Joint Fires & Effects Trainer System – Close Air Support Module
Overview
The JFETS CASM is an immersive training environment enabling Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) to practice calling in close air support and communicating with pilots, which was created for Ft. Sill under the direction of the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT).
A custom cylindrical display was designed to give JTACs an unobstructed view of a realistic simulated sky. Its unique display and rear projection design makes it the first trainer where students can make visual contact with a pilot and watch aircraft fly in overhead.
A 20-foot diameter, 12-foot tall screen provides a 300 degree panoramic view with 360 degree overhead view through the use of 11 channels of rear-projected video. A 14.2 3D surround sound system offers realistic audio to sync with the visuals as aircraft fly overhead.
Date delivered: August, 2005
What GPS Created
Based on initial designs developed by the ICT, GPS constructed the unique cylindrical display and the corresponding mixed reality environment. GPS was also responsible for integrating US Army simulation drivers and ICT research technologies were integrated. Virtual views are seen all around the trainees and through the M22 binoculars, LLDR (Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder), GLDT (Ground Laser Target Designator), IZLID (Infrared Zoom Laser Illuminator Designator) and SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System) Radio.
GPS built the control room where an operator controls the simulation and plays the role of the Fire Direction Center and Pilot during the talk on. Displays show views as seen by the trainees, and microphones let the instructor talk to trainees over a virtual radio or as an omniscient observer, outside the realm of the immersive experience.
The B-training classroom gives students the same observation views as the instructor and an audio feed allows them to hear what is going on in the virtual environment as well as the simulated radio traffic. The instructor can show them virtual views as seen from the virtual environment, or views unable to be seen by the trainees, such as an aerial view of the battle area.
For more information about the JFETS CASM, please contact ICT.
For more information about GPS services, please contact us.
Rear projection is used so when trainees look up, they see realistic views of aircraft coming in over their position, not a projector.
The JFETS CASM can simulate other environments, such as urban locations, by changing the projection and set dressing.
Impact
The JFETS CASM was chosen by JFCOM as the number one simulator for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and was approved to replace live CAS training missions for the purpose of certifying JTACs. The JFETS CASM is the first close air support trainer that can simulate Type 1 CAS.
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