MetaVR VRSG in Various Fidelity Options for JTAC Simulation Training

There are several ways you can simulate the functionality needed for Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) warfighter training in close air support (CAS) exercises. This page describes five JTAC simulation (forward air controller simulation) options that use MetaVR's software. The hierarchy of options described increase in functionality and fidelity ranging from desktop systems to dome systems such as the JTAC MiniDome.

	MetaVR VRSG real-time rendering of a JTAC character entity on virtual Afghanistan terrain. The character is from MetaVR's 3D content libraries.

• The simplest setup is a desktop simulation running MetaVR™ Virtual Reality Scene Generator™ (VRSG™) as a first person shooter in JTAC mode with a Logitech gamepad, as shown:
  

• A more complex desktop simulation setup offering a higher fidelity training experience is the option described above, with one or more simulated devices, connected to the Iowa Air National Guard Distributed Training Operations Center (DTOC) for Distributed Mission Operations. An example of this setup is shown below. Devices could be a ROVER device, and a second computer running the FalconView PC-based mapping application that displays a map of the same area. (Also shown on the desk are ASTI VOIP handheld terminals that simulate radios.) The ROVER feed is from a second VRSG session which regenerates UAV payload information locally from the DTOC, and then streams the VRSG real-time MPEG feed to the ROVER. The DTOC provides real-time threats and UAV feeds.
  
  
  

• A further desktop simulation setup is the option described above, used with one or more simulated target designator devices. Shown in the image below is an example of generic virtual binoculars.
  
  
                                 Desktop images of the Air National Guard Simulation Lab courtesy of
                                 the Air National Guard. Images may have been edited for clarity.

• Building on the configuration described above, but offering an immersive environment with a partial dome display to replace the desktop, is the JTAC MiniDome System, a joint effort of Immersive Display Solutions and MetaVR. This flexible training system combines the ability to train in an immersive transportable dome with analogous functionality for training at the desktop.

	Two views of the 6-channel JTAC MiniDome running MetaVR’s geospecific Afghanistan virtual terrain. On the tripod is the NVIS Virtual Monocular SX. To the left of the dome is a rack cabinet which houses the 6 IG channels.

The JTAC MiniDome System is delivered with simulated hardware components that emulate ranging and targeting devices. (For more information about the JTAC MiniDome System, contact Immersive Display Solutions.)

	CAD mockup of 4-channel JTAC MiniDome system. Click to view the full CAD design from multiple angles.	CAD mockup of 6-channel JTAC MiniDome system. Click to view the full CAD design from multiple angles.

• The highest fidelity option is the Joint Terminal Attack Controller Training Rehearsal System (JTAC TRS). With a larger dome display, this system is a realistic, fully immersive, real-time visual environment with sensor, simulator, and database correlation. Developed at AFRL in Mesa, the JTAC TRS uses 19 VRSG channels, 14 of which are for the dome itself: 7 VRSG channels for 360-degrees around the bottom half of the dome, and another 7 channels for the top half of the dome. The remaining VRSG channels are used for emulated hand-held command and control (C2) devices inside the dome (binoculars, laser range finders, and so on), a sound channel, and a single AAR/stealth channel for an instructor operator (IOS) station. The simulated hardware components match the actual hardware devices (such as target designation) in form and function.
  
  
  Using MetaVR's visualization software, the JTAC TRS simulator at the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) in Mesa, Arizona. Inset image shows a view from outside a 360-degree field-of-view dome. Images courtesy of Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Mesa Research Lab.
  
  This DIS/HLA compliant system interoperates with legacy systems and provides the capability to network with other air and ground simulators, including simulators of the A-10 program.

The information on this web page is not an endorsement by the Air National Guard of MetaVR products.