Sponsored by Meggitt Training Systems
https://meggitttrainingsystems.com/
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30 Jan 19. Meggitt Training Systems to Display Live-Fire and Virtual Solutions at IDEX 2019 in UAE. Meggitt Training Systems, the leading provider of integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training products and services for armed forces and law enforcement, will display a broad range of solutions on two stands during the biennial International Defence Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Feb. 17-21, 2019.
“Meggitt Training Systems offers our global customer base the ideal combination of in-house military and law enforcement expertise, combined with local support across our product portfolio,” said Andrea Czop, vice president of strategy, sales and marketing for Meggitt Training Systems. “Military forces in the Middle East and elsewhere need the most advanced virtual, live-fire and integrated solutions to prepare for emerging and evolving threats.”
On the International Golden Group stand (#04-C20), Meggitt will display the FATS® 100MIL simulation training system. Chosen as the system of record by the US Army (EST II) and US Marine Corps (ISMT), as well as the United Kingdom and Australia, the FATS 100MIL is a major expansion in weapons training capability, introducing revolutionary features such as advanced game engine 3D marksmanship, enhanced diagnostics with intelligent automatic coaching and collective training. The system provides an impressive array of functionality for both instructor and trainee, delivering solid weapon-handling and shot-placement analytics, coaching tools that automatically highlight trainee results for reinforcement or correction, and enhanced graphic capabilities for an all-encompassing immersive training platform. The FATS 100MIL at IDEX will be complemented by a selection of wireless BlueFire® and convertible BlueRail® weapons, including the AK-47 rifle, M4 carbine, Glock G17, Taser X26P and an 81mm mortar.
At the US pavilion (#02-B31), Meggitt will showcase its extensive portfolio of live-fire products. These include a dual Pop-up Turner Target (TSIT), a 360° turning/pop-up target actuator capable of displaying friend and foe silhouette presentations, plus LOMAH (location of miss and hit) technology. Also on display will be the XWT ProImage®, a compact video projector and camera system that attaches to Meggitt’s XWT target carrier and moves downrange to any distance on the track. Wirelessly connected to a 10” lane control unit mounted to the shooting stall, the system projects interactive games, digital videos and images that a shooter can upload onto white paper or cardboard targets. Finally, event attendees can see a model of Meggitt’s GranTrap™ granulated rubber bullet trap that utilizes soft media to stop incoming rounds and capture them predominately intact. This minimizes impact noise and airborne lead dust, plus averts back-splatter and ricochet. (Source: BUSINESS WIRE)
30 Jan 19. NATO digital agency aims for cloud-based training and simulation. NATO’s cyber communications agency plans to roll out in the next three years cloud-based training and simulation (T&S) capabilities with the power to digitally reconstitute entire live exercises, according to NATO officials. Part of a EUR3bn (USD3.45bn) upgrade to the alliance’s communications and cyber-infrastructure, the effort also aims for a standardised NATO-wide curriculum for online training.
“We want to build the cloud as a vehicle to create virtual classrooms where you can do training from your command post,” a NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) official told a 24 January gathering of senior allied and national military officials and industry representatives at a conference known as the Vauban Sessions in Lille, France. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
30 Jan 19. RAAF joins Red Flag joint military training exercise in US. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is demonstrating its capabilities at the Red Flag joint military training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base (AFB) in the US. More than 370 personnel and eight aircraft from the RAAF are taking part in the Exercise Red Flag 19-1 alongside the US Air Force (USAF) and the British Royal Air Force (RAF). The three-week air warfare training exercise started last week and is set to run until 15 February.
At the exercise, RAAF is being represented by six F/A-18A Classic Hornets from Number 77 Squadron, one E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft from Number 2 Squadron and one AP-3C (Electronic Warfare) Orion aircraft from the Number 10 Squadron.
RAAF Air Commander Australia air vice-marshal Steve Roberton said: “Royal Australian Air Force will train with the USAF, US Navy and the RAF in a complex reconstruction of a modern battlespace. Airforce personnel will deploy to support the aircraft, operate an Australian Task Group Headquarters, augment the combined air operations centre with our coalition partners, provide cyber capabilities, and establish a control and reporting centre. Not only are we learning from our partners and how we can best operate with each other, we are continuing our strong relationships that will enhance and strengthen our coalition into the future.”
The RAF has deployed Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth, Sentry and Rivet Joint aircraft, as well as personnel from units stationed across the country to train at Nellis AFB.
Established in 1975, Exercise Red Flag series is hosted by the USAF 414th Combat Training Squadron.
The exercise is conducted several times a year with participation from domestic and international forces. Australia has been taking part in the exercise since 1980. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
29 Jan 19. New F-16 Simulator Delivered to Royal Danish Air Force. Danish MOD, RDAF and Fighter Wing Skrydstrup (FW SKP) took delivery of a newly developed combined DART F-16 simulator and JTAC training capacity provided by IFAD and sub-contractor ArenaLogic. The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), the Royal Danish Air Force (RDAF) and Fighter Wing Skrydstrup (FW SKP) took delivery of a newly developed combined F-16 simulator and JTAC training capacity at the FW SKP on December 17th 2018. The complete training system consists of two F-16 simulators, one instructor station and two JTAC training systems, all combined in one deployable solution.
DALO, RDAF Air Staff and FW SKP have collaborated with IFAD and sub-contractor ArenaLogic in the efforts to develop a mobile advanced procedural trainer for F-16 pilots also known as the DART project (Deployable Advanced Readiness Trainer). The purpose of the project is to develop an operational and up-to-date F-16 simulator system that provides the best possible pilot training value, in a dynamic and controlled process. Based on existing IFAD and ArenaLogic products, the Armed Forces now have 2 advanced procedural trainers in networks and with the possibility to connect with JTAC and Air Control Wing (ACW) fighter controllers sitting 120 kilometers away. An option to expand to 4 DART F-16 simulators and 2 instructor stations in total with more advanced graphical dome-solutions is still in play. For FW SKP delivery of the new simulator capacity means that the pilots can train in a simulator that almost 100% reflects the live F-16 aircraft in the current RDAF Mid-Life-Update (MLU) configuration. They can train with the latest weapons systems available for the RDAF F-16 capacity, both Air-to-Air (A/A), Air-to-Ground (A/G) and sensor systems (Litening G4 TGPs etc.) including integration to real-life Forward-Air-Controllers (FAC/JTAC) and real-life Fighter Controllers (FC). This provides in total a very comprehensive pilot training capability to the RDAF/FW SKP pilots. At the delivery ceremony several people from both Defence and industry attended, including Commander of FW SKP Col Holstener-Jørgensen (GUS) and capacity manager of the F-16 capacity center at DALO Mr. Peter Laustsen. Mr. Peter Laustsen is very satisfied with the project and stated: “In two years (Nov16-Dec18), IFAD, Arenalogic and the Danish Defence representatives have jointly developed a unique and complete simulator system adapted to the Danish F-16 configuration and then at a very competitive price”.
During the delivery ceremony, a demonstration of the new simulator capacity took place. It showed all attendees that the training environment can support Danish F-16 pilots with very complex fighter mission scenarios. The solution will in the future also be linked up to other Danish simulation capacities situated at other places in Denmark. The demonstration was carried out as a two-ship A/G mission with the use of precision guided munitions, use of Link-16 and TGPs.
Col Holstener-Jørgensen was very pleased with his new F-16 simulator capacity and said: “The DART project has meant that it is now possible to use a simulator that is completely up-to-date on the software side and compatible to the F-16 aircraft that we use in the Danish Defence. The simulators allow us to train important tactics and procedures in a time-saving and inexpensive way in addition to the pilots’ actual flight training. With the new simulators, we can supplement the current training flights with scenarios and situations, which, during current live flights, would require disproportionate resources.”
The DALO/RDAF/FW SKP took delivery of the DART F-16 simulator system as follows:
- 2 F-16 MLU6.52/S1.1/L16 compatible systems (option for 2 more)
- 1 F-INSTR Instructor station (option for one more)
- 2 IFACTS FAC/JTAC training systems
(Source: ASD Network/IFAD TS A/S)
29 Jan 19. Israeli air force starts training German Heron-TP drone pilots. The initial class of German air force drone pilots began their training on the Heron-TP drone at the Israeli Tel Nof air base near Tel Aviv on Monday.
Launch of the inaugural class for the first six crews of two – one pilot, one sensor operator – comes after the German parliament last summer approved the purchase of flying time of five Heron-TP drones. The German forces want to use the aircraft, made by Israel Aerospace Industries, for surveillance and, later, armed missions supporting the Bundeswehr deployments in Mali and Afghanistan.
German officials were careful to say that the eight-week training is restricted to the surveillance capabilities of the drones. That is because the idea of unmanned aircraft carrying weapons is still controversial here despite assurances by the defense ministry that missiles would be fired only in the event of immediate danger to German ground troops.
Defense officials are expected to forward a separate request to lawmakers for steps to arm the drones. Such a petition is sure to kick off another debate on the adoption of a technology considered par for the course amid major allied militaries. A defense spokesman did not immediately return a reporter’s question about the government’s envisioned timing for a new proposal.
Proponents have argued that using the Israeli drone for surveillance only is a waste of money because such capabilities are available for cheaper than the $1bn-plus Heron-TP deal. The ministry itself has signaled that it wants to move quickly on the armaments package.
Those here opposing armed drones, first and foremost the left-wing Die Linke faction in parliament, consider the case of the Heron-TP as something of a watershed moment that could open the door for such systems to proliferate in Germany’s arsenal. Party members have alleged that the government is stonewalling inquiries into the status of the weaponized capability.
German air force Col. Kristof Conrath, whose squadron will handle Heron-TP operations, called the beginning of the training program “another milestone” in German-Israeli air force cooperation. Referring to the training’s focus on surveillance flights, he said: “Our Israeli partners have far-reaching expertise in this area, and the necessary air space environment. That’s what we are getting out of this.” (Source: Defense News Early Bird/Defense News)
29 Jan 19. US Navy issues TH-XX training helo RFP. The US Navy (USN) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for up to 130 new training helicopters to replace its ageing Bell TH-57B/C SeaRanger platforms. Issued on 28 January, the RFP covers the procurement of 130 helicopters for the service’s TH-XX programme for the advanced training of USN, US Marine Corps (USMC), and US Coast Guard (USCG) undergraduate helicopter pilots. Responses to the RFP are due no later than 1630 h US Eastern Standard Time on 2 April. A contract award is anticipated in the first quarter of fiscal year 2020, with the TH-57 fleet set to be fully retired by 2023. To date, three companies have declared their intention to bid for the TH-XX requirement: Airbus Helicopters is to offer its twin-engined H135; Bell is offering both the single-engined 407GXi and twin-engined 429 GlobalRanger; and Leonardo is offering its single-engined AgustaWestland TH-119. In promoting its offering, Airbus Helicopters has noted that 130 H135s are currently training military pilots in 13 countries and more than 300,000 military training hours have been flown to date. The company is also looking to leverage the success that the H135s larger EC145 stablemate has experienced with the US Army: more than 430 UH-72A Lakota helicopters have been delivered since contract award in 2006 and the USN uses the platform at its Advanced Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland. Bell is hedging its bets with both a single- and twin-engined offering as neither the request for information (RFI) nor the draft RFP stipulated a preference from the USN. The 407GXi is the latest variant of the 407, which is itself an advanced variant of the Bell 206 JetRanger on which the TH-57 SeaRanger is based. The twin-engined 429 GlobalRanger is already in military service with Australia and Oman, and Slovakia has also shown interest. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
28 Jan 19. US and Royal Thai armies begin exercise Hanuman Guardian 19. The US and Royal Thai armies have officially launched the annual, bilateral army-to-army exercise Hanuman Guardian 19 to bolster capability. The exercise will involve the participation of nearly 800 soldiers operating under US Army Pacific Command and approximately 900 Thai personnel with the Headquarters of 2nd Infantry Division and the 12 Infantry Regiment. Hanuman Guardian aims to strengthen military-to-military partnerships and mission readiness, as well as build interoperability between US and Royal Thai Army forces.
25th Infantry Division Support Deputy Commanding General brigadier general Andrew Preston said: “Building on the success of past evolutions of Exercise Hanuman Guardian, this ninth iteration continues its focus on increasing readiness, interoperability and collaboration between our nations to achieve effective solutions to common challenges.
“I know we’re about to roll up our sleeves, work together, train and learn from one another, developing our readiness and interoperability capabilities vital to the security of the Pacific region.”
Hanuman Guardian 19 exercise will include a combined arms operations scenario and a field training exercise for platoon and squad-level elements to practice fundamental battle skills.
Aviation assets, counter-improvised explosive device (IED) tactics, medical training and subject matter expert exchanges will also be part of the exercise between the US Army and the Royal Thai Army.
The exercise will train the soldiers in bilateral long-range fires integration, mechanised and wheeled infantry capabilities, and logistics.
1-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team commander colonel Leo Wyszynski said: “We expect to emerge from the exercise better trained than we arrived and to leave the Royal Thai Army confident in our solid partnership and commitment to support each other. Our soldiers are ready to train hard and perform well.” (Source: army-technology.com)
30 Jan 19. Bagira wins Netherlands CBRN contract. Bagira Systems and Van Halteren Defence have jointly been awarded a contract by the Netherlands Ministry of Defence for the simulator for its national chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) training centre at Bredero barracks in Vught. The contract, the value of which was not disclosed, is to supply, operate, and maintain the simulator for 15 years. The centre provides CBRN training for military personnel and first responders, and the simulator will support instruction and training in dealing with various CBRN scenarios. Leveraging Bagira’s core ‘Digital Dust’ technology, the new simulator is based on the company’s B-ONE 3D imagery software. It includes elements that together enable interactive training in a realistic and dynamic environment. B-ONE provides a standardised skeleton and interchangeable animation, enabling the creation and presentation of different scenarios using the B-SCENE scenario editor.
The simulator can be used in conjunction with live training, injecting CBRN events, simulating the spread of hazardous substances, and providing the correct feedback to simulated monitoring devices, which can be implemented as applications on mobile devices. All levels of command and CBRN defence functions can be exercised, with dynamically changing threats and environmental conditions. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
29 Jan 19. CAE wins contract to develop training system for Protector RPAS. CAE has secured a contract for the development of a comprehensive synthetic training system for the UK’s Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) programme. The contract awarded by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) requires CAE to design and develop a training system that will include desktop and high-fidelity mission trainers specific to the Protector RPAS. The Protector mission trainers will be based on GA-ASI’s certifiable ground control station (CGCS). They are set to become the first simulators developed for this advanced CGCS. In addition, CAE will equip the synthetic training system with brief / debrief and scenario generation stations.
CAE Group defence and security president Gene Colabatistto said: “We are pleased to continue our global training partnership with GA-ASI to support the UK Protector programme. Protector will offer a new level of capability in an unmanned air system and will require well-trained aircrews. We will leverage developments we have made over the past several years creating the highest fidelity training devices for the Predator family of remotely piloted aircraft to produce a world-class synthetic training system for the Protector programme.”
The company intends to make the initial deliveries of the synthetic training system in 2020. The system will be delivered to the Royal Air Force Waddington base, the hub of UK intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance that will serve as the main operating base for the Protector RPAS.
To be operated by the Royal Air Force, the Protector is the UK-specific variant of GA-ASI’s certifiable MQ-9B SkyGuardian RPAS.
GA-ASI aircraft systems president David Alexander said: “MQ-9B SkyGuardian, which Protector is based on, represents the next-generation of remotely piloted aircraft capabilities, including longer endurance and automatic take-off and landing.
“The Protector synthetic training system will play a key role helping the Royal Air Force develop skilled aircrews and we are pleased to collaborate with CAE as our training partner on this critical programme.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
28 Jan 19. Cubic renovates facility for air combat training systems production. Cubic is nearing the completion of the renovation and upgrade of its manufacturing facility in San Diego, US. Updates to the facility are expected to support the production and testing of components for pods, ground subsystems and secure components for its live, virtual and constructive (LVC) air combat training systems. Recently, Cubic Global Defense completed the Secure LVC Advanced Training Environment (SLATE) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD).
Cubic Global Defense president Mike Knowles said: “Cubic’s Air Ranges team has worked very hard to develop LVC-enabling technologies to successfully demonstrate the efficacy of blending virtual and constructive entities into live aircraft cockpits. We are thrilled with the latest enhancements to our manufacturing facility and look forward to strengthening and increasing the production of our new secure LVC pods here in San Diego.”
The company invented the air combat manoeuvring instrumentation (ACMI) in 1973 and has since then delivered more than 5,000 pods for 40 different aircraft at 80 locations across the world.
During the last decade, Cubic has supplied more than 2,000 combat training system pods to 17 countries and 30 training ranges.
The firm also has a KITS ACMI pod production line. To date, 640 KITS pods, along with 50 ground stations and sustainment, have been delivered to the US Air Force, Canada, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Thailand.
At present, Cubic operates three manufacturing centres located in the US and Mexico. The centres contain supply chains that specialise in various components of the company’s ACMI pods and LVC system. The company has renovated facilities at its San Diego headquarters to provide secure production and will operate the headquarters as the main manufacturing hub for its LVC air combat systems. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
28 Jan 19. Multinational maritime warfare exercise Intrepid Sentinel concludes. The multinational maritime warfare exercise Intrepid Sentinel featuring maritime forces from France, the UK, Australia and the US has come to a close in the Arabian Gulf.
The exercise, which is designed to enhance warfighting readiness and interoperability between allies and partners, witnessed participation from France’s Marine Nationale F70AA-class air defence destroyer FS Cassard (D 614), UK’s Royal Navy Daring-class air defence destroyer HMS Dragon (D 35).
Other vessels include Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155), and the US Navy’s aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), and guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111).
Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 commodore captain Murzban Morris said: “The exercise itself is meant to develop interoperability because one of our overall goals is to develop the opportunity to where we don’t have to have a particular situation or a defined event that happens to bring us together.
“We should have that interoperability and operate together at a moment’s notice. So, that’s what this exercise is about so that whenever we may need it we can come together whether or not there is a crisis.”
As part of the exercise, the vessels participated in various integrated events using air and surface platforms. This will strengthen capabilities across multiple warfare areas and promote the integration of multinational maritime forces during operations.
Cassard commanding officer captain C.V. Ouk said: “Our strong partnership is an essential asset for the maritime security in the Indian Ocean.”
The exercise allowed the ships to take part in shared evolutions such as a cross-deck of Sailors, air defence exercises, helicopter deck landing qualification (DLQ) cross decks, plane guard exercises, and formation sailing.
The participating maritime forces had the opportunity to focus on modern naval warfighting core competencies with emphasis on aspects such as reviewing performance and tactics, command and control constructs and recommending solutions to warfighting gaps.
Intrepid Sentinel also involved integrated air intercept control and response, as well as trading off surface warfare commander and screen commander roles.
Furthermore, the three-day exercise saw the ships perform surface warfare exercises, such as formation sailing, which allowed them to practise dynamic warfare techniques. (Source: naval-technology.com)
25 Jan 19. Canadian Army to receive vehicle crew gunnery simulator from Bluedrop. The Government of Canada has awarded a contract to Bluedrop Training & Simulation for the delivery of its vehicle crew gunnery simulator. The $1m contract was placed through the Build in Canada Innovation Program and is expected to provide the Canadian Land Forces with a new immersive virtual training device for vehicle-based gunnery mission training.
Bluedrop Technology & Simulation vice-president Jean-Claude Siew said: “Bluedrop is excited to be able to extend our expertise in training and simulation to support innovation within the Canadian Army. We are pleased that this simulator is going to increase access to higher fidelity training at home here in Atlantic Canada.”
The company noted that it will collaborate with 5 Canadian Division to develop the simulator with new technology.
With the simulator, Canadian Army soldiers will be able to train and assess their remote weapon system crew gunnery skills and communication capabilities.
Featuring both physical and virtual simulation for mission realism, the device is designed to provide target engagement, dangerous malfunctions, firing solutions and techniques, as well as vehicle orientation limits.
In a separate development, the Canadian Government has inaugurated the new Willow Park Armoury in Halifax.
Built with an investment of $55.2m by Bird Design-Build Construction, the new 8,574m² armoury will be used by Canadian Army Reserve units, including 36 Service Battalion, 36 Signal Regiment, and 33 Field Ambulance. Canadian National Defence Minister Harjit S Sajjan said: “Through our defence policy, ‘Strong, Secure, Engaged’, our government is investing in a strong, modern, and capable reserve force. This new armoury will provide units from the Army Reserve in Halifax with the functional and green infrastructure needed to carry out their important work at home and abroad, while also supporting their continued growth.” (Source: army-technology.com)
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Meggitt Training Systems, makers of FATS® and Caswell technologies, a division of Meggitt PLC, is the leading supplier of integrated live-fire and virtual weapons training systems. Following the acquisition of FATS® virtual training systems and Caswell International’s live-fire ranges and services, Meggitt Training Systems continues to grow its capabilities based on the legacy of these two industry leaders. Over 13,600 Meggitt live-fire ranges and 5,100 virtual systems are fielded internationally, providing judgmental, situational awareness and marksmanship training to the armed forces, law enforcement and security organizations. Meggitt Training Systems employs more than 400 people at its headquarters in Atlanta and at facilities in Orlando, Canada, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, UAE, Australia and Singapore. It can deploy service personnel anywhere in the world for instructor training, system installation and maintenance. Learn more at https://meggitttrainingsystems.com/
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