Vanguard Magazine

s sImuLatIon TRAINING www.vanguardcanada.com AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 17 Lvc programs provide the ideal combination of lowering training cost with the use of simulation while giving trainees the opportunity to practice on live aircra or vehicles. Virtual - A simulation involving real peo- ple operating simulated systems. Virtual simulations inject a Human-in-the-Loop into a central role by exercising motor control skills (e.g., flying jet or tank simu- lator), decision making skills (e.g., com- mitting fire control resources to action), or communication skills. Constructive - A simulation involving simulated people operating simulated sys- tems. Real people stimulate (make inputs to) such simulations, but are not involved in determining the outcomes. A construc- tive simulation is a computer program. For example, a military user may input data instructing a unit to move and to engage an enemy target. The constructive simula- tion determines the speed of movement, the effect of the engagement with the en- emy and any battle damage that may occur. These terms should not be confused with specific constructive models such as Com- puter Generated Forces (CGF), a generic term used to refer to computer representa- tions of forces in simulations that attempts to model human behavior. CGF is just one example model being used in a construc- tive environment. There are many types of constructive models that involve simulated people operating simulated systems. "LVC-based training will be a major key trend for the market growth," says mar- ket research firm Research and Markets in its Global Helicopter Simulator Market 2016-2020 report. "With the introduc- tion of live, virtual and constructive train- ing, the pilot is put in an environment very similar to the challenges faced on a battle- field. The training prepares military pilots for combat missions which includes emer- gency evacuation and coordination with ground operations." Research and Markets named CAE, Elite Simulations Systems, FRASCA Interna- tional Rockwell Collins, and Thales as key vendors in the LVC space. Other prominent vendors mentioned by the firm were: Indra Sistemas, Lock- heed Martin, L-3 Link Simulation and Training, Northrop Grumman, and Tru Simulation+Training. A global technology and research advi- sory firm, Technavio Research, also cited high-fidelity simulation systems points out that simulation training has become critical for many militaries. "Since budget cuts hinder expensive live exercises, simulation training has become extremely important," according to Tech- navio. "Training in a flight simulator is 5 per cent to 20 per cent cheaper than air- borne training and one of the safer options for trainees. As much as 31 per cent of military pilot training today is done on a simulator, the firm says. "However, as the capabilities of simula- tors are increasing and military budgets are decreasing, the services provided by simulators are going to increase by 60 per cent," according to Technavio. Simulation technology companies such as CAE totally get this -- especially the LVC part. The CAE and Draken teams have pro- posed a fleet of Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter aircraft to support the CATS pro- gram. The fleet has had extensive upgrades and now delivers capabilities similar to Canada's CF-18 fighter aircraft they would be training against. CAE and Draken have also proposed a comprehensive research and development program aimed at devel- oping the next-generation LVC training capabilities for adversary and aggressor air training services. CAE and Draken have also signed a memorandum of understanding to pursue global opportunities related to providing advanced adversary and aggressor air train- ing programs to other potential clients. CAE and Draken will explore collabora- tive development and pursuit of integrated LVC training in areas such as air combat support, contracted adversary and aggres- sor air training, embedded simulation, tac- tical training, threat simulation, and joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training. The two companies anticipate pursuing global opportunities in markets including the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe; Australia and other parts of Asia/ Pacific; and North America. In June this year, CAE landed a $113 million contract from the United Arab Emirates to design and build a comprehen- sive naval training centre (NTC) and pro- vide helicopter simulators and training de- vices to UAE's Joint Aviation Command. The NTC will support individual, team, whole ship, and collective mission training. The helicopter simulators will be for the NorthStar Aviation 407 multi-role heli- copter (407MRH) and the Sikorsky UH- 60M Black Hawk. CAE intends to use the exposure and experience it gains with contracts to strengthen its position in bidding for the Canadian Navy's Canadian Surface Com- batant (CSC) program. The program aims to replace the Iro- quois and Halifax-class warships with up to 15 new vessels beginning in the early 2020s. Estimated to be worth in excess of $40 billion, the CSC is one of the largest pro- curement programs of the military in re- cent years and the most sought after in Canada's defence industry. Greenley foresees an important role for LVC in the training component of the CSC. "What we will be implementing in the UAE program can used for the CSC," he says. "For example, there could be net- worked training that links the bridge to the engine room simulators linked to live ships. The system will provide an environ- ment similar to that at sea…but they won't be burning fuel because trainees will be us- ing simulators." Mike Greenley, vice-president and general manager of CAE Canada

• Cover