SAIC Virtual Simulators Enable Army Helicopter Crews to Train Together

According to SAIC Program Manager Brett Ulander, there has never been a helicopter simulator that provides collective, simultaneous training for the entire crew, allowing those in the back of the helicopter to coordinate and interact with the pilots up front.

The Non-rated Crew Member Manned Module (NCM3) now being developed by SAIC is a trainer for the rear portion of the CH-47 Chinook and H-60 Blackhawk aircraft. When combined with the existing Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT) — a trainer for the collective instruction of pilots — these two systems will allow for the full collective training of helicopter pilots and their crews.

"Now, in real time, they can 'train as they fight' in realistic, high-fidelity scenarios that mirror real-world activities that are interactive with air and ground combat operations," said Ulander. "These trainers can improve crew coordination and increase proficiency before deployment."

An additional plus, Ulander added, is that this program is a cost-effective approach to training, minimizing in-flight hours and reducing fuel and ammunition usage.

Simulator Provides Critical Training

SAIC's task under a new U.S. Army contract is to design, develop, build, and maintain the NCM3 simulator for the helicopters. The work, which will help crew members train on critical, coordinated tasks such as gunnery, sling load, and hoist operations, directly supports the AVCATT program.

AVCATT is a mobile, multi-station virtual simulation device with six man-modules that are reconfigurable to any combination of attack, reconnaissance, lift and/or cargo helicopters in the current Army inventory. It supports institutional, organizational, and sustainment training for active and reserve Army aviation units worldwide in combined arms collective training and mission rehearsals.

Using commercial off-the-shelf technology and an SAIC-developed gateway, the NCM3 simulators will be integrated with several common Army simulation systems, including the Synthetic Environment Core (SECore) and One Semi-Automated Forces (OneSAF®). Both of these were developed by SAIC and have already been assimilated into other AVCATT units.

SECore is a set of virtual components common to multiple military training simulation systems, and OneSAF is a composable, computer-generated system that trains warfighters on a wide range of operations and activities.

"This integration will not only expand the Army's continuing effort to add new functionality to these common components, but it will also help ensure successful interoperability between the NCM3 and other simulation trainers that have already been fielded or will be fielded in the future," said Ulander.

Past Performance Paves Way for Work

"The NCM3 program helps secure SAIC's position as a substantial player in the virtual aviation simulation world," said SAIC Operation Manager Sunny Taylor. This is something SAIC has been pursuing since 2005 to expand the company's core capabilities in virtual simulation training systems.

SAIC first developed an air mission trainer, which supports fixed- and rotary-wing flight virtual simulator variants for pilot mission training.

In addition, the company has outstanding past performance in developing the common driver trainer/Stryker® variant (CDT/SV) for the Army, which makes SAIC well qualified for the NCM3 work. The CDT/SV was the first in a family of full-motion, high-fidelity virtual simulators based on common hardware and software architecture that formed the basis of the Army's tracked, wheeled, and heavy equipment vehicle driver simulation training program.

Since then, SAIC has produced more CDT variants, including five for the mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle. Variants are in production for the Abrams M1A1 and M1A2 tanks as well.

"Add in a strong subcontractor team and solid customer relationships, and you have a winning formula for program success," explained Ulander.

Taylor agreed, saying, "It's a privilege to support the Army in providing the best training possible for its helicopter crew members. The training will help to better prepare them for what they'll face in the field and better equip them for mission success with the ultimate goal of a safe return home."

OneSAF and Stryker are registered trademarks of the Department of the Army in the United States and/or other countries.