialists to troubleshoot network problems.

Chris Fall, national security adviser for the Office of Science and Technology Policy, held out the promise of using recent research on the brain to improve training.

“Despite two decades of investment in brain science, we know next to nothing about how the brain works,” Fall noted. “But what we do know is that the most realistic training environment is the most effective way to get someone trained. So if we can leverage the science of learning, we could speed that up. It’s about tapping into the processes that the brain is operating on.”

Earlier, summit attendees heard from Laura J. Junor, principal deputy under secre-tary of defense for personnel and readiness, who outlined the readiness issue within the context of the recent uncertainty in the de-fense budget.

“Circumstances like this create a valu-able opportunity for innovation,” Junor said. “We need to focus more on intelligent tutor-ing capabilities to improve how fast we train individuals. We not only need to help people pick up the nuances of combined arms, but also not forget the real training they picked up in the field, such as the decisions they had to make in isolation without leadership ap-proval. We need to make sure that they don’t lose that skillset.

“If we have hope of maintaining and im-proving readiness while people are deployed, we’re going to have to get at this another way. We’re going to need to invest in instrumen-tation that allows us to seamlessly blend live and virtual training,” Junor said. O

“game-CHanging” metHodS inClude SoCial media, Big data analytiCS, advanCed metriCS and digital tutoring.By HarriSon donnelly, mt2 editor

laura J. Junor

Frank DiGiovanni


As militaries continue to face tough budget decisions and maintain readiness in an evolving global security environ-ment, industry must leverage innovation to deliver more realistic and robust aircrew training.

Using real-world aircraft or weapons systems for training can cost thousands of dollars per hour. By comparison, the cost of training using simulation-based training devices is generally only hundreds of dol-lars per hour, presenting a compelling case for virtual solutions.

Simulation technology has progressed exponentially over the past five years through richer visual systems and archi-tectures that make it easier to generate realistic training scenarios. The challenge today lies in driving innovation in the use of simulation to deliver more affordable, integrated and portable training solutions.

Simulation plays a prominent role in cutting-edge weapons systems such as the F-35 Lightning II—much more so than legacy platforms. Because of the sensors and advanced capabilities of the F-35, it is not possible to adequately challenge pilots in the live environment alone. Simulation redefines how pilots train by providing the range of experience required to maximize the F-35’s fifth-generation capabilities.

The suite of F-35 pilot training technol-ogies currently allows 72 percent of initial training flights to be accomplished virtually, driving affordability and effectiveness. To compare, about 40 percent of initial quali-fication for the F-16 is conducted through simulation.

At present, the F-35 training syllabus includes technology-driven academics with interactive desktop trainers, 18 flights in the Full Mission Simulator and seven flights in the aircraft. The syllabus is designed to download training tasks into the low-est-fidelity, most affordable environments possible, while still achieving the desired training outcome.

The F-35 Full Mission Simulator is the highest-fidelity trainer in the F-35 pi-lot training technology suite, replicating all sensors and weapons employment. As a first for military aviation, the Full Mission Simulator is being developed in concert with the F-35 platform. The simulator and aircraft use the same software, which drives affordability while providing pilots with training on new capabilities as they are in-troduced to the fleet. With 360-degree visu-als, the Full Mission Simulator presents an immersive environment for initial, transi-tion, refresher, continuation and mission rehearsal training.

Flexibility is fundamental to the training system design to accommodate training for the three aircraft variants and all 16 partici-pating F-35 services. Since F-35s will be lo-cated around the world, distributed training is vital, so that pilots who will fight together are able to train together.

Maintainers also benefit from simula-tion. Currently across all F-35 maintenance disciplines, 95 percent of training occurs during computer-based courses and hands-on exercises with part-task trainers. One unique system is the Aircraft Systems Main-tenance Trainer. With this training tool, maintainers are represented by avatars that interact with a virtual aircraft to gain famil-iarity with the air system.

Simulation supports aircraft availabil-ity since the jets aren’t taken off the flying schedule for the majority of training tasks. With simulation, maintainers also get to see a variety of emergency and wear-and-tear conditions, so the first time they deal with them isn’t when they have a limited window to service the jet and return it to readiness status.

Looking to the future, the lessons learned designing the F-35 Training System can be applied to new and emerging plat-forms to ensure virtual tools deliver maxi-mum impact. With nearly 500 suppliers

today’S CHallenge iS to drive innovation in tHe uSe of Simulation to deliver more

affordaBle, integrated and portaBle SolutionS.

By Jon ramBeau


contributing to the F-35 Training System, industry has the breadth of experience to continue driving technology forward.

integrated lvC training

I see tremendous potential to support customer affordability needs by increas-ing ground-based training and decreasing live flying, including through the use of integrated live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training. Preparing fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft pilots for the complex challenges and threats on the horizon re-quires the ability to train virtually on sce-narios that can’t be affordably replicated in live environments. Such training requires integrating LVC elements into one realistic combat experience.

LVC is the future of effective training for operational readiness. With LVC, pilots can fly within existing, limited physical airspace constraints while simulating chal-lenges outside of that physical airspace for a broader training envelope.

Integrated LVC also offers instructors greater flexibility in optimizing training re-sources. Through the synthetic training en-vironment enabled by LVC, instructors can download training from higher-cost plat-forms to more affordable, simulation-based solutions. Using a ground range infrastruc-ture, integrated LVC allows for training scenarios to be modified in real time for more spontaneous mission planning and modification.

Until recently, the challenge to develop-ing an LVC environment was transmitting data between the ground and an aircraft. My company developed a unique LVC solution to move data between ground and aircraft sensors, helping pilots train with simula-tors, computer-generated forces and other aircraft in the same synthetic environment.

In 2014, we demonstrated this capabil-ity with a simulator and a live flying F-16 engaging in the same shared synthetic en-vironment, and additional exercises proving out this capability are planned for addition-al fourth- and fifth-generation platforms in the years to come.

In the LVC environment, transmitting data also requires ensuring the right cyber-security and data protection measures are built into the system. Some of the world’s leading cybersecurity experts, including those working on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency National Cyber Range program as well as within Lockheed

Martin’s Information Systems & Global So-lutions business area, are helping drive data protection into our LVC concept.

For LVC to truly succeed, collaboration across industry and government will be re-quired to securely deliver the LVC environ-ment of tomorrow and support training the next generation of warfighters.

rigHt teCHnology, rigHt time

All training solutions must be grounded in the science of learning. Through hu-man performance engineering, training tasks can be matched to the right level of technology to help learners quickly master new skills. This approach has the dual ben-efit of cost-effectiveness and a faster path to learning.

For instance, some training tasks his-torically conducted in aircraft can be ef-fectively conducted in simulators, and pro-cedures training traditionally conducted in simulators can be downloaded to desktop or mobile trainers.

Head-wearable displays in particu-lar present significant cost savings when compared to traditional training media. Through the development of ultra-wide field-of-view lenses and unique algorithms that build virtual worlds, head-wearable de-vices have tremendous potential to leverage virtual and augmented reality and provide more realistic training. The user can truly “learn by doing” as the displayed image sup-plements their hands-on skill development.

These visualization tools can also be used for anytime, anywhere training,

enabling customers to stay mission-ready anywhere in the world.

Customers frequently tell us about the importance of effective training in today’s complex operational environment. Often, their stories tell us how our training tech-nologies helped save lives or accomplish their mission flawlessly. That’s what keeps us all motivated to amplify the power of simulation to redefine next-generation pilot training. O

Jon Rambeau is vice president and general manager of Training and Logistics Solutions at Lockheed Martin’s Mission Systems and Training business. Lockheed Martin partners with the U.S. armed forces and international allies to provide advanced simulation and training capabilities to cus-tomers in more than 50 countries.


Head-wearable displays in particular present significant cost savings when compared to traditional training media. [Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin]

Jon Rambeau


Engineers and designers at Naval Air Warfare Center Train-ing Systems Division (NAWCTSD) are finding solutions to dif-ficult training challenges with 3-D printing. In Orlando, NAW-CTSD’s Rapid Prototype Design and Fabrication Lab—part of the Advanced Simulation, Visual and Software Systems Division—is equipped with sophisticated 3-D printers that produce training de-vices more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional methods. In some cases, it’s creating parts that were impossible to produce in the past.

“3-D printing has opened the door to imagination and creativity. In just half an hour, over lunch, I printed a device enclo-sure that we couldn’t have made in our machine shop. This process offers greater flexibility and complexity of design,” said Rocco Portoghese, senior research and development engineer with the Rapid Prototype Design and Fabrication Lab.

3-D printing is also reducing cost and speeding development of simulated pieces of tactical gear for trainers. Simu-lators have traditionally used bodies of warfare equipment and filled them with simulation-specific gear. These shells, based on the actual bodies, are generally expensive and have long production lead times.

The cost of a previously integrated laser-target-designator body is $18,000, and it takes almost six months to procure. But that same item, developed on a 3-D printer, will cost $200 for materials and take about four hours to print in plastic. Although not as sturdy as the real body, it is suitable for training.

3-D printers operate similarly to traditional printers but use a variety of materials, such as plastics, elastomers, titanium, steel and carbon-fiber composite. The printing process differs with various machines. Two of the lab’s machines use polyjet technology. Print jets lay down a single layer of material that is cured by high-intensi-ty ultraviolet lights. Each subsequent layer is laid upon the last until the final piece is completed.

The third of the lab’s printers uses a process called fused de-position modeling, in which a thin filament of thermoplastic resin is melted by a single-point print head, extruded, placed on a build surface and cooled to a solid form. The print head then draws out a cross-section of the part to complete a single layer, and the process is repeated until the part is built.

NAWCTSD added 3-D printing to the Rapid Prototype De-sign and Fabrication Lab in 2012. Today, it produces a wide range of plastics in varying hardness and colors with two polyjet and one fused-deposition-modeling printer. These range in cost from $20,000 to $300,000. The most sophisticated prints up to 140 materials by combining polymers in a finished size up to 19.3’ x 15.4’ x 7.9’.

The Objet500 Connex2 by Stratasys was used to produce com-ponents of a weaponry system called Modular Advanced Training-Marksmanship Proficiency (MAT-MP).

“MAT-MP is packed with electronics, neatly and snugly in a very small package,” Portoghese explained. “It has high-def video, a 1 GHz computer and wireless capability. The printed components’ lighter weight, smaller size and increased design complexity allow us to pack all those features in one device that can be attached to any live-fire weapon and used in training.”

While video records the trainee’s line of sight, sensors monitor trigger and butt-stock pressure and tilt of the weap-on. This information is recorded and delivered to the trainer, who then gives instantaneous feedback on very precise adjustments.

MAT-MP is currently being tested by the Marines, Army and law enforcement.

3-D printing technology is still emerging, and its applications in train-ing aren’t fully understood throughout the military. Portoghese acknowledged

that many in the Navy don’t completely understand its capabilities. “There are a lot of challenges we can help resolve with this tech-

nology. We can often do it at a much lower cost and in a very short time frame compared to traditional manufacturing and prototype methods. I can produce an item and tell clients that this is what it will look like. After the design phase, there is no ambiguity about what will be delivered,” he said.

Team members at the lab see a tremendous benefit to giving warfighters direct access to 3-D printers. On ships, for example, replacement parts could be printed on demand. Instead of storing and hauling hundreds of parts, most of which will never be needed, the ship could store a digital inventory of part designs and print as needed. If a part didn’t exist in inventory, it could be created by a designer located either onboard or remotely.

The Rapid Prototype Design and Fabrication Lab serves all branches. Through NAWCTSD, it is a member of Team Orlando—a coalition of Central Florida-based military, federal government, in-dustry and academic institutions that have united around a common individual mission: to improve human performance through the use of modeling, simulation and training technologies. Through col-laboration, cooperation and partnerships, Team Orlando maximizes organic capabilities, training solutions and mission readiness, while minimizing costs and developmental/delivery timelines. O

By tHereSa Bradley

3-D Printing Improves Training Capabilities



The Objet 500 Connex2 provides the Rapid Prototype Design and Fabrication Lab with 3-D printing capabilities. [Photo courtesy of Team Orlando]


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MT2 RESOURCE CENTER

CalendarMay 4-7, 2015AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America Atlanta, Ga.www.auvsishow.org

June 17-18, 2015Orlando, Fla.Training and Simulation Industry Symposium www.trainingsystems.org

September 14-16, 2015Air and Space ConferenceNational Harbor, Md.www.afa.org

September 22-24, 2015Modern Day MarineQuantico, Va.www.marinemilitaryexpos.com

October 12-14, 2015AUSA Annual MeetingWashington, D.C. http://ausameetings.org

November 30-December 4, 2015I/ITSEC 2015Orlando, Fla.www.iitsec.org

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CommanderAir Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation

Features:• MOUT Training• Virtual Worlds/Avatars• Hand Held Devices for Training

Special Section:Who’s Who in PEO STRI

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Human-Centered Engineering

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Cover and In-Depth Interview with:

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NEXT ISSUEJuly 2015

Vol. 20, Issue 3

Insertion Order Deadline: June 1, 2015Ad Material Deadline: June 8, 2015

America's Longest Established Simulation & Training Magazine


Emanuele MerloHead of Integrated Training System (ITS)

Alenia Aermacchi

Emanuele Merlo, head of ITS for Ale-nia Aermacchi, was born in Milan, Italy, in 1961. In 1986, he joined Alenia Aermacchi as aerodynamicist in the Advanced Study Department. He became responsible for M-346 aerodynamic design in 1993 and chief of aerodynamics in 1999. In parallel, he followed all the AEJPT (EuroTraining) Study working phase. From 2005 to 2010, he became technical leader for a national research program with the objective of de-signing, integrating and testing affordable, low-radar cross-sections on M-346. In 2006, he also became responsible for ITS and in-tegrated logistic support, and for research and innovation in 2009. Since January 2012, his responsibilities have been concen-trated on ITS.

Q: Can you describe Alenia Aermacchi’s history and evolution?

A: In 2013, Alenia Aermacchi celebrated its first 100 years of activity. On May 1, 1913, the Società Anonima Nieuport-Macchi was in-corporated. A century later, the brand Alenia Aermacchi groups the whole aviation sector of Finmeccanica, the main Italian industrial group operating in high technologies. It is a worldwide leader in the design, development, production, maintenance and modification of commercial and defense aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, military training aircraft and aerostructures. Alenia Aermacchi has a wide network of joint ventures and product and program partnerships, such as Eurofighter with the British BAE Systems and Airbus De-fence and Space for Germany and Spain, ATR with Airbus Group for the production of tur-boprop regional aircraft, and SCAC with the Russian company Sukhoi for the Superjet100 regional jet. Alenia Aermacchi has also a stra-tegic partnership with Boeing for the design and production of the stabilizer, center and rear fuselage of the 787 Dreamliner.

Q: What are some of your key products in the defense training and simulation industry?

A: M-346 ITS is the most advanced. We moved quickly from a concept to an inte-grated product capable of filling the existing

training gap between fourth- and fifth-generation combat pilot training. Besides the M-346 aircraft, we provide our military customers with a suite of integrated mis-sion support systems (mission planning and debriefing system, JMPS compatible, and a real-time monitoring station) and training devices, ranging from CBT class-room (pilots and maintainers) to full mis-sion simulators with a TMIS orchestrating the whole training activities.

Q: How are you positioned for the future within the U.S. military?

A: Alenia Aermacchi is fully committed to the North American market with a range of products, including the C-27J, a fixed-wing, multimission military cargo aircraft, also in service with U.S. Coast Guard; M-346 ITS, the world’s most modern, advanced and comprehensive next-generation fly-ing training system; and the MC-27J, a new multimission version of the combat-proven C-27J. Upcoming opportunities in the North America market are the U.S. Air Force T-X program with a dedicated version of the M-346, the T-100 and the Canadian Air Force FWSAR replacement. On the lat-ter project, we are partnered with General Dynamics Canada, DRS Canada and other Canadian companies.

Q: What are some of the new training/simulation technologies Alenia Aermacchi has developed for 2015?

A: Live-virtual-constructive (LVC) is now a delivered product for Alenia Aermacchi. Our LVC technology is able to link in real-time M-346 airplanes with ETTS virtual entities/threats sharing in datalink virtual scenarios planned in the MPDS, FMSs replicating M-346 including the same ETTS scenarios, and a real-time monitoring station with ca-pability to change the virtual scenario for both M-346 aircraft and FMS. Everything is recorded and then merged for debriefing, mixing manned doctrine in flight, manned doctrine on the ground and virtual doctrine coming from ETTS. We also have an im-mersive training system for maintainers in final development.

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: As I mentioned, M-346 ITS is one of our successes. Our near-term goals are to com-plete the M-345 ITS in order to provide our customers with the most cost-effective training pipeline (considering both aircraft and related training systems) and to extend the M-346 ITS role to red air and companion training in order to provide our customers all the solutions to optimize their training process well into the operational environ-ment, producing enormous cost savings. The ITS concept is going to be applied to the training suite supporting C-27J as soon as customers require it.

Q: How do customers benefit from Alenia Aermacchi’s varied resources and expertise?

A: Alenia Aermacchi ITS is the actual ben-efit. We are growing in order to be capable of fully supporting our customers in the field, providing continuous instructor/specialist training and technological support and evo-lution, and providing our instructors/spe-cialists supporting daily training operations. The new IT and simulation technologies are growing exponentially, and keeping up-to-date knowledge is mandatory to get all the advantages provided by the new ITS. O

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