Flight simulation and training device from SDS delivered to Air Force Research Laboratory

    Jan. 12, 2011
    ORLANDO, Fla., 12 Jan. 2011. SDS International (SDS) delivered a second ROVATTS-based Mission Training Device (MTD) to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). SDS' Advanced Technologies Division in Orlando, Fla., which originally developed the ROVATTS-based MQ-9 Reaper MTDs to support Air National Guard (ANG) Reaper crew training, delivered a specialized version of the ROVATTS-based MTD to AFRL to support Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) research and training.
    Posted by John McHaleORLANDO, Fla., 12 Jan. 2011. SDS International (SDS) delivered a second ROVATTS-based Mission Training Device (MTD) to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). SDS' Advanced Technologies Division in Orlando, Fla., which originally developed the ROVATTS-based MQ-9 Reaper MTDs to support Air National Guard (ANG) Reaper crew training, delivered a specialized version of the ROVATTS-based MTD to AFRL to support Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) research and training. The delivered system provides realistic MQ-1 and MQ-9 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) capabilities for use in a variety of current and future AFRL DMO and live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) operations and training research activities. The combined MQ-1/9 MTD consists of two tabletop simulator stations that preserve the correct physical layout of the MQ-1/9 pilot and sensor operator components of the actual ground control station. The system, which operates in a normal office environment (A/C, power, etc.), includes two adjustable, wheeled commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) tables holding properly sized/positioned flat-panel displays for head-up-display (HUD), tracker, command and status displays; specialized USB-based desktop control units comprised of form/fit/function stick, throttle, keyboard and trackball controls; and game-level rudders. The MTD also incorporates SDS-developed high fidelity MQ-1 and MQ-9 aerodynamics packages (supporting takeoff/enroute/landing operations including flight with turbulence effects and control-delays); MQ-1 and MQ-9 pilot and sensor operator HUDs; and electro-optical/infra-red sensor displays including high-fidelity terrain scenes provided by SDS' AAcuity PC-IG. The MTD's pilot and sensor operator control stations include aircraft-specific functioning variable information tables and menu button interfaces, tracker displays, selected normal and emergency procedure functionality, and applicable MQ-1 and MQ-9 weapons employment capabilities. In addition, the MTD has a separate laptop-based instructor-operator-station capable of supporting mission planning/tactical scenario generation (including fixed and moving 3D targets/humans) and mission control. SDS’ MQ-1 and MQ-9 MTDs support individual (pilot or sensor operator) and/or crew training in a stand-alone environment, plus distributed operations involving a variety of LVC systems in either local or distributed exercises using DIS or HLA connectivity.

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