SimCentric Press Release on VBS2Fires
VBS2Fires is a professional Call-For-Fire training which combines the flexibility and stunning visuals of VBS2 with a highly sophisticated Call-For-Fire training and simulation system. The system allows Offensive Support specialists to construct a Call-For-Fire which is then processed by the system and actioned accordingly within VBS2. The system simulates exterior and terminal ballistics to a high level of detail and supports a wide array of munitions, fusetypes and fire platforms.
As VBS2Fires is built upon VBS2, all of VBS2’s standard features are included. Do you want to conduct Call-For-Fire training from a helicopter? Do you want to perform a Danger Close mission with Infantry participants conducting a mounted assault? Do you want to train FiST teams in deployment to and from OPs? All of this is possible within VBS2Fires thanks to the underlying VBS2 engine.
VBS2Fires is a desktop trainer that runs on any machine capable of running VBS2. It is designed to use a two screen setup with one screen dedicated to Call-For-Fire functionality and the other running the VBS2 virtual environment. This can be achieved through a dual monitor connection to a single PC, or for optimal performance, through the use of two networked PCs.
SimCentric’s proprietary Call-For-Fire Parsing Technology allows Calls-For-Fire to be entered in plain text and then interpreted by the system. Alternatively, VBS2Fires also provides a graphical wizard to allow interactive construction of a Call-For-Fire.
VBS2Fires runs in Trainee, Instructor or Standalone modes. It is fully integrated with VBS2 core features such as the After Action Review and the Real Time Editor. It has additional analysis tools for investigating ballistic trajectories, terrain and unsafe practices. The system provides an interface external to VBS2 to allow streamlined operation and a professional look and feel.
Features:
- Highly detailed exterior ballistics model
Simulates gravity, drag, wind drift, pressure, temperature, spin drift and Coriolis effects; additionally the model simulates the change of these parameters at varying altitude
- Customisable properties
Supports field guns, self propelled guns, naval gunfire fire platforms. Customise the firing characteristics, operational reloading and relaying times, and the munitions that a platform is able to fire. Build your own projectiles with customisable ballistics properties.
- Wide selection of munitions and fuses
Munitions include: HE, WP, Smoke (multiple colours), SADARM, DPICM, RAAMS, ADAM, ILLUM (multiple colours), and Copperhead. Fuses include: Quick, VT, Time, Delay, Seek and Destroy, and Laser guided.
- Wide selection of fire distributions
Including: Converging, Circular, Linear, Range and Lateral Spread, Parallel Lines of Fire, and user defined custom distributions.
- High fidelity terminal ballistics models
Terminal Ballistics are modelled both visually and functionally to accurately reflect real-world effects. Functional damage models reflect side lobe patterns of explosive rounds defined by round velocity and explosive velocity.
- Range of Call-For-Fire entry options
Trainees enter Calls-For-Fire through the entry of plain text or through the use of a wizard-based GUI. These are automatically interpreted by the system. Additionally, voice may be used to communicate between a human instructor and trainee. The instructor then has the option of manually entering Fire Control information into the system.
- Artificial Intelligence Engine
VBS2Fires will automatically respond to a Call-For-Fore that is end by the trainee using a detailed Artificial Intelligence algorithm suite. Alternatively, the instructor may manually respond to Call-For-Fire injecting errors as appropriate.
- Simulation of Radio Nets
Communications are an essential part of the Call-For-Fore process. VBS2Fires simulates CNR radio traffic, radio nets, radio frequencies, and radio logs. Simulated encryption is also supported.
- Rapid scenario design
VBS2Fires will save you time and money through its rapid scenario editor. Using this editor building a VBS2Fires scenario is no more complex than building a standard VBS2 Scenario. Scenarios can be rapidly prototyped and tested in a simple
- Real-Time Editor
Provides an Instructor with a run time authoring capability allowing any aspect of training to be modified during training.
- After Action Review
VBS2Fires is completely integrated with the VBS2 AAR system. Bookmarks can be dynamically added from VBS2Fires and all projectile paths and effects are captured. Additionally, VBS2Fires provides terrain and ballistics analysis tools to aid the exploration of learning points following an exercise.
- Runs on COTS hardware
Runs on a single PC with two video outputs, or on two networked PCs. If a PC can run VBS2, it can run VBS2Fires.
- Flexible network based architecture
Operable in Instructor, Trainee or Stand-Alone mode. Can be run onsame machine as VBS2 on a separate machine connected over the network. Seamlessly connects to other machines over any TCP/UDP capable network.
- Seamlessly links with VBS2 COTS Desktop Trainer
Use VBSFires as part of a larger training exercise. As it incorporates the VBS2 engine, Call-For-Fire training can be implemented as part of larger training scenarios with Combined Arms participants.
Example VBS2Fires applications:
- Individual training
Standalone mode allows a trainee to practice Calling-For-Fire without an Instructor or other participants.
- Individual instructor/trainee interaction
A single instructor terminal can be solely dedicated to a single trainee terminal, allowing an instructor to monitor and control the exercise for that trainee.
- Instructor led group training
An instructor can monitor and control the exercise for a group of trainees participating in a single VBS2 scenario. These trainees can interact with each other, or can alternatively be located remotely in a scenario calling fire for unrelated targets.
- Instructor monitored group training
The Artificial Intelligence engine within VBS2 allows the system to automatically respond to Calls-For-Fire without the requirement for Instructor interaction. This allows the instructor to focus on monitoring or assessing trainees and highlighting learning points, rather than on operating the system.
- Instructor led training during combined training exercise
An instructor manages a group of trainees who are conducting Call-For-Fire training in support of a manoeuvre force consisting of a combination of human and computer controlled elements.
- Enhanced Offensive Support simulation for VBS2 training exercise
VBS2Fires is used to increase the richness of a training exercise involving an Manoeuvre force by providing a high fidelity hostile indirect fire simulation. To do this a single Instructor directs fire in order to shape the Blue force.
- Combined in exercise with Call-For-Fire Simulator
VBS2 Fires is used in conjunction with the Call-For-Fire Trainer Simulator to provide seamless interaction between the physical simulator and the desktop trainer.
