MetaVR Introduces New Deployable Joint Fires Trainer

MetaVR has introduced a new portable joint fires training solution called the Deployable Joint Fires Trainer (DJFT). This system is designed to provide a quick deploy capability for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and Forward Observers (FO) to train alongside fixed- and rotary-wing aircrew within an immersive, joint training environment. The DJFT is designed to meet the US Joint Fires Support Executive Steering Committee (JFS ESC) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) accreditation for types 1, 2, 3, day, night, and laser controls, and digitally aided close air support (DACAS).

The modular plug-and-play system, designed by a formerJTAC/FO, is comprised of three or more stations fully contained withintwo-person portable ruggedized cases. The DJFT includes all the hardwarerequired to run dynamic, full-spectrum JTAC/Joint Fires training scenarios,including laptop, emulated GPS receiver, and communication systems. Scenariosare run on simulation software currently used in the USAF-accredited JointTerminal Control Training Rehearsal System (JTC TRS) and Air National GuardAdvanced Joint Terminal Attack Controller Training System (AAJTS).

Simulation software is comprised of MetaVR’s Virtual RealityScene Generator (VRSG), and Battlespace Simulations’ MACE and Viper DIS radio.Together, MACE and VRSG create a realistic, 3D environment for trainingmissions including joint fires, call for fires and close air support withingeospecific round-earth terrain. The standard configuration includesform-fitfunction emulated equipment: PEC-1B SOFLAM laser target designator andan IZLID-1000P with other configurations possible.

The role player station can be configured for JTAC, FO,Joint Fires Observer or other Joint Fires role operations, and includes anintegrated head-mounted display for a first-person view of the battlefield. Thestation emulates Mil-reticule binoculars, laser target designators, radios, aGPS receiver, and DACAS with video downlink. The aircrew operating station(AOS) is dedicated to controlling any fixed-wing or rotary-wing asset and cancommunicate with all trainees as aircrew via simulated radios. Aircrew assetscan be controlled manually or using 9 lines or 5 lines. This station alsocontrols the targeting pod, enabling video downlink for trainees to conductsensor targeting pod talk-ons. The instructor operating station (IOS) providesfull dynamic control of scenarios, including surface-to-surface fires, andfixed and rotary wing assets. The instructor can communicate with all traineesvia simulated radios. This station can also record scenarios for after actionreview.

Current training systems for artillery units are largelyclassroom-based system requiring extensive set-up and take-down time andmultiple personnel. The DJFT was designed to fill a gap in the market for a portable,quick deploy training solution, and was developed by a joint fires subjectmatter expert at MetaVR, based on direct operations experience andlive/simulated training.

With the DJFT, trainees can train anywhere at any time —from a classroom or barracks, to a forward operating base or hotel room.Stations can be added or removed to build in additional players, for buildingcomplex role-play training missions that encompass multiple JTAC, FO, JointFires Observers, aircraft and soldiers in a dynamic, quickly evolvingbattlespace. Training scenarios can also be projected onto large screens in a domedconfiguration for an immersive experience.

This system provides an opportunity for deployed teams toconduct training at short notice, such as during no fires days or no fly days.Trainees can start running training scenarios within 30 minutes from delivery,providing training flexibility and minimizing the loss of unproductive downtimefor personnel.

In addition to providing a standalone training solution, the DFT can be used to augment full JTAC training simulators, such as the JTC TRS or AAJTS, as a portable solution for training during deployment.

MetaVR is exhibiting at I/ITSEC at booth #1348.