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28 Apr 22. IT²EC 2022: BattleVR, VBS4 combine for immersive squad training solution. Agincourt has integrated its BattleVR squad immersive training system with Bohemia Interactive Simulations’ (BISim’s) Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS4) and demonstrated the combination at the International Training Technology Exhibition & Conference (IT²EC) 2022 in London. The BattleVR system consists of four main components. An 8K resolution high-fidelity XTAL head- mounted display (HMD) from Vrgineers provides 180° field-of-view in the immersive environment, which is “near enough to full human peripheral vison”, according to an Agincourt representative. The HMD also provides physical tracking of the wearer through a combination of optical and magnetic sensors. The system uses synthetic weapons that provide recoil, although real weapons can also be converted. A sensor package provides weapon tracking using a combination of magnetic and accelerometer sensing as well as detecting weapon recoil to register shots fired. This information is transmitted via Bluetooth to a receiver on the HMD for integration into the virtual world. (Source: Janes)
28 Apr 22. Philippine DND inaugurates first air defence simulator training centre. The SPADS Simulator Training Centre will train AFP and PAF personnel for advanced air defence techniques. Credit: Ereshkigal1/ commons.wikimedia.org.
The Philippine Department of National Defence (DND) has inaugurated the first Spyder Philippine Air Defence System (SPADS) Simulator Training Centre.
The training centre was handed over to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (APF) during an ‘acceptance, turn-over and blessing ceremony.’
Led by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the ceremony was held at the Basa Air Base, Pampanga.
It was also attended by PAF commanding general, lieutenant-general Connor Anthony Canlas and other dignitaries from the AFP and Rafael Defence System.
Lorenzana said: “Acquiring capital assets to help defend our nation has always been one of the priorities of the Department of National Defence.
“As your defence chief for nearly six years, my happiest and proudest moments were the attainment of milestones in the Armed Forces of the Philippines modernisation programme.”
Developed by Israeli defence technology company Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, the new training centre is part of the AFP’s modernisation programme.
The facility will focus on developing three major capabilities, including command and control, missile firing and detection through the system.
Rafael’s Spyder air defence system is designed to defend large areas against a wide range of threats such as cruise missiles, attack aircraft, bombers, helicopters and other stand-off weapons.
The centre will also be used by PAF personnel for training purposes such as advanced air defence techniques.
Secretary Lorenzana added: “May this new simulator training centre inspire you to look into the Command’s bright future, utilise its capabilities to ensure the success of your missions.”
(Source: airforce-technology.com)
28 Apr 22. Boeing Unveils First T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Trainer Jet to be Delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Boeing [NYSE: BA] has unveiled the first T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jet to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The jet, one of 351 the U.S. Air Force plans to order, was unveiled prior to official delivery. The fully digitally designed aircraft was built and tested using advanced manufacturing, agile software development and digital engineering technology significantly reducing the time from design to first flight. The aircraft also features open architecture software, providing growth and flexibility to meet future mission needs.
“We’re excited and honored to deliver this digitally advanced, next-generation trainer to the U.S. Air Force,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “This aircraft is a tangible example of how Boeing, its suppliers and partners are leading the digital engineering revolution. T-7A will prepare pilots for future missions for decades to come.”
The T-7A Red Hawk incorporates a red-tailed livery in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. These airmen made up the first African American aviation unit to serve in the U.S. military.
“The Tuskegee Airmen are one of the most celebrated units in our Air Force history, and the T-7A honors the bravery and skill of these trailblazers, said Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force. “Like the Airmen they were named and painted to pay homage to, the T-7A Red Hawks break down the barriers of flight. These digitally-engineered aircraft will make it possible for a diverse cross section of future fighter and bomber pilots to be trained, and provide an advanced training system and capabilities that will meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s national security environment.”
The aircraft will remain in St. Louis where it will undergo ground and flight tests before being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. The T-7A program resides at Boeing’s St. Louis facility with the aft section of the trainer being built by Saab in Linkoping, Sweden. Saab will soon start producing that section at their new production facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.
27 Apr 22. IT²EC 2022: Saab unveils new concept UAV demonstrator. Saab has unveiled a concept unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) simulator at the International Training Technology Exhibition & Conference (IT²EC) 2022 in London.
Speaking to Janes, Hans Lindgren, head of Saab Business Development at Training and Simulation, said that the UAV demonstrator is part of the Gamer series of systems and can be integrated with the company’s exercise control (EXCON) software – where users can plan, execute, control, and evaluate information from live-training exercises.
Lindgren explained that the concept demonstrator is part of Saab’s blended live and virtual solution. In this instance, the virtual asset (the UAV simulator) is integrated with their EXCON system, which distributes information – such as Global Positioning System (GPS) data – to augment the training.
Saab’s Gamer platform is a mobile, computerised radio-controlled instrumentation system providing combined weapons training for armoured and infantry units. The system is based on a series of scalable, modular simulators and communication systems that can be configured to different needs, Lindgren said.
27 Apr 22. Training and Simulation innovation shines at IT²EC 2022. Exhibitors from around the world have gathered at London’s ExCel Centre to showcase the innovative technologies that will drive forward simulation and training capabilities over the coming decade.
Known as Europe’s primary training, simulation and education forum, this year’s event has drawn exhibitors from across the globe, including for the first time a pavilion from Team Defence Australia. The pavilion brings together 12 innovative Australian SMEs who are responding to demand for novel live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training capabilities with leading-edge technologies and systems that permit safer, more realistic and engaging training activities for the Australian Defence Force and its partners; including the use of autonomous systems, machine learning and robotics to increase the complexity of military training and improve learning outcomes.
Technologies on the show floor include a hybrid warfare exercising platform from Conducttr, software defined test network technology from iTrinegy, and next-generation virtual and mixed-reality pilot training solutions from Vrgineers. Exhibiting for the first time at IT²EC, Advanced Realtime Tracking will demonstrate SMARTTRACK3/M: an integrated tracking solution specifically developed for integration into simulators using AR or VR head mounted devices; and returning exhibitor Matrox is featuring its hardware and software designed to address the needs of the military and defence industry—from control and command centres to surveillance and training rooms.
Bohemia Interactive Simulations is demonstrating the latest features and use cases for its VBS4 virtual simulation software, while MAK Technologies is onsite showcasing its MAK ONE suite of COTS products. Synthetic soldier trainer, BattleVR, is on display at the Agincourt stand, turnkey visualisation and display solutions can be found on the Antycip stand; and visitors can find hands-on demonstrations of the F-35 Mission Rehearsal Trainer – Lightning Integrated Training Environment (MRT-LITE) prototype system on the Lockheed Martin stand.
Poseidon Australia is showcasing its range of Life Support products, Air Target Sweden is presenting its acoustic miss distance indicators that detect incoming projectiles from all target courses, while Plexsys Interface Products is focusing on its modelling and simulation, and after action review technologies. Hadean is exhibiting its computational platform, designed to enable synthetic environments, digital twins, decision support and enhanced situational awareness.
On the RAFAEL stand visitors can find a live demonstration of its new multi-domain ABS System, which is the company’s LVC solution; while Babcock International Group will be demonstrating its training design, delivery and analysis capabilities by showcasing the training transformation it has enabled for its Defence and Public sector customers. Visitors to the Saab stand will find live, virtual and blended training systems designed to enable efficient training and capability development.
The conference began with keynote discussion from Air Commodore Ian Townsend CBE MA RAF, SRO for NextGen Operational Training, Royal Air Force, and Commodore Andrew Stacey, Commander Fleet Operational Sea Training (COM FOST), Royal Navy.
Other conference highlights for Day Two include a look at ‘Serious games to train Cyber SA in intelligence’ with input from the British Army Intelligence Corps, and a presentation on Accelerating Marine Corps training through innovation from Garrett Loeffelman, Science, Technology and Analysis Lead, Training and Education Command (TECOM), US Marine Corps.
In the DisTec theatre, the day’s agenda will cover topics including changing how industry works so the military can transform how it trains, why and how to adapt mixed reality training into military and security training, and technology and tactical performance. Haptic technology will be put under the microscope in the afternoon session, with the day closing with a look at simulation through NATO’s eyes from Mark Madden, Branch Head, Modelling and Simulation (M&S)-Training Technologies, Joint Force Development (JFD), Allied Command Transformation (ACT), and Stephen Nelson, Programme Director NATO Next Generation M&S, NATO.
27 Apr 22. Elbit Systems UK’s Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation trainer now in service with British Army. Elbit Systems UK’s Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (Deployable) ICAVS(D) has entered service with the British Army. ICAVS(D) is one of the first pathfinder projects for the British Army’s Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP), and its delivery to the Army comes upon completion of the customer’s Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) at the end of March. ICAVS(D) succeeded the previous in-service system, the Unit-Based Virtual Trainer (UBVT) on 1st April 2022.
Using the latest high-specification hardware and Defence Virtual Simulation software, ICAVS(D) will deliver immersive virtual tactical training in the Army’s Battlecraft Syllabus to enable units to get the most out of their subsequent live field training exercises.
For use by both regular and reserve soldiers in the British Army, ICAVS(D) provides the ability to conduct collective training and experimentation at a place and time of the units’ choosing, from vehicle crew level all the way to Combined Arms Sub-Unit.
ICAVS(D) will also allow the Army to understand and define its requirements for the Future Collective Training System and the replacement to the UK’s Command and Staff Training (CAST) and the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) systems.
The delivery of ICAVS(D) follows Elbit Systems UK’s other major training programmes for the UK MOD: the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer for the Army; leading Synthetic Training Integration for the Royal Navy’s Project Selborne; and the delivery and operation of three types of aircraft through the company’s JV Affinity, for the UK Military Flying Training System.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said: “The delivery and move into service of ICAVS(D) is demonstrative of Elbit Systems UK’s pedigree in delivering advanced training capabilities to the UK Armed Forces. This high-specification and flexible platform will ensure that the reserve and regular units of the Army can continue to develop and maintain operational readiness for a broad range of scenarios.”
26 Apr 22. Finnish Air Force to participate in Ilmataktiikka 22 live air exercise. The exercise will train the participating units to fight effectively in challenging situations. The Finnish Air Force is set to take part in the live air training exercise, Ilmataktiikka 22, which will commence on 2 May. Concluding on 6 May, the five-day exercise will provide an opportunity for air force personnel to hone their skills to fight in tactically challenging environments. The exercise is expected to involve around 30 aircraft, including two Hawk jet trainer aircraft, 24 F/A-18 Hornet multi-role fighters, and other transport and liaison aircraft.
All flight operations during the exercise will be carried out at the border area of Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, Joensuu, Kuopio, Jyväskylä and Oulu.
The Finnish Air Force’s fighters participating in the exercise will operate out of Oulunsalo.
Exercise director colonel Timo Herranen said: “Ilmataktiikka 22 will offer an important opportunity to further develop air force tactics and air combat techniques.
“The main operating base for the fighters carrying out air defence duties will be Rissala while Rovaniemi will host the aircraft simulating the adversary.
“The objective of the exercise will be to train fighter squadrons and control and reporting centres’ personnel in tactically challenging scenarios.”
Ilmataktiikka 22 will involve various tactically challenging scenarios such as supersonic and low-altitude flights, at an altitude of more than 10km.
In addition, the participating aircraft are also expected to deploy countermeasures, including flares and chaff, which are used by the airmen to avoid detection by adversary air defence systems.
Herranen added: “Through continuous development that takes into account the operating environment, and through the training of our airmen, we ensure that we are capable to fight effectively in all situations.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
27 Apr 22. BAE Systems and Hadean to develop training solutions for future militaries. The initial proof of concept will involve integrating multi-domain synthetic environments to offer complex training scenarios. BAE Systems is set to collaborate with distributed computing specialists Hadean to develop training solutions for future military forces.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at IT2EC 2022 to work together on the initiative.
As agreed, BAE Systems will leverage its knowledge in military training, and Hadean’s technology, to power a single synthetic environment to enable military forces to plug in and train together.
The technology will allow the forces to train in a simulated environment analogous to the real world, using real software and tactics.
The initial proof of concept will involve integrating multi-domain synthetic environments to offer complex collective training scenarios. It will also use data analytics and insights to improve the training capability and output.
BAE Systems Air sector director of training strategy Andy Kendall said: “We are really excited to collaborate with Hadean, which is a world leader in harnessing the power of computating technology, for immersive synthetic training environments.
“The aim is to combine Hadean’s computing expertise with our intimate understanding of our customers’ needs, built on decades of working with the world’s leading militaries, to provide bespoke simulation environments and scenarios. This will deliver tangible advantages to next-generation training systems.”
Hadean co-founder and CEO Craig Beddis said: “Our new partnership with BAE Systems represents a key milestone in digital transformation, where governments and militaries will be able to leverage our joint solutions to take advantage of the latest emerging spatial computing technologies to maximise their mission preparedness.”
Last month, BAE Systems completed the acquisition of software company Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim). (Source: army-technology.com)
25 Apr 22. Australian Air Force concludes Exercise Diamond Shield. The 2022 Diamond Series include three exercises, namely Diamond Sea, Shield, and Storm. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has concluded Exercise Diamond Shield, the second of three exercises under Diamond Series 2022.
The Diamond Series includes Sea, Shield and Storm, which are conducted as part of the third biennial RAAF’s Air Warfare Instructor Course (AWIC).
The exercises are designed to promote RAAF’s interoperability with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Army, along with other international partners.
The training also helps to ensure the preparedness of the Australian Defence Forces to protect the homeland and the interests of its allies.
DARPA’s Ouija programme seeks to enhance HF radio capabilities
Diamond Shield was conducted both at sea and land along the Eastern Australian Exercise Area to provide various defensive counter-air training and air-maritime integration training to the AWIC candidates.
The exercise’s director group captain Matthew Harper said: “AWIC22 encompasses a range of academic activities and practical exercises that expose the candidates to complex scenarios.
“Exercise Diamond Shield established high-end warfighting scenarios which challenged AWIC candidates to maintain control of the air whilst integrating with multiple Air Force platforms and ground elements.
“The presence of the US Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon challenged our candidates to overcome an adversary with unfamiliar capabilities.”
Designed to meet specific Air Force capability needs, the AWIC involves high-intensity training and integration of warfighting functions across different specialisations within the Air Force.
Under the six-month long course, commanders are trained to harness the combat potential of integrated air, cyber and space capabilities to support the joint forces.
The last exercise in the series, Exercise Diamond Storm, will be conducted in Australia’s northern territory between May and June 2022.
It will see the AWIC candidates implement the learnings received from the first two exercises, namely Diamond Seas and Shield.
After graduating from the AWIC, the air warfare instructors can use their skills in assisting the RAAF to deliver airpower as part of the joint force. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
25 Apr 22. Navies of Sweden and Finland conduct joint ASW exercise. The training aims to develop interoperability and warfare capabilities between the two navies. The navies of Finland and Sweden have conducted a bilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise in the Gulf of Finland.
The exercise aims to develop interoperability and enhance the ASW capabilities of both forces. The cross-border training (CBT) exercise was conducted as part of the FISE naval cooperation between the two countries. The objective of the FISE effort is to use the operational capabilities of the two navies to increase maritime situational awareness and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. The joint effort involves various bilateral trainings, exercises, exchange, development, and acquisition programmes, conducted between the two nations from time-to-time.
The Finnish Navy’s missile boats including Hamina-class fast attack craft Hamina and Tornio along with one Finnish Border Guard’s patrol boat participated in the exercise.
In addition, a Finnish oil and chemical spill response multi-purpose vessel Louhi also took part in the exercise.
Apart from the Finnish vessels, one Gotland-class submarine HSWMS Uppland from the Swedish Navy took part in the ASW exercise.
Exercise leader commander Toni Joutsia said: “The exercise is a part of the close cooperation conducted by Finland with Sweden.
“Participating in international training activities is important, because it demonstrates, maintains and develops our national defence.”
Before taking part in the ASW exercise, the Finnish Navy’s Hamina-class fast-attack craft underwent an extensive overhaul to improve its underwater warfare capabilities.
The vessels were integrated with variable depth sonar (VDS) and torpedoes.
The surface warfare and air defence capabilities of the Hamina-class vessels also received an update.
Joutsia added: “In addition to anti-submarine warfare, provision of host nation support will also be rehearsed this week: HSWMS Uppland attached itself to the side of multi-purpose vessel Louhi for maintenance and supplies in Hanko this morning.” (Source: naval-technology.com)
21 Apr 22. The recent IRON CHALLENGE 2022 TTX (Trade Training Exercise) in Hampshire gave us an opportunity to watch REME Craftsmen in action, writes Bob Morrison. The role of REME, the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, which turns 80 this October, is in very simple terms to maintain, repair and manufacture equipment to keep the British Army’s weapons, vehicles, aircraft and systems in fighting order both in peacetime and on the battlefield.
A soldier choosing REME as his or her cap badge has the possibility of serving with just about any unit in the British Army, pretty much anywhere in the world that there is a UK military presence, and carries out their chosen trade every day rather than just when they and their unit are on exercises and operations. The eight core REME trades are: Aircraft Technician; Armourer; Avionics Technician; Electronics Technician, Metalsmith (and Shipwright); Recovery Mechanic; Technical Support Specialist; and Vehicle Mechanic. All new soldiers joining this specialist Corps are enrolled on apprenticeships and in time most gain recognised qualifications, ranging from NVQ through to Engineering Degree, facilitating professional recognition from Engineering Technician through to Chartered Engineer levels. Reflecting the level of qualifications gained, in REME promotion through the ranks can be fast. Before joining their first unit a REME soldier normally qualifies as a Class 3 Craftsman; today, of course, this term is no longer gender-specific and there are plenty of female REME mechanics and technicians, as we spotted during IRON CHALLENGE. After induction training and learning basic soldiering skills, as a Craftsman has to be able to fight as well as to fix, recruits complete a period of classroom-based training to provide the background knowledge for their role followed by further practical training that is specific to their future trade; according to the MoD, this training is conducted in a classroom, on demonstration pieces of equipment and in an outside exercise–type environment. Soldiers are assessed on their current knowledge in order to identify their level of key skills then further training is provided, with most attending a common foundation training which lasts for six weeks. All selected to go down the Aircraft, Avionics or Electronics routes then attend a further seven weeks of technician foundation training. (Source: www.joint-forces.com)
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About InVeris Training Solutions
InVeris Training Solutions combines an agile approach with an unmatched expertise in training technology to design and deliver customized, cutting-edge, first-rate training solutions that keep military, law enforcement and commercial range customers safe, prepared and ready to serve – Because Seconds Matter™. With a portfolio of technology-enabled training solutions, and a team of 400 employees driven to innovate, InVeris Training Solutions is the global leader in integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training solutions. With its legacy companies, FATS® and Caswell, InVeris Training Solutions has fielded over 15,500 live-fire ranges and 7,500 virtual systems globally during its 95-year history. The Company is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia and partners with clients in the US and around the world from facilities on five continents.
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