Highly Realistic, Full Mission Training Simulation System
At the Interservice/Industry
Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) Tuesday,
Silicon Graphics said Link Simulation and Training, a division of
L-3 Communications, has purchased six SGI Onyx high-performance
graphics supercomputers to power a state-of-the-art training system
for the Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Advanced Distributed
Combat Training System (ADCTS) program.
"This revolutionary flight simulation system will enable
aircrews to conduct full mission training against highly
sophisticated interactive threats in a networked training
environment that will markedly increase combat readiness," said
John McNellis, president of Link Simulation and Training. "This
training solution is based on modern, leading-edge flight
simulation technologies we’re delivering today in support of
US Navy F/A-18 programs that are also powered by SGI graphics
supercomputers."
SGI Onyx graphics supercomputers performing image generation
provide highly realistic and precise simulation of the multi-role
functions that fighter aircraft perform in combat missions. The
Onyx systems have the power and real-time visualization capability
to concurrently process imagery, video, 3D terrain and geospatial
data, meeting the demanding needs of air forces around the
world.
"These SGI Onyx image generators will deliver revolutionary
dimensions of realism and the scaleable data compute power required
to generate the highest resolution photo-specific imagery and
physical environment required to meet the training needs of the
Canadian Air Force," said Steve Detro, director, DoD Programs, SGI
Federal. "We are honored to contribute to this dramatic advancement
in flight simulation and to provide increased safety and training
realism for Canadian Air Force pilots."
This combat training system, which is projected to last 15
years, will support the Canadian Forces Incremental Modernization
Project for the CF-18 aircraft platform. The CF-18 ADCTS will
provide networked team, joint and combined training flight
simulation exercises. This program will be the first operational
Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) system to be fielded in
Canada. The training system will establish the DMO architecture and
provide training for all CF-18 training requirements. CF-18 ADCTS
training will range from relatively basic missions to full-theater
level battles, supported by distributed training exercises across
Canada.
Canadian Forces Base in Cold Lake, Alberta and Canadian Forces
Base in Bagotville, Quebec will be home to the program’s two
new Mission Training Centers.
The Canadian Forces mission training centers will be integrated
with new Link-built CF-18 Air Combat Emulators (ACES). Link will
build a total of six CF-18 ACES for the program – all powered
by Silicon Graphics Onyx family graphics supercomputers.
Four of the CF-18 ACES will be installed at Canadian Forces Base
Cold Lake and two of the simulators will go to Canadian Forces Base
Bagotville. These high fidelity, networked simulators will immerse
pilots in a realistic, virtual battlespace that will support a full
range of tactical training exercises.
The six Onyx systems were delivered to L-3 Communications in the
fourth quarter of SGI’s fiscal year 2004 and first quarter of
fiscal year 2005. The CF-18 ACES are due to be deployed in 2005 and
2006.
FMI: www.sgi.com