The Air Force Research Laboratory, Warfighter Readiness Research Division in Mesa, AZ, (AFRL/Mesa) recently updated their F-16 Experimental Deployable Tactics Trainer (X-DTT) simulators to use MetaVR visuals and Immersive Display Solutions portable domes. The F-16 X-DTTs are deployable, medium fidelity, in-theater training systems for keeping the warfighter proficient between missions.
For this update, the AFRL/Mesa lab recently purchased 26 MetaVR Virtual Reality Scene Generator (VRSG) licenses to replace its existing SDS International AAcuity PC-IG systems for the simulators. The MetaVR software runs on the existing image generator hardware with no changes required.
Official Press Release
Each F-16 X-DTT has six projected views on the partial dome in addition to a sensor view. Each system can be used as a standalone training tool or networked with other simulators to participate in larger exercises.
The systems are similar in design to MetaVR's and Immersive Display Solutions' JTAC MiniDome, with differences specific for the F-16 X-DTT. The domes are constructed of fiberglass in order to provide the best possible surface that minimizes seams and reduces blemishes. Each dome is a 3.0-meter (diameter) display, providing 220-degree horizontal field-of-view (FOV) x 90-degree (+60/-30) FOV.
The medium-fidelity X-DTT simulator consists of an F-16 Block 30 aircraft shell with the actual F-16 Operational Flight Program (OFP) and high-fidelity aircraft stick and throttle. These simulators provide the essential F-16 cockpit switches on a touch-screen LCD in front of the pilot.
Previously, the X-DTT simulator’s visual system was comprised of three 30-inch Apple Cinema High Definition LCDs and the SDS International AAcuity Personal Computer Image Generation System.
As part of an ongoing effort to enhance the fidelity of the simulator,AFRL/Mesa replaced the visuals with MetaVR VRSG and replaced the monitors with the portable domes from Immersive Display Solutions as described above. AFRL/Mesa is currently conducting research to examine the effectiveness of medium-fidelity X-DTT simulators for training air combat skills. The updated F-16 X-DTT simulators are slated to be delivered and installed at the Aviano Air Base, Italy starting this fall.
For more information, see http://www.metavr.com/casestudies/f16-xdtt.html
About MetaVR
MetaVR, founded in 1997, develops commercial PC-based software for the military simulation and training markets, featuring high-speed 3D visualization content and rapid creation of networked virtual worlds using real-world data. MetaVR's real-time visual systems provide the fidelity of geospecific simulation with game-quality graphics. Users can build (with real-world photographic imagery, elevation data, and feature data) high-fidelity virtual worlds with our terrain generation tools, and render in real time, at 60Hz frame rates, the resulting virtual world with our real-time 3D visualization application, Virtual Reality
Scene Generator. MetaVR systems are used for applications such as unmanned aerial systems trainers, manned flight simulators, mission planning and rehearsal, JTAC simulation training, urban operations training, and disaster management training. For more information, visit www.metavr.com.
