MetaVR Visuals Used in Convoy Simulation Training

From November 2003 through November 2005, approximately 11,000 soldiers were trained for convoy duty at Fort Hood, TX, prior to departure for Iraq using MetaVR real-time 3D visualization to simulate a virtual Baghdad. The Warrior Skills Trainer (WST) convoy simulator was developed by on-site III Corps and Alion Science and Technology staffs, with collaborative development of the Commanders Work Station (CWS) accomplished by IDSI. The WST simulator is comprised of several simulation models that enable units to train for convoy-related tasks. Twenty-four MetaVR visual systems are in use for convoy training at Ft. Hood, TX (6), Ft. Carson, CO (12), Ft. Stewart, GA (6), and Ft. Riley, KS (11).

Each MetaVR delivery included a collection of 22 Humvee models in the 3D content entity library; each model has four paint schemes.

VRSG rendering of a convoy simulation, using a MetaVR-created database, and inset image of soldiers inside the Warrior Skills Trainer (WST). Click to view an enlarged version of the images. WST image courtesy of III Corps.

The above images show a rendering of a convoy simulation using the MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator, on a database created by MetaVR. The terrain represents a built-up urban area outside the Baghdad airport that includes narrow passages between buildings and ongoing construction. All models are from the baseline model set of the 3D content library delivered with MetaVR's WorldPerfect terrain generation application. In the inset view, troops are engaged in simulated convoy duty using a customer supplied terrain database. Click either image to view an enlarged image.

The images above show the Warrior Skills Trainer (WST) on the right being used to prototype troop configurations within the vehicle. The inset image on the left shows the view that a driver would see from inside the HMMWV with the complete interior modeled. This view is from inside the third vehicle from the front of the convoy scene shown at the top of the page. Above WST image courtesy of III Corps.

WST provides a field initiated prototype training environment for units to practice convoy Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) before live training or as refresher training.

The WST consists of three simulators of High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) in which trainees drive through a virtual representation of Baghdad and surrounding areas, in a manner similar to driving in a video game. Trainees can communicate with each other and with their facilitator in the simulation control area through headset communication networks.

As described on Ft. Carson's web page about its Convoy Skills Trainer, HMMWV driving, communications and other capabilities are supported by the JCATS simulation. All friendly, enemy and non-combatant events that occur while driving are produced by JCATS and its interaction with the virtual driving system; this system consists of the National Simulation Center’s “Commander’s Workstation” and MetaVR VRSG. Each HMMWV has joysticks for rotating the driver's view, a laptop with software to track the driver's movement in the simulation and a corresponding map to help navigation. Each HMMWV is also equipped with a mixture of two simulated individual weapons and a simulated crew-served weapon provided by the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST), which trainees use to engage the enemy in a gunnery scenario linked to the driving scenario.

EST system integrated with the WST convoy trainer, running VRSG visuals. Image courtesy of Cubic Corporation.

Based upon soldier feedback, MetaVR subsequently worked with Cubic Corporation to upgrade its Engagement Skills Trainer (EST) visuals to use VRSG visual systems. The small-arms training simulation, which features human animated characters, had been running as a standalone application on EST-2000 devices. Part of the upgrade effort entailed networking the EST system such that it would integrate with the WST convoy trainer.

As result of the integration, training with networked convoy and gunnery simulations occurs in a seamless, more realistic manner; for example from within a scenario a convoy driver and other vehicle occupants can react defensively and return fire if the vehicle is under attack.

The following diagram depicts a proposed upgrade for the WST convoy simulator. This second generation implementation of the WST device, as proposed by Ft. Hood, is in operation at Ft. Carson CO, with 12 MetaVR visual systems. (Diagram courtesy of III Corps.)

	VRSG rendering of a convoy simulation, using the database created by MetaVR of an area outside the Baghdad airport. This scene uses vehicle models and buildings and construction elements from MetaVR's 3D content libraries.

The simulation uses the MetaVR-built Baghdad database and vehicle models from the MetaVR's 3D vehicle library.

MetaVR's M1025 Mk19 model from the 3D vehicle library. Click to see the other Humvee models available.

Simulation views of customer-built database from within the WST system. Images courtesy of III Corps and Cubic Corporation.