Present small-arms training solutions still have limitations and drawbacks. Often based on laser technology, instrumented screens and closed rooms are required which limit the operational capabilities. The calibration of such systems is also often complicated, involving time consuming adjustment. In case of live training systems in large open areas, a standard laser solution shows occultation and accuracy problems (e.g. partitions, leaves…) and requires instrumentation of all potential targets.
A new solution addressing all these issues has been developed. Laser technology got substituted for a standard camera. Calibration, shooting direction and firing result are digitally determined through patented algorithms which provide a complete analysis of the shooting and associated performance. Ballistics models take into account ammunitions, gun parameters and meteorological conditions. There is no synchronisation issue or limitation of the number of weapons and players involved in a concurrent exercise. Targets can either be fixed targets, virtual entities displayed on projection screens or even mobile entities in a real environment, indoor or outdoor. There is no need for a digital twin of the environment.
Each individual trainee analysis report is transferred to the Excon station for further debriefing. AI is then used to go deeper in the analysis (target recognition, gunner attitude, gun handling, aiming process…) and alleviate the instructors’ workload by providing valuable information. In case of operational scenario involving several trainees (blue and red), AI will also be used to provide to the instructor an evaluation of the collective team behaviour.
The paper will describe the technical approach with its main principles and experimentation results conducted with the French and German Forces. The next steps will then be presented.