Development of a Reconfigurable Combat Vehicle Simulator (RCVS)

The need for a reconfigurable, affordable, DIS compatible Combat Vehicle Simulator is immediate. The training needs of the Army Reserve and National C3uard (ARNG) are unique, ARNG personnel operate actual equipment infrequently and therefore have little opportunity to maintain proficiency in basic skills. Some might perceive that proficiency training has become less critical as a result of the new technologies, but this is not the case. For every technology based advantage provided, there is an added training requirement. Additionally, the ARNG utilizes a variety of vehicles, such as the MlAl, MlA2, M2AI, M2A2, CEV, and others. The training needs of the ARNG center upon the mastery of sophisticated systems in a dynamic, complex environment. A comprehensive reconfigurable system must address all of these factors. Development of a low cost Reconfigurable Combat Vehicle Simulator (RCVS) is proposed. This system will be reconfigurable across vehicle types and training applications to support a broad range of training requirements. The underlying concept is targeted to provide a capability that supports both narrow purpose training requirements (such as home based desktop training) and unconstrained vehicle simulation within the DIS environment. This will allow a single system to meet the needs of most Armories, exploit reusable subsystems (such as DIS interfaces), and simplify the procurement and fielding process. Anticipated Benefits/Potential Applications - Reconfigurable Simulation Technology will be able to be applied in a wide range of both military and commercial applications. The proposed capability will benefit the nation because, for the first time, it will be cost effective to provide a comprehensive, multi-task, multi-echelon capability to Armories in sufficient quantities to have a substantive impact on the ARNG readiness.