AFRL F-16 X-DTTs Delivered to Aviano AFB, Italy, Upgraded With MetaVR Visuals

The Air Force Research Laboratory, Warfighter Readiness Research Division, (AFRL) updated their F-16 Experimental Deployable Tactics Trainer (X-DTT) simulators in 2010 to use MetaVR visuals and Immersive Display Solutions portable domes. The F-16 X-DTTs are deployable, medium fidelity, in-theater training systems for keeping the warfighter proficient between missions.  

	AFRL's F-16 X-DTT simulator using MetaVR multi-channel visual systems with a 3-meter dome display in Immersive Display Solutions' booth at I/ITSEC 2010.

For this update, the AFRL lab purchased 26 MetaVR™ Virtual Reality Scene Generator™ (VRSG™) licenses to replace its existing SDS International AAcuity PC-IG systems for the simulators. The MetaVR software runs on the existing image generator hardware with no changes required.

	Detail of the dome display of one of the F-16 X-DTT simulators at AFRL using MetaVR multi-channel visual systems. (Note that the seams that appear in this test installation of the dome will be eliminated in the final installation.) Image courtesy of Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Mesa, AZ.

The X-DTT photographs on this page show the upgraded simulators during integration and testing prior to the delivery to the US Air Force in Aviano, Italy.

Each F-16 X-DTT has six projected views on the partial dome in addition to a sensor view. Each system can be used as a standalone training tool or networked with other simulators to participate in larger exercises.

The systems are similar in design to MetaVR and Immersive Display Solutions' 3-Meter Dome Immersive System, with differences specific for the F-16 X-DTT. The domes are constructed of fiberglass in order to provide the best possible surface that minimizes seams and reduces blemishes. Each dome is a 3.0-meter (diameter) display, providing 220-degree horizontal  field-of-view (FOV) x 90-degree (+60/-30) FOV. The visual solution includes six Projection Design FL32 WUXGA projectors with wide-angle lenses; each projector has 1920 x 1200 pixel resolution. The integration between MetaVR VRSG and Scalable Display Technologies' EasyBlend FX software provides for geometry warp and the auto alignment (edge blend) of all VRSG channels, resulting in a seamless  image. The system has an average blended resolution of 11.5 million pixels, equals 4.8 arc-min/OLP. An integrated adjustable truss system supports all the projection equipment, auto alignment cameras, and the HUD projector. (The separate HUD projector is not shown in the photographs.)

	One of the F-16 X-DTT simulators at AFRL using MetaVR multi-channel visual systems. (Note that the seams that appear in this test installation of the dome will be eliminated in the final installation.) Image courtesy of Air Force Research Lab (AFRL).

AFRL is a research organization chartered to develop state-of-the-art training technologies and methods that support the 21st century warfighter. The primary goals of the research division are to develop or evaluate various technologies as training and research tools and to investigate training effectiveness through assessment in a distributed mission operations (DMO) environment. The  training research environment at AFRL is comprised of various simulation systems and performance measurement tools that provide warfighters with opportunities to develop and refine their knowledge and skills required to be successful in a combat environment.

The goal of the X-DTT simulators is to provide pilots with the ability to practice and maintain air combat skills in forward operating locations. These simulators are intended for use by deployed pilots who generally perform missions in support of real world operations with limited or no sorties or flying range space available for training opportunities and who might incur deficiencies in critical mission skills needed for other theaters.

The medium-fidelity X-DTT simulator consists of an F-16 Block 30 aircraft shell with the actual F-16 Operational Flight Program (OFP) and high-fidelity aircraft stick and throttle. These simulators provide the essential F-16 cockpit switches on a touch-screen LCD in front of the pilot.

Previously, the X-DTT simulator’s visual system was made up of three 30-inch Apple Cinema High Definition LCDs and the SDS International AAcuity Personal Computer Image Generation System. As part of an ongoing effort to enhance the fidelity of the simulator, AFRL replaced the visuals with MetaVR VRSG and replaced the monitors with the portable domes from Immersive Display Solutions as described above. AFRL is currently conducting research to examine the effectiveness of medium-fidelity X-DTT simulators for training air combat skills.

Previous F-16 X-DTT simulators. Image courtesy of Air Force Research Lab (AFRL).

	Real-time VRSG rendering of an F-16C entity approaching the virtual Vermont ANG airfield.

The updated F-16 X-DTT simulators were delivered to and installed at the Aviano Air Base, Italy, in autumn 2010.

Background material for F-16 X-DTT at AFRL is extracted from the paper Impact of Visual Scene Field of View on F-16 Pilot Performance from the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting 2007.