MetaVR Demonstrates Joint Fires Training Scenario at I/ITSEC

MetaVR is showcasing a new Joint Fires training scenario capability at I/ITSEC 2019, using a notional F/A-18 Block III Part Task Mission Trainer (PTMT) physical cockpit networked with its new Deployable Joint Fires Trainer (DJFT).

The scenario will use MetaVR’s Virtual Reality SceneGenerator (VRSG)-rendered Fallon Range Training Complex (FRTC), for jointair-land training in support of a peer and nearpeer armor-against-armorengagement. It will enable Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC) and ForwardObservers (FO) to train with F/A-18 pilots in a quickly evolving scenario thatincludes enemy and friendly land forces, and enemy force air targets. Thenear-peer adversary roles will include AI-generated air defense and electronicwarfare components designed to mimic a complex adversary.

The F/A-18 Block III PTMT is a prototype to-scale physicalcockpit simulator designed and built under an internal MetaVR developmentprogram. Designed as a low-cost, portable, quick-deploy training solution, thesystem uses representative aircraft hardware and can be configured for trainingon 4.5 generation combat aircraft. It can function as a standalone trainingsolution as part of joint, networked training operations. In addition to VRSGand MetaVR’s 3D content, the PTMT will feature Battlespace Simulations’ (BSI’s)Modern Air Combat Environment (MACE) for scenario generation, constructivelygenerated forces, full spectrum real-time physics calculations, and tacticaldatalinks integration.

The DJFT, which will be networked with the F/A-18 PTMT, is anewly designed system that provides a quick deploy capability for JTACs and FOsto train alongside fixed- and rotary-wing aircrew within a fully immersive,joint training environment. The modular plug-and-play DJFT is comprised ofthree or more networked stations – aircrew operator station (AOS), JTAC/FO roleplayer station, and the instructor operator station (IOS) - each containedwithin two-person portable ruggedized cases. The DJFT contains all the hardwarerequired to run dynamic, full-spectrum JTAC/joint fires training scenarios,including laptop, GPS receiver, and communication systems. In addition to VRSGand MetaVR’s 3D content, the solution features BSI’s MACE for generating airand ground entities, threat planning, and 5Line, 9-Line, and call-for-fireinterfaces including digitally aided close air support (DACAS).

The demo scenario with these two simulation solutions willtake place on MetaVR’s geospecific 3D terrain of the FRTC. JTACs and FOs willtrain with F/A-18 pilots (one in the F/A-18 PTMT, the other at the DJFT aircrewstation) in a quickly evolving mission.

The scenario will begin with a peer-to-peer or near-peerarmored company level operation. The JTAC will pass target information to theF/A-18 pilot via DACAS for neutralization. While the F/A-18 approaches thetarget a hostile anti-aircraft threat will unmask, entering the scene. At thispoint the scenario will shift to a Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) operation,with the JTAC calling in surface fires to neutralize the new threat and allowthe F/A-18 to prosecute its original target. Active electronic warfare and airdefense will be employed by the adversary forces to attempt to thwart thefriendly forces.

The pilot in the F/A-18 PTMT will wear the HTC Vive Prosystem running VRSG, which will be augmented with Collins Aerospace’sCoalescence mixed-reality training system; the pilot will be able to see theirown hands and interact with the cockpit controls in the physical environmentwhile immersed in the synthetic environment for the out-the-window view.

The scenario will be facilitated by D3A Defence, aveteran-run privately held company, which with combined experience of over 50years of military service, brings extensive military knowledge and skillsets toall levels of training and simulation.

“This training capability was developed by a joint firessubject matter expert at MetaVR in response to what we see as a serious gap inthe military training market,” Garth Smith, President, MetaVR, commented. “TheUS Navy trains its pilots on the Fallon range, where training operations arecarried out against a limited number of ‘known’ targets. What we are offeringhere is a geospecific 2 cm per-pixel resolution 3D terrain of the FRTC, with arange of simulated targets inserted into the scenario.

“This provides the ability to train against ‘unknown’targets in quickly-evolving scenarios that can shift from JTAC, FO, Joint FiresObserver operations, to SEAD and back again, with all trainees operating withina common, geospecific round-earth terrain.”

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