SDS International (SDS) recently received an order from the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) for 20 of its laptop-based RavenView(tm) tactical simulation systems for use in training AFSOC/Special Operations Command (SOCOM) forces.
RavenView systems to be delivered to AFSOC by SDS‘ Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, FL, represent a significantly enhanced version of SDS’ Raven-B 3D viewer software originally developed in cooperation with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Wright Patterson AFB, OH to improve tactical simulation training of Raven-B personnel using actual Raven controls. Incorporating feedback from subject matter experts, the completely redesigned RavenView systems provide an affordable “plug-and-play” capability that adds significant training realism, increases training flexibility and improves usability for Warfighters operating the Raven-B and other Small Unmanned Air Vehicle (SUAV) Sims controlled by the Raven’s common Ground Control Station (GCS), all while preserving SUAV system capabilities and operator functions.
RavenView ensures cost-effective tactical-training realism by incorporating high-fidelity visualization provided by SDS’ AAcuity(tm) PC-IG and NEXWARS 3D Viewer technologies; including a variety of Open/Urban 3D terrains; and re-using existing OpenFlight and Terrapage terrains. In addition to supporting stand-alone training, RavenView provides proven DIS/HLA connectivity needed to interact with a variety of virtual (including I-FACT) and constructive simulations during locally-networked or long-haul Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) training activities. RavenView also significantly improves usability by adding a GUI-based Instructor Operator Station (IOS) incorporating one-stop initialization, database/camera selection and system shutdown; ground-based entity placement; RavenView generated EO/IR displays; SUAV Sim controls; and PFPS/FalconView/RPUAV software capabilities. All of these capabilities are integrated on one COTS laptop, eliminating the need for a Toughbook computer during simulation training.
RavenView(tm), which is available as a complete turnkey capability including COTS laptop and software, adds significant tactical training realism and worldwide mission rehearsal capability by allowing users to plan and execute specific SUAV Tactics, Techniques and Procedures in highly realistic virtual-environments using actual UAV controls.
