SDS International has been awarded multiple contracts with the USAF 46th Test Wing PRIMES (Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Systems) facility based at Eglin AFB, Florida in support of an underlying Unified Test and Training (UTT) project. This cooperative project represents an innovative research effort by PRIMES and SDS aimed at utilizing the Distributed Mission Training (DMT) architecture for unification of test and training models and environments, and as a framework for the direct exchange of data and scenarios between training and test communities. Work will be performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida.

 

This UTT research will focus on technologies for: Direct Link of Training and Test Products into DMT; High Fidelity, Latency Proof, Dynamic Transfer of Ownership Technology; Common Reusable Libraries for Exercises, Real-Time Models, Live Fire & Test Data; and Prototype Direct Linkage of Actual Aircraft as High Fidelity Participates in DMT. Results should provide enhanced realism for simulation and training, and mission-level test and evaluation, and simulation based acquisition.

SDS International Inc., Quantum3D Inc., and TERREX Inc. have announced the formation of WARFIGHTER Alliance, a technological alliance aimed at providing turnkey high-fidelity, low-cost visual solutions for military flight simulation. The three companies have been working closely together on a number of successful visual system and simulation projects and achieved an historic first by developing a method for driving the USAF M2DART Visual Display with PC-based image generators via the SDS LiteFliteTM Reconfigurable Flight Simulator and an innovative new "Shadow Buffer" Control Module. The Shadow Buffer controls the entire simulator visual system pipeline end-to-end, providing direct control of the Simulation Scene Manager Software, Graphics Hardware, Projectors, Digital Display Device, and a Virtual Screen Space. The Shadow Buffer is in use with the USAF Air Force Research Laboratory (prototype F-16 and A-10 versions), USAF 46th Test Wing at Eglin AFB, Tuskegee University, NASA, Computer Sciences Corporation, and others. Through the WARFIGHTER Alliance, SDS will provide customers with a single focal point to ensure their image generator, visual systems, and visual development systems requirements are meet. SDS will coordinate Alliance activities and guarantee performance on contracts. In an effort to make it easier for Government customers to buy and upgrade turnkey solutions conveniently—including direct support, customization services, maintenance, and warranty service—through the single POC, the eventual GSA listing of products is also planned.

SDS International's Advanced Technologies Division, working cooperatively with Quantum3D and the Air Force Research Laboratory Warfighter Training Research Division (AFRL/HEA) have successfully driven one of the Air Force’s most advanced visual display systems, the Mobile Modular Display for Advanced Research and Training (M2DART) with SDS International’s PC-based, LiteFliteTM DIS Stealth Visual System using Quantum3D’s Heavy Metal Max hardware and a high-fidelity, photo-realistic visual database developed with TerreX.

 

For this demonstration, SDS replaced the Lab’s existing non-PC-based Image Generators (IG) and associated visual databases with its PC-based system, while maintaining the integrity of the M2DART. The demonstration proved that today’s PC technology, when coupled with an innovative software integration approach, can drive current out-the-window visual displays with synchronized, multi-screen photo-realistic imagery running at 60hz.

 

At 1/20th to 1/30th the cost of higher-end, non-PC-based IGs, the implications for legacy and emerging flight simulators are impressive—the resultant dramatically improved price performance ratio for military visual systems can make high fidelity, photo-realistic visuals capable of operating in a DIS environment an affordable reality.

SDS International has been awarded a small business innovative research (SBIR) grant by the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWC/TSD) to conduct research in reducing training and simulation life-cycle costs. Work will be performed by SDS International’s Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida. Team members include Quantum3D, Gemini Technology, Virtual Research, and Design Interactive.

 

The research will focus on technologies which will: enable substitution of low-cost/low-maintenance digital projectors for expensive, difficult to maintain CRT projectors; increase display quality by providing significantly higher resolution and brightness; enhance edge matching and blending for multiple monitors/displays; reduce image warping for curved surfaces; and enhance sophisticated per-pixel special effects.

 

Planned applications include: replacing legacy projector and light valve projector systems; innovative use of Shadow Buffer Control Module for Sensor Fusion and Synthetic Vision Applications; military/commercial training and simulation devices, including flight/vehicle/gunner training and entertainment applications (movie theater projectors and entertainment arcades).