SDS International , Brooks AFB, TX: SDS International (SDS) has been awarded a contract to provide a flexible PC-based MQ-1B Predator training system to the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine (Brooks AFB, TX) for use in assessing the impact of the unique physiological, psychological, cognitive and environmental stresses inherent in Remotely Piloted Aircraft operations.
SDS International's Advanced Technologies Division, in Orlando, Florida, will build upon a current Predator version of its low-cost, high-fidelity PC-based LiteFlite Reconfigurable Simulation product line to provide the realistic simulation environment needed to support USAF research efforts.
LiteFlite's modular/extensible architecture, coupled with its high-fidelity aerodynamics/weapons/heads-up-displays (HUDs)/instrumentation, realistic out-the-window (OTW)/sensor scenes, and built-in distributed interactive simulation (DIS)/high level architecture (HLA) capability make it an ideal tool to support ongoing research and development, test and evaluation, and crew training/mission rehearsal requirements for a variety of space/flight platforms – including manned and unmanned systems.
When delivered, the improved LiteFlite Predator simulation system will incorporate a high-fidelity MQ-1B aerodynamics package (including critical landing/turbulence/control-delay affects); current and evolving HUDs; high-fidelity OTW/sensor displays (provided by SDS' AAcuity PC-IG); and realistic weapons capabilities.
The system will also include an operator control station with fully functioning heads-down-display (data tables/menus), map tracking displays, record/playback capabilities, and data-capture/analysis capabilities.
Additionally, SDS will deliver the LiteFlite Software Developer's Kit to allow development/integration of additional simulation codes (aerodynamic, avionics, weapons, sensors, engines, etc.) into LiteFlite that may be needed to support evolving research activities.
