Virtual Reality Battle Management Tool for C3 Nets

Quality Research Proposes to develop a virtual reality tool to support real-time battle management of an interactive combat network extending over several echelons and across several types of nets. The tool, called the Virtual Reality Battle Management Command, Control, and Communications Network Tool (VR BMC3 Net Tool), will use a British Telecommunications (BT) approach to C3 net visualization and will provide invaluable assistance to simulation managers and battle field commanders in designing and optimizing complex data networks. The BT C3 net visualization technique and accredited communication models will be incorporated into the VR BMC3 Net Tool using an open architecture, platform independent approach. The Phase I effort of this project has four objectives: (1) Show the feasibility of the BT C3 Net visualization technique; (2) Show the feasibility of the VR BMC3 Net Tool to aid network planners; (3) Show the ability to incorporate accredited communication models into VR BMC3 Net Tool; and (4) Show the ability to develop a tool on low cost platform using COTS open architecture approach. Phase I of the VR BMC3 Net Tool Project will consist of four major activities -C3 Network Analysis, Communication Model Selection, Virtual Reality Prototype Development, and Feasibility Report Generation. The VR BMC3 Net Tool has several anticipated benefits and commercial applications. The strongest benefit is an improved C3 net analysis capability for the commander in the field, whether a simulated battle field or a real battle field. In addition, VR BMC3 Net Tool has numerous commercial applications - commercial communication networks, power grid and utility networks, wireless cable television, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), operations and training.