• Subscribe
  • Magazine
  • Videos
  • White Papers
  • Webinars
  • Buyer's Guide
  • EDGE Awards
  • Innovators Awards
    1. Commercial Aerospace

    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.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Military Aerospace, create an account today!

    Airbus
    Photo 326175359 © Julija Matuka | Dreamstime.com
    View All Companies >