Will Support College's UAS Programs

A specialized version of the ROVATTS-based MQ-9 Reaper Mission Training Device (MTD) tabletop simulator was recently delivered to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to support the development of evolving classes in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations at ERAU. SDS International (SDS) provided the device. 

MQ-9 Reaper

As delivered, the Reaper MTD consists of one tabletop simulator station that preserves the correct physical layout of the MQ-9 pilot and sensor operator ground control station components. The station includes an adjustable, wheeled COTS table holding properly sized/positioned flat-panel displays for the head-up-display (HUD), tracker display and head-down command and status displays; plus game-level stick, throttle, keyboard, trackball controls and rudders. The Reaper MTD has a separate laptop-based instructor-operator-station capable of supporting mission planning, tactical scenario generation (including fixed and moving 3D vehicles/ humans/animals), and simulator/mission control.

As delivered, the ROVATTS-based MQ-9 MTD combined pilot and sensor operator station software provides functioning Reaper HUD displays, tracker map displays, and head-down-displays (including variable information tables and menu button interfaces). The Reaper MTD software also incorporates an SDS-developed high fidelity Reaper aerodynamics package supporting takeoff/enroute/landing operations (including flight with turbulence effects/control-delays and GPS approach capabilities); normal and selected emergency procedure functionality; and realistic electro-optical/infra-red sensor displays provided by SDS' AAcuity(r) PC-IG. The system was delivered with a high-fidelity virtual terrain of the Creech/Nellis AFB area designed to support realistic Reaper crew training.

SDS' MQ-9 Reaper MTDs support individual (pilot or sensor operator) and/or crew training in a stand-alone environment, plus distributed training involving a variety of live, virtual, and constructive systems in either local or distributed exercises using DIS or HLA connectivity. As such, the Reaper MTD represents a low-cost, high-fidelity alternative training system capable of supporting a wide variety of realistic training, mission rehearsal, R&D and T&E applications.

FMI: www.erau.edu