VICTER: AN EMBEDDED VIRTUAL SIMULATION SYSTEM FOR LAND WARRIOR (LW)

Transcription

1 VICTER: AN EMBEDDED VIRTUAL SIMULATION SYSTEM FOR LAND WARRIOR (LW) Paul Barham* and Brian Plamondon Advanced Interactive Systems Military Division Reality by Design, Inc Science Drive, Suite 125 Orlando, FL Paul Dumanoir and Pat Garitty U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Command Simulation Technology Center Research Parkway Orlando, FL ABSTRACT Reality by Design, Inc. (RBD), the Military Division of Advanced Interactive Systems (AIS), has designed and developed an embedded, man-in-the-loop, virtual simulation/stimulation system suitable for Individual Combatant (IC) advanced concepts research (ACR), simulation-based acquisition (SBA), tactics, techniques and procedure (TTP) development, training, and mission rehearsal. This simulation system, called Virtual Individual Combatant Trainer for Embedded Rehearsal (VICTER), uses the actual LW equipment and can be used in simulation laboratory, barracks, and field environments. The VICTER Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project was organized and directed by the United States (US) Army Simulation, Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) to assist Program Manager (PM) Soldier and the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) System Manager (TSM) Soldier in developing an embedded virtual training platform for the LW program. VICTER is designed to provide embedded simulation capabilities for the Land Warrior (LW) program, and is extendable to address emerging Objective Force Warrior (OFW) and Future Combat System (FCS) objectives, including the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW). The VICTER simulation system is PC-based, maximizes the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, and is fully compliant with the Department of Defense s (DoD s) High Level Architecture (HLA). For the Land Warrior (LW) system, VICTER targets three embedded training configurations. First, VICTER provides training to the IC in a simulation laboratory center or other classroom type atmosphere. Next, VICTER enables the IC in a barracks or temporary lodging situation to train using the LW system. Third, VICTER provides training to the IC in the field while deployed or during a field exercise. VICTER uses modular and combinable software and hardware subsystems to allow the simulation to scale to fit each of the above situations. All of these training situations utilize the same software and hardware architectures but use potentially different software or hardware modules depending on the demand for the type of training to be accomplished and the availability of simulation resources. The VICTER simulation solution can operate as a fully capable stand-alone system or can be networked with other Department of Defense (DoD) simulation systems. VICTER provides a scenario development tool (SDT) and computer generated forces (CGF) capability that allow a trainer and/or commander to define and develop custom training scenarios. The VICTER simulation addresses key threshold and objective training requirements as defined in the Land Warrior Operational Requirements Document (ORD). VICTER also meets the objectives of using the preferred embedded training approach as defined by TRADOC. This paper describes the VICTER project and the results obtained and lessons learned. The paper also describes how the resulting VICTER simulation system can be used as an advanced concepts research and prototyping tool for OFW. 1. INTRODUCTION STRICOM awarded the VICTER SBIR project to RBD in December 1998 under contract # M C The project is being implemented in four phases: Phase I (Dec. 98 Jun. 99), Phase II (Dec. 99 Nov. 01), Phase II Plus (Dec. 01 Nov. 02), and Phase III (Dec. 02 and later). The focus in Phase I was to develop the designs and plans to be implemented in Phase II. In Phase II, RBD implemented the virtual embedded simulation system designed in Phase I. STRICOM funded a Phase II Plus effort to continue and advance the capabilities previously implemented and to develop a futuristic prototype. In Phase III, RBD will commercialize the technology developed under the SBIR program by marketing and selling systems and/or software to the government and other customers.

2 1.1 Land Warrior Program Land Warrior is a Army program for developing and fielding an integrated fighting system for the soldier. The goals are increased lethality, survivability, mobility, sustainment, and command and control. LW provides improved weaponry, sensing devices and wireless communications for data and voice. LW materiel developers are utilizing COTS components as much as possible. (PM Soldier Systems web site: ult.asp?mode=lw) 1.2 Virtual Simulation Virtual simulation for the individual soldier has been utilized in its current form since late 1993 [Pratt, et al., 1994]. By virtual, we mean a 3D visual simulation system with interfaces to a live soldier in the loop and running in real-time. The soldier interfaces with the virtual simulation through some sort of interactive interface such as a sensor surrogate weapon or a joystick. 1.3 RBD Experience Since the introduction of Soldier Visualization Station (SVS ) in 1997, RBD has focused a great deal of effort on developing a high-fidelity, PC-based virtual simulation system for infantry operations [Metzger, et al., 1997]. Shaped by feedback from the end customers, in particular STRICOM and the Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab (DBBL) at Ft. Benning, SVS capabilities continue to grow to meet a wide range of needs in multiple domains. SVS provides virtual operations at day or night, with such features as: 3D fully animated soldiers and civilians, tactical smoke, flares, grenades, ballistic tables and support for all standard infantry weapons, tracers, wounding models, and interoperability with semiautomated forces including ModSAF and OneSAF. shared virtual environment while enroute to a combat situation. The embedded simulation system should focus on Land Warrior but be extendible in the future to support other systems such as the Objective Individual Combatant Weapon (OICW). The system also is required to provide the computer generated forces (CGF) necessary to populate the virtual battlefield with the appropriate friendly and enemy forces. Finally, Army supplied realtime databases must be supported by the system. 2.2 LW ORD At the time of the Phase II execution of the VICTER project, the LW ORD required, in part, a tactical engagement simulation capability that provides interoperability with other simulations and training systems (e.g. the Engagement Skills Trainer), and can provide embedded training, be DIS and HLA compliant, may be appended, and can be networked for a squad. These requirements were strongly considered when designing and implementing the VICTER project. 2.3 RBD Proposal The proposed technical objectives for VICTER included: supporting the High Level Architecture (HLA), maintaining compatibility with other IC simulation systems, supporting the Synthetic Environment Data Representation and Interchange Specification (SEDRIS), providing support for Force XXI systems including Land Warrior, providing a data collection and replay capability for after action review (AAR), utilizing commercial offthe-shelf (COTS) technology, and providing multiple configurations and maximum portability. The primary technical objective of the Phase II developmental work is to build a PC-based, HLA-compliant, man-in-the-loop IC embedded virtual simulation system. 2. OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS The operational requirements for the VICTER program and for building an embedded virtual simulation capability for LW are primarily influenced by the SBIR solicitation, the Land Warrior Operational Requirements Document (ORD), and the system requirements contained in RBD s proposal for the program. 2.1 SBIR Solicitation The SBIR topic appears in the U.S. Army s portion of the 1998 solicitation as A titled Embedded Simulation for Individual Combatant Mission Planning and Rehearsal and is sponsored by STRICOM. The SBIR solicitation is focused on a soldier transportable virtual simulation system for mission rehearsal. The requirement is to build the hardware and software necessary to network the individual and small team with simulations that allow them to seamlessly interact in a 3. GOALS In addition to the stated requirements above, the VICTER project has several goals. These goals influence the design and implementation of the embedded virtual simulation system. Primary goals are the ones focused on during the entire term of the project. Secondary goals emerge as the project progresses. 3.1 Primary One of the primary goals of the VICTER program is to create an embedded virtual simulation system that assists the soldier and small team in understanding the advanced situation awareness capability provided them by the LW system. Also, the VICTER system provides an environment in which the soldier utilizes the LW as he would in the real world. This enables the soldier to exercise his understanding of the system operation to include menu selection, map display, operational modes,

3 system interfaces, voice communications and more. By rehearsing using the VICTER simulation, the soldier builds proficiency, confidence and a level of understanding for using the LW system in the field. A second primary goal of the VICTER system is to increase the quality of field training. This is accomplished by providing training with the VICTER system prior to using the actual LW in the field. By learning the basic operation and capabilities of the LW system in the simulation environment first, precious field training can focus more on actual training using the system as opposed to training how to use the system itself. Training using the VICTER system is intended to augment actual live field training in all cases, not replace it. Another primary goal is to provide a total simulation package that enables effective mission rehearsal. Supporting Army-supplied real-time databases of actual tactical areas and goals is one aspect; however, being able to support reconfigurable scenarios is equally as important. The VICTER system design provides an scenario authoring capability, a scenario execution capability and an after action review capability as well. A base terrain database can be augmented with regional and cultural 3D models to reflect how a tactical area is known or expected to look at the time of the actual mission. VICTER is intended to be an important component of a larger training approach and package. VICTER provides the portion of the training that is best suited by real-time simulation. Other components, such as traditional multimedia computer-based training (CBT), on-line operation, and tactical manuals will serve to complete the total training package. The intent is to build synergy between the training components. An example is to lead the user through a tactical scenario via traditional CBT and then enable the user to conduct the mission using the embedded virtual simulation system to reinforce how the LW system is used to achieve the mission goals. 3.2 Secondary A secondary goal that emerged during the VICTER project is to build a system capable of training the officers that will ultimately have to train their troops how to use the LW system. Another goal for VICTER was suggested during briefings by subject matter experts (SMEs). The SMEs view VICTER as a useful tool for the development to LW tactics, technique and procedures (TTPs). Assisting in the development of advanced concepts for future versions of LW (and likely Objective Force Warrior) is another secondary goal for VICTER. VICTER creates a high-fidelity, reconfigurable virtual environment which can be used in the development of such concepts. Related to advanced concept development is the goal of using VICTER for simulation based acquisition. VICTER enables materiel developers to prototype concepts and proposed changes to the LW system in simulation before actually attempting to build the actual change first. 4. GENERAL APPROACH 4.1 Use LW system TRADOC recommends embedded training as the preferred training approach for future combat systems (TRADOC Regulation , Chapter II-5, Training Aids, Devices, Simulators, and Simulations (TADSS) Training Development and Management. The primary definition for an embedded training system is one that uses the actual combat system during the training. The VICTER project implements an embedded training system that connects to and utilizes the actual Land Warrior system and equipment. The virtual simulation system connects to and provides data in real time to the LW system in a simulation and stimulation approach. 4.2 Three configurations For the Land Warrior (LW) system, VICTER targets three embedded training situations that exist. First, VICTER provides training to the IC in a simulation center or other classroom (i.e. lab) type atmosphere. Next, VICTER enables the IC in a barracks or temporary lodging situation to train using the LW system. Third, VICTER provides training to the IC in the field while deployed or during a field exercise. VICTER uses modular and combinable software and hardware subsystems to allow the simulation to scale to fit each of the above situations. All of these training situations utilize the same software and hardware architectures but use potentially different software or hardware modules depending on the demand for the type of training to be accomplished and the availability of simulation resources. 4.3 Leverage SVS Since SVS provides a full virtual simulation suite of capabilities, RBD is building upon this software and is expanding its capabilities to meet the requirements and goals of the VICTER program. SVS is enhanced with auxiliary capabilities such as a scenario development tool (SDT), computer generated forces (CGF), exercise control (EC) and an enhanced after action review (AAR) capability. These enhancements allow SVS to provide a full suite of start-to-end training and mission rehearsal

4 capabilities without the need for auxiliary systems. This is important as the final embedded system has to be self contained to facility portability and field training. A scenario development tool was developed to provide an authoring capability to assist the trainer build a believable virtual environment for immersing the soldier and small team into during scenario execution. The SDT provides a capability early in the training pipeline to increase the effectiveness and believability of the training execution. A computer generated forces capability was also developed to provide interactive characters for the soldier to interact with and respond to during the virtual training scenario. Often times, there are not enough live players in a virtual training scenario so the CGF is used to fill-out the remainder of the population. A light-weight CGF capability that could be embedded and run concurrently with the SVS was needed since the soldier can t be expected to carry an additional computer for larger CGF programs such as ModSAF or OneSAF. A simulation exercise control system was designed and implemented to enable the trainer to remotely initiate and regulate the virtual simulations for the soldier and small team. This EC prevents the need for a computer technician to be involved in starting up the individual simulations and getting the soldiers to be at the correct location at the appropriate time. An after action review capability was designed and implemented to complete the start-to-finish virtual simulation training package. The purpose of the AAR tool is to provide feedback to the trainer and trainees on user performance after the completion of a scenario. 5. CHALLENGES Several factors and situations presented challenges during the execution of the VICTER program. 5.1 Shift in materiel developer During the Phase 2 effort, the original LW development contract was cancelled and a new one was awarded to an entirely different group of contractors (the LW consortium). The LW approach to the target system was completely changed as well. This caused RBD to change the design of the VICTER system mid-stream to match the new approach. This also caused RBD to reform working relationships with an entirely new group of developers half way through the VICTER program. 5.2 Moving target With the change to the new contractor team, the government desired initial results quickly. The tight deadline caused the materiel developers to focus all their attention and time to creating the LW 0.6 prototype system. Since the entire program was in jeopardy of being cancelled if the developers were not successful, the developers had little time to work with RBD on the VICTER portion. Also, the LW spiral development process lead to constant change and revisions to the base system, so RBD was chasing a moving target. 5.3 Late access to HW When LW 0.6 was completed, only 56 systems were developed. Most of the systems were needed to conduct the initial testing and for spares. Obtaining access to a LW 0.6 system was difficult. However, once the initial tests for LW were successful at Ft. Polk in September 2000, RBD was able to get a system with the sponsorship of TSM Soldier. 5.4 No training IPT With the Government s focus on completing a working prototype, very little emphasis at this stage (during the VICTER Phase II effort) was placed on training. A few individuals in the Government were working in isolation but no organized effort to form an integrated product team (IPT) existed. RBD was left to work with a few Government employees and a single SME to decide how to shape the VICTER training system. 5.5 No requirement for external interfaces The LW 0.6 system did not have a requirement to have external interfaces to such things as virtual training systems. Thus, most of the components, such as the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS), the Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS) and the Daylight Video Sight (DVS), were not capable of being stimulated from an outside signal. This required RBD to work closely with Pacific Consultants (one of the LW consortium companies) to design and develop one set of custom hardware for the VICTER system. 5.6 No built-in capability LW 0.6 also did not have a requirement to support a fully embedded 3D virtual simulation system. Therefore, the system is not capable of rendering complex 3D visual scenes in real-time and also does not have the processing capacity to run a complex simulation system such as SVS. Thus, a fully embedded solution was not possible with the LW 0.6 system. RBD took the appended embedded solution with external computers running the simulation and communicating with the actual LW system through umbilicals.

5 6. TECHNICAL APPROACH VICTER uses all PC-based hardware and leverages COTS components. The software will successfully run and operate on any PC that has hardware accelerated OpenGL graphics support. In order to hear battlefield audio, the PC must have built-in audio support. A joystick (either weapon mounted or standard game interface) is used to control movement with the SVS software. 6.1 Hardware The VICTER simulation system simulates certain Land Warrior (LW) components and stimulates the actual Land Warrior (LW) 0.6 system. VICTER simulation components provide inputs into LW system using the same interfaces as the actual devices. VICTER provides a surrogate M4 weapon interface, an input into the GPS and Dead Reckoning Module (DRM), a surrogate DVS and a surrogate TWS. Each of these components consists of a hardware and software component. The VICTER simulation system utilizes the high fidelity, de-milled M4 (see Figure 1) and M16/M203 weapons from the STRICOM Advanced Concepts Research Tools (ACRT). The ACRT weapons are actual weight and feel and can support the weight of the LW weapon attachments (such as the weapons hub, DVS and TWS). All weapons have an instrumented trigger for weapon firing, a removable ammunition clip, a firing rate selector (safe, single and three-round burst), a forcesensitive thumb transducer for controlling movement in the virtual environment and two push-button selector switches for controlling simulation modes. In addition, the ACRT M4 also has the actual LW modular rail system, a removable handle, and a collapsible stock identical to the actual weapon. All weapons contain sensors that allow the simulation to provide a capability to look around corners within the virtual environment utilizing the surrogate mockup DVS and TWS. Figure 1 - Surrogate M4 rifle with LW attachments The VICTER simulation system provides the user s positional data to the Navigation / Communications (Nav/Com) computer via the GPS/DRM module s serial cable. The surrogate Nav/Com unit is identical in size and weight to the original except for the external serial cable. The VICTER simulation software provides positional updates in the form of Latitude and Longitude reports at a set rate. The update rate is adjustable by changing a VICTER text configuration file that by default is set to update once per second. The actual LW system uses this simulation positional data in the same way it does data from the actual GPS and DRM. Land Warrior maintains the local users position and transmits this location to other LW systems within range of the wireless network. The location and orientation is displayed by a chevron on the local LW system map while only the location is displayed on other networked LW systems. The VICTER simulation system provides a virtual environment 3D view to the LW system as the Daylight Video Sight (DVS). As the user moves and orients the surrogate rifle, the 3D DVS view is simultaneously and continuously updated to reflect where the rifle is pointing in the virtual environment. The surrogate DVS is an actual DVS camera that has been modified to accept its video signal from the VICTER simulation computer as opposed to the optics of the camera. Additionally, LW provides an active signal to the VICTER simulation system that notifies the simulation software when the DVS is active (i.e. when the soldier has chosen to view the DVS output in his helmet-mounted display). The VICTER simulation system provides a notional thermal view of the virtual environment to the LW system via a surrogate TWS. Similar to the simulation of the DVS, the VICTER system generates the 3D thermal view when the user of the LW system selects the TWS as the source for the helmet-mounted display. The surrogate TWS is partially constructed of an actual empty TWS shell from NYTech (the manufacturer of the actual lightweight LW TWS). The empty TWS shell is modified to weigh the same as the original by adding metal in the front portion of the shell. In addition, the unit is anodized black and contains an actual LW control node from an actual TWS. The VICTER system has additional software features that are not yet available in the LW 0.6 system. These features include a laser aiming light, combat identification and a laze feature that computes bearing, distance and elevation to a target. These features are available to be integrated with the multi-function laser system now planned for the LW 1.0 version Immersive The immersive VICTER configuration (see Figure 2) is for a controlled lab or institution training setup. A large, rear-projected screen displays the virtual environment to the user. The user controls their movement through the synthetic battlefield via a joystick mounted on the weapon. To aim and fire, the user aims the surrogate as they would an actual weapon and pulls the trigger when the actual iron sites are on the virtual target. The system tracks the amount of ammunition used

6 based on the mode select (safe, single or three round burst) and the user must eject and reinsert the clip to simulate a reload of the weapon. attaches to an actual M4 weapon for use in the field. For safety, the real weapon clip is removed and replaced with a clip containing the joystick control hardware. A joystick switch is mounted behind the actual weapon trigger to sense trigger pulls for weapon firing. 6.2 Software Networking The VICTER Simulation System supports both the Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) protocols and the High Level Architecture (HLA). VICTER currently supports DIS version protocol data units (PDUs). Specifically, VICTER supports Entity State, Fire, Detonation and Collision PDUs for battlefield operations. VICTER also supports the Real-time Platform Reference (RPR) Federation Object Model (FOM) for HLA using any version of the Run-Time Infrastructure (RTI) 1.3. As of this writing, VICTER specifically is configured to operate with RPR FOM version 1.0 and the RTI 1.3NG v3.2. Figure 2 - VICTER immersive configuration Desktop/Laptop The standard desktop and laptop VICTER configurations basically run the SVS software. SVS provides LW-like capabilities using the joystick. If desired, the desktop and laptop configurations can also be used to simulate and stimulate the LW system similar to an immersive setup. For this project, a Dell Inspiron 8000 series laptop was used for the barracks configuration Wearable prototype For the VICTER project, RBD contracted to Quantum3D to build a wearable (man-portable) 3D graphics PC. A standard COTS product did not exist to meet the 3D needs for VICTER. This wearable prototype is a full powered Pentium 4 PC with 512 MB of memory, wireless networking and NVidia-based 3D graphics. The system has serial, parallel and USB interfaces which enable the VICTER SVS software to communicate with the LW 0.6 system. The wearable system weighs about 5 pounds and is roughly 8 x 5 x 4 in dimensions. In this wearable configuration, the PC uses the LW helmet mounted display to present all SVS interface and operational screens. The eye point view direction is controlled by the angle of the surrogate weapon. RBD designed and built a weapon-mountable joystick which SVS The VICTER Simulation System utilizes two human animation packages. The first is the DI-Guy package from Boston Dynamics, Inc. (BDI). The DI-Guy package has many characters and can represent military, civilian and other human characters. BDI has been developing the DI-Guy package for over 6 years. The second is the RBD Human Animation Package. RBD has developed our package over the past year using motion capture data and 3D models from a PC game company called Zombie. Currently, the RBD package can represent military characters with a variety of weapons. Both packages can animate and display characters in many different postures and poses relevant to dismounted infantry operations. Since the VICTER Simulation System is built upon the RBD SVS COTS system, all features available in SVS are available to VICTER. These features include: flashlights, destructible building and street lights, aiming lights, flares/illumination rounds, tracers, tactical smoke, flashbang grenades, compass, table-driven ballistics, multiple weapons, and dynamic terrain. SVS allows the user to provide and load their own data in order to customize the simulation system. This ability to customize the simulation enables the user to tailor the VICTER Simulation System to meet their requirements for a particular experiment, training session, or other scenario. The following items can be fully customized by the user: terrain database, 3D entity models, entity mappings and sounds, weapon ballistics, CGF scenarios, scenario content, and wounding models.

7 6.2.5 Exercise Controller An exercise control capability enables the battle master to launch and control remote (over the network) SVS simulations. This facilitates the coordination of a small team all using the VICTER training system. From a central workstation, the battle master can initialize, resupply, relocate, resurrect and control other features of remote simulations. Figure 3 - VICTER DVS example screen Scenario development tool The scenario development tool is a plug-in module (or add-on capability) to the SVS software. The SDT enables the user to add custom 3D models to an existing terrain (visual) database on a per scenario basis. An example use is to start with an urban terrain database (such as the McKenna MOUT training facility at Ft. Benning, GA) and add multiple overturned cars, cardboard huts, and police cars to form a scenario about a riot in a downtown urban area. Another example would be to start with an empty warehouse on a city street and fill it with imported crates of goods for a customs scenario or fill it with 55 gallon drums and containers for a chemical storage scenario. The SDT allows the user to create spatial zones for such things as audio cues and chemical contamination. The SDT provides a mechanism to reuse a base terrain over and over again for many different scenarios Computer generated forces The VICTER Simulation System has a built-in computer generated forces (CGF) capability enabling the creation of complex scenarios involving numerous interactive characters. The CGF entities follow scripted behaviors defined by the author of a scenario. The authoring component of CGF allows the user to define a scenario via either a 2D plan-view map display, a 3D virtual out-the-window display or a combination of both. Entities can be created and instructed to perform actions based on triggers. These triggers can be based on time, proximity of other entities, detection of incoming rounds, and other factors. Entities perform a certain action on a spatial path as defined by the user. CGF entities can serve as friendly, enemy or neutral in a particular scenario. During the runtime execution of a scenario, a battle master (or exercise controller) can initiate (or control) the actions of CGF entities through a graphics user interface (GUI) After action review The VICTER Simulation System has the ability to record a scenario and play it back at a later time for after action review (AAR). The user interface is similar to that of a video cassette recorder (VCR) with features such as play, pause, stop, jump to beginning, and jump to end. The interface also provides a slider control so the user can advance playback forward or backward to arrive at a desired time in the simulation. When the AAR playback is paused, network updates are still transmitted for recorded entities so that the entities don t time out on remote viewers and workstations. When the AAR capability is used in conjunction with the RBD Stealth Pro system, other advanced visual features are available to the viewer such as drawing 3D firing lines, identification overlays to describe all entities in the simulation, and presenting the database in wire frame mode in order to view inside of buildings and other structures. The AAR function also has the ability to loop a particular log repeatedly and to loop through a sequence of separately logged files. 7. RESULTS The results of the VICTER system development and integration with an actual LW 0.6 system have been successfully demonstrated on multiple occasions. The user can don the LW 0.6 system and plug into the VICTER simulation and conduct a virtual training exercise in a seamless virtual environment. The LW system is stimulated by simulated GPS locations, DVS and TWS views. A LW 0.6 system being used in the simulation communicates as it would in the real world with other LW 0.6 systems within physical connectivity range. 7.1 Demo at Benning In October 2001, RBD conducted a demonstration at the Land Warrior Test Bed (LWTB) at Ft. Benning. The demo consisted of two LW 0.6 systems and multiple SVS immersive simulators. One of the LW systems was connected to an immersive SVS in the VICTER configuration. The surrogate Nav/Comm module, DVS and TWS were connected to the LW 0.6 system and the appropriate VICTER surrogates were mounted onto the SVS mockup rifle. The demonstration was conducted on the Ft. Benning McKenna MOUT synthetic environment

8 database. As the user moved in the virtual environment, the LW system connected to the SVS system updated its local information and map with the correct geolocation data. This information was transmitted over the LW tactical network to the second LW system. The second system was able to track the virtual system as it moved in the environment. The second system served the role as the platoon leader in the virtual scenario. The platoon leader used the built-in LW capabilities to issue commands to the soldier in the simulator. These commands were received through normal LW channels and acted upon in the simulation. All VICTER enhancements and features worked as designed and expected during the demonstration. 7.2 Delivery to STRICOM In July 2002, RBD delivered the final VICTER systems to STRICOM. A VICTER laptop and the 3D wearable system were delivered. The wearable system was connected to STRICOM s LW 0.6 system and a demonstration conducted. The wearable computer operated over a wireless DIS network and interoperated with VICTER CGF on a geo-specific virtual terrain database. The SVS software on the wearable computer was launched and controlled from another SVS desktop system running the exercise controller software. All components operated and performed as expected. 8. FUTURE WORK 8.1 Future Warrior System Based on the successful VICTER work performed for STRICOM under the SBIR, RBD designed and built a future warrior system to enable STRICOM to examine advanced concepts for future soldier systems. The primary focus is on augmented reality and integrated live, virtual and constructive simulations embedded into future systems. 8.2 CECOM LW SEE IT The research conducted for the VICTER program has laid the groundwork for a new project funded by the Army Communications and Electronics Command (CECOM). This new SBIR project is entitled Land Warrior Synthetic Environment Enhancements for Improved Targeting (LW SEE IT). The focus for the LW SEE IT project is to use SVS with its VICTER enhancements to investigate an advanced situation awareness capability for LW (and Objective Force Warrior) using a head s up display. Phase 1 of this project was completed in August At the time of the writing of this paper, the Phase 2 has been selected for award and is scheduled to begin in early calendar year Objective Force Warrior The work performed for VICTER is not limited to the current implementation of the LW 0.6 system. While there are specific interface connections and standards used in the current VICTER solution, these interfaces can be reconfigured for future systems such as Objective Force Warrior. The modular and extendible nature of the base SVS software facilitate future expansion and integration with OFW. VICTER is also ideally suited for domains beyond training such as OFW advanced concepts research, simulation-based acquisition, and development of TTPs. 9. CONCLUSION The VICTER project marks a major step forward in embedded virtual training for dismounted infantry systems. VICTER links the high-fidelity SVS virtual environment with the Land Warrior 0.6 system to provide an appended training system. SVS simulates and stimulates the actual LW 0.6 system and provides a seamless virtual environment for the individual soldier and small team. A scaleable and extendible VICTER architecture provides training from a controlled classroom environment across the spectrum to a wearable fielded system. The wearable system provides a man-portable, mission rehearsal capability that can be used while enroute to an actual combat situation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors wish to thank the following individuals for their contributions and assistance in the VICTER program: SFC Chris Augustine, MAJ Bill Harris, Mr. Jan Chervenak, Mr. Ellis Mosely, and Pacific Consultants. REFERENCES Metzger, Paul J., Barham, Paul T., Metzger, Joanne L., Soldier Visualization Station, in the Proceedings of 1997 Simulation Interoperability Workshop, 8-12 Sept. 1997, Orlando, Florida. Pratt, David R., Barham, Paul T., Locke, John, Zyda, Michael J., Eastman, Bryant, Moore, Timothy, Biggers, Klaus, Douglass, Robert, Jacobsen, Stephen, Hollick, Michael, Granieri, John, Ko, Hyeongseok, Badler, Norman I. Insertion of an Articulated Human into a Networked Virtual Environment, Proceedings of the 1994 AI, Simulation and Planning in High Autonomy Systems Conference, University of Florida, Gainesville, 7-9 December 1994.