Urban Time-to-Detect Simulator for Vehicle-Developers

Future wars will see increased combat in urban areas. Characteristic of the urban environment is limited lines of sight for early detection and engagement of threats, placing a heavy reliance on non-line of sight detection methods, such as acoustic and seismic detection methods. A modular, expandable approach to developing an urban time-to-detect simulator for vehicle developers is proposed that includes simultaneous integrated multimodal domains including visual, acoustic, and seismic signatures. Building off of recent developments in high-resolution, three-dimensional virtual reality displays, combined with high-fidelity acoustics systems, we propose an innovative approach to the simulator. Starting with the definition of urban detection metric(s) and test methodologies, a structured design development process is proposed. A feasibility demonstration of the concept using commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) components is proposed as part of the design concept development. The proposed design approach maximizes use of COTS hardware and software to minimize technical and schedule risk, and reduce costs and development times. While minimizing development of unique hardware and software components, COTS components may be modified to meet simulator requirements. The proposed approach also takes advantage of a modular design, allowing ready expandability from one to four or more test subjects.