Distributed mission training
	Global Defence Review editor Tim Ripley traces the development of distributed mission training
		High-end image generators give realistic visual scenes to support training scenarios
				Train as we fight is an often-quoted military maxim. In the world of military training, distributed mission training (DMT) is the issue of the day. The world’s forces are keen to link simulation devices at a number of locations into organised networks to allow collective training. A simulator is no longer just a device to train individual skills: it is part of a network to allow a tank battalion or fighter squadron to practise the art of war. By linking scores of cockpit or vehicle devices together, commanders can train large units without spending huge sums on deployment of troops and aircraft in major exercises. Individual pilots and tank crews still have to perform normal tasks but do so in a common environment. At the same time senior commanders co-ordinate their subordinates and react to events on the virtual battlefield. Commanders must find out what is going on through virtual sensors or from verbal reports over virtual radio nets. Commanders may even visit the virtual battlefield in their own virtual tank or aircraft to view the action for themselves. US armed forces lead the way The benefit of DMT is its ability to synchronise the virtual world so everyone is able to see the same thing at the same time even if they are in different locations. This requires common computer architecture, large amounts of communications bandwidth and standardised operating protocols. Although live exercises will never be replaced, distributed training will allow many of the procedures to be rehearsed before troops leave barracks or aircraft take to the air, saving time, money and making live training more productive. USAF leads the way in DMT systems. It has a vision of all USAF bases being able to plug simulators into a network to allow aircrews to practise flying missions with colleagues operating from different locations. This has huge potential as a mission rehearsal tool, allowing aircrews to practise flying real world missions before stepping into the cockpit. USAF’s focus on expeditionary warfare means it is vital that its pilots maintain their skill levels, even if they are deployed at remote locations away from home-base training facilities. In 1998 Boeing won the USAF contract to begin setting up a DMT network for F-15C Eagle pilots. Under the $335m contract, 14 sites around the world will be linked together. At each a suite of four F-15 training devices will be installed that can be used in a local network or linked to remote locations. When these sites are networked, 46 pilots will be able to fly against each other on a given mission. The first two sites were due to go live during 1999, before being linked to the USAF’s Boeing E-3 AWACS trainer at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, to allow fully integrated air battle. USAF wants to provide for all the main aircraft communities to participate in DMT. This may involve fielding new devices or upgrading systems to facilitate networking. The cost will be borne partly by introducing commercial pay-as-you-train contracts: the defence industry owns the devices and USAF pays for their use by the hour. F-16 DMT The next step was to field DMT systems for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, USAF’s most common combat aircraft. In June 1999 Lockheed Martin won a seven-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, valued at $176m to build F-16 mission-training centres (MTCs) for USAF air combat command. Lockheed Martin initially will build two MTCs for mid-2002 delivery to two sites and supply MTCs for air bases worldwide. Each F-16 MTC of two to four networked training devices for long-haul and local network functionality, will simulate F-16 tactical formations and operations, and be designed to integrate with USAF’s distributed mission training operations. Lockheed Martin Tactical Defence Systems will supply modular control equipment, instructor-operator station, MTC master controller and trainer controllers. Boeing Aerospace Support, as the F-15C prime training contractor, will enable commonality between F-15 and F-16 MTCs through its visual integrated display system, Big Tac tactical environment, threat stations and DMT network components. SGI will supply Origin and Octane families of open-system architecture computers for F-16 simulation models and an image generator for realistic, out-the-window scenes to support scenarios in a 360&Mac251; environment. MultiGen-Paradigm will provide visual runtime software and database processing techniques to enhance these scenes. SAIC has improved its briefing/debriefing system and military observation centre to meet F-16 mission requirements and Best Group will provide Block 40/50 F-16 pilots to ensure that user-oriented approaches are incorporated throughout the F-16 MTC development. Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems will provide all aircraft, avionics and aerodynamic data to ensure trainer fidelity. With access to new operational programme software, the F-16 MTC team will maintain trainer-to-aircraft concurrency over the life of the programme. Lockheed Martin Information Systems provides off-the-shelf simulation of digital radar landmass, Maverick missile and LANTIRN sensor systems for F-16 pilots to hone their combat skills. Lockheed Martin System Support and Training Services offers field logistics and maintenance services. Sanders will supply technical support to implement the mission support system that lets pilots plan simulator missions in the manner of real operational sorties. Boeing simulation and training systems US Army plans The US Army’s simulation, training and instrumentation (STRICOM) is involved in DMT through plans to field the close combat tactical trainer (CCTT) family for ground units. These systems provide a combat area to engage in simulated warfare without consideration of peacetime safety or environmental restrictions. Each crew member provides man-in-the-loop intervention in the battle. The ground simulators include the M1 family of tanks, the M2/M3 fighting vehicles, FIST-Vs, field artillery, and air defence platforms. Air simulators include scout and attack helicopters. Main CCTTs will replicate either battalion or brigade-level HQ. These elements will operate separately using a virtual enemy and other friendly forces, and then be linked for collective training. Most devices are housed in truck trailers so they can be moved with deploying units. They can be connected to main CCTTs or plugged in via communications networks. Their mobile nature allows the US Army to train as it fights and train where it fights. Troops deployed on peacekeeping missions in the Balkans or the middle east will be able to train or rehearse missions with US-based colleagues. The main CCTT elements are: AVCATT The aviation combined arms tactical trainer (AVCATT) is a distributed interactive, networked simulation system for individual and crew arms training. It comprises AH-64 attack helicopters; RAH-66, CH-47, OH-58D and UH-60 systems; emulator workstations representing command, control, communications and intelligence (C3I), service support aspects of the battlefield; and semi-automated forces replicating enemy and friendly forces. FSCATT phase II The fire support combined arms tactical trainer (FSCATT) phase II provides collective training of field artillery units. Closed loop mode for training field artillery gunnery teams gives feedback on proficiency and conserving fuel and ammunition: allows interoperation with other CATT systems. ENCATT The engineer combined arms tactical trainer (ENCATT) allows engineer units to train collective tasks associated with command and control, mobility, countermobility and survivability. It consists of interactive simulators replicating combat engineer vehicle/M1 breacher, armoured vehicle launched bridge/heavy assault bridge, M9 armoured combat earthmover, D7G dozer and engineer carriers. ADCATT The air defence combined arms tactical trainer (ADCATT) enables short-range air defence units to train collective tasks associated with support of mechanised units. It consists of mobile platoon sets of Avenger or M2 FV Stinger under armour. Emulator workstations represent forward area air defence command-and-control network. The British Army soon will have two CATTs. The main DMT system is the AH-64D attack helicopter training system. The networking of fixed and deployed attack helicopter simulators is key to ensuring Apache crews are able to train to fight in an all-arms environment. DMT has enormous potential and as US forces use it for routine training, allied forces will surely have to follow. ©
	Close combat tactical trainers provide complete combat scenarios for ground units