Virtual Raven Training

SDS International (SDS) has debuted RavenView, an innovative and affordable PC-based product that allows warfighters to conduct Small Unmanned Air Vehicle (SUAV) tactical training in highly-realistic, virtual worldwide environments using the SUAV’s actual common Ground Control Station (GCS).

Working in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, SDS‘ Advanced Technologies Division developed and fielded this low-cost “plug-and-play” simulation tool that significantly enhances training using the Raven and other SUAV Simulators controlled by the Raven’s common GCS. RavenView provides an improved training capability by integrating high-fidelity visualization into existing SUAV simulation software, incorporating an easy-to-use GUI-based Instructor Operator Station and consolidating key system functions on one COTS laptop, all the while preserving the use of fielded PFPS/FalconView software and actual SUAV GCS hardware/software.

RavenView’s use of SDS’ AAcuity PC-based Image Generator and NEXWARS 3D Viewer technology creates an unsurpassed simulation training capability based upon realistic visual/sensor environments including camera/sensor positioning, simulated day/night camera and infrared sensor views, realistic environmental/special effects, and a variety of geo-typical or photo-realistic geo-specific 3D terrains. RavenView’s connectivity significantly increases training flexibility by supporting both stand-alone training using realistic tactical scenarios, terrains and scripted entities, and DIS/HLA networked training involving a variety of virtual and constructive simulations (including I-FACT) during either locally-networked or Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) training activities. RavenView’s re-use of existing OpenFlight and TerraPage terrains provides additional training flexibility while lowering lowers training costs. And, RavenView’s integration with SDS’ GeoSource-RTB Rapid Terrain Builder software provides anytime, anywhere training capabilities using user-produced, geo-specific round-earth 3D-terrains of virtually any worldwide location.