|
Press Release
Bohemia Interactive to develop a Virtual Battlespace (VBS) Loadmaster Virtual Reality Simulator (LVRS) for the Australian Defence Force
Australia - 17th April 2006
A pdf version of this press release is available here.
Bohemia Interactive has been chosen by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to develop a number of Loadmaster Virtual Reality Simulators (LVRS), combining cutting-edge simulation technology with the latest in Virtual Reality tracking and display systems. Due for completion in November 2006, the VBS LVRS project shall deliver six simulators, each a turnkey solution for helicopter loadmaster training.
Through the dynamic, large scale and high fidelity virtual environment provided by VBS, the LVRS offers an alternative method for the conduct of loadmaster training and assessment. The LVRS is a fusion of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software and hardware, providing a cost-effective, expandable and networked solution.
The LVRS provides a helicopter mockup that can be resized to suite the S-70A Blackhawk, MRH-90, and CH-47D Chinook airframes, as well as the Rotary Wing Flying Training Review (RWFTR) aircraft. Up to three loadmasters can be situated within the mockup, each equipped with a VR headset. Their positions are tracked in 3D space, and they view a high-fidelity virtual representation of the aircraft and the surrounding environment. They are free to move around the cabin and operate in the same manner as they would in a real aircraft.
A loadmaster instructor operates the LVRS from an instructor station outside the mockup, controlling the aircraft through a modified version of the VBS Observer system. An entirely new helicopter flight physics model has been integrated into VBS, including artificially intelligent pilots that fly in a highly realistic manner. The instructor has precise control over the helicopter, and is provided with a range of maneuvers to present a range of challenging situations to the trainees. A number of additional monitors replicate the view provided to the loadmasters – at all times the instructor can see precisely what the trainees are observing and where in the aircraft they are located.
The VBS LVRS has significant advantages over similar systems, including:
Flexibility. Numerous helicopter types are supported, and the mockup is lightweight and easily configurable and transportable.
Networking. The LVRS can be linked to any VBS session over a local or wide area network. Up to three crew members can train in the one aircraft, and multiple simulators can be linked for practice in formation flight. The LVRS can also be linked to other simulations via DIS or HLA.
Cost. The LVRS is made from entirely commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and software.
Loadmasters from the ADF are being consulted during LVRS development, and in accordance with their requirement the VBS engine is undergoing an amount of modification, including:
Joysticks to control weaponry. Loadmasters have access to a joystick from within the mockup to operate weaponry mounted on the helicopter.
External loads. The engine will support external load carrying including a simulation of rope tension.
Voice over IP improvements. Loadmasters will use the same toggle switch they do in a real helicopter for the intercom, however all voice communication will travel over the network. All voice communication will be recorded for inclusion in the after-action review (AAR).
Improved helicopter simulation. The default VBS helicopter simulation has been entirely replaced by a new, highly realistic model that is configurable for different aircraft types.
Interface enhancements. The VBS Observer is being updated to provide a range of information to the Instructor, including distance from the helicopter to objects, visual indication of impact point and collision markers when collision occurs (the normal VBS damage model has been suppressed).
Hoisting. Loadmasters shall have access to an operable winch on helicopter types that support hoisting.
The VBS LVRS is the first hardware integration project involving the VBS engine, highlighting the flexible nature of the product and the ease in which the product can shift from purely desktop-based training to providing a high-fidelity virtual environment for human-in-the-loop simulation. The VBS LVRS shall be available worldwide following delivery to the ADF (November 2006), providing a cost-effective alternative for the training and assessment of helicopter loadmasters.
More Information
Email
vbs@bistudio.com
Website
http://www.virtualbattlespace.com
What is VBS? (PDF)
http://www.virtualbattlespace.com/vbs_whatis.pdf
Improvements in VBS1 over OFP (PDF)
http://www.virtualbattlespace.com/vbs1_improvements.pdf
VBS1 Competitive Matrix (Excel)
http://www.virtualbattlespace.com/competitive_matrix.xls
About Bohemia Interactive
Bohemia Interactive is an independent game development company, with studios in Czech Republic and Australia, founded in 1999, that focuses on developing state of the art computer software and the research of advanced real time 3D graphics, artificial intelligence and physical simulation technologies for real-time interactive environments. For more information about the company visit http://www.bistudio.com.
| 
