The UK MOD has a vision of providing Mission Training through Distributed Simulation, or UK MTDS. The UK MTDS Capability Concept Demonstrator (CCD) programme developed a RAF facility comprising of 4-fast-jet Tornado GR4 and 4-Typhoon simulators, a 7-seat AWACS mission crew training system, and an extensive exercise management capability (including virtual role players and Computer Generated Forces (CGF) and After Action Review (AAR) facilities). In a representative Planning, Briefing and Debriefing (PBD) daily cycle, training participants performed a series of air battlespace missions with joint and multi-national collective teams in a series of nine events. Each event provided evidence and identified lessons addressing various key issues associated with the UK MTDS vision.
This case study will identify real examples of lessons learnt in simulator interoperability between collocated and dispersed training sites utilising air, land and maritime synthetic training environments (STE). To enable interoperability technical issues associated with Local and Wide Area Networking (LAN/WAN), including security protocols and how best to achieve connectivity with other sites and countries will be discussed.
The distributed training model of a hub linked to main operating bases was largely validated during the MTDS CCD programme. Prior research indicated that being distributed from the hub site can reduce training benefit; the MTDS CCD programme demonstrated that this can be mitigated by providing robust Planning Briefing and Debriefing (PBD) equipment, sharing common visual models and providing higher fidelity training equipment.
The experience gained from the MTDS CCD demonstrates that many of the procedures for security accreditation are open to interpretation, and that there is a need to build and maintain personal relationships within the accreditor community to achieve timely approval.
In summary, this case study will both guide technologists in real lessons learnt and challenge the simulation community through practical experiences.