I/ITSEC 2011: Seen and Heard at the Show

The DiSTI Corporation launched a new package of its award-winning GL Studio software toolkit that streamlines the creation of interfaces for enhanced embedded applications. Without compromising performance or fidelity, GL Studio ES (Embedded Systems) enables a seamless transition from prototyping, to testing and to the deployment of graphical interfaces on embedded systems. Current GL Studio users now have the option to extend their existing interface designs into the embedded domain with a single unified code base.
GL Studio ES features are packaged to simplify the decision making process, ensuring the right tools are implemented to achieve the best embedded application. This solution provides optimized and portable interactive 2D and 3D display content for automotive dashboard and information displays, maritime instruments, industrial controls, consumer electronics and other appliances. This new package includes a C++ Code Generator, Data Director SDK for easily connecting data, a 3D Studio Max plug-in toolkit and a deployment capability for OpenGL ES (including Apple’s iOS). With these powerful development features and unified code base, GL Studio ES yields maximum accessibility to embedded systems.
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MASA Group has announced a reseller agreement with Antycip Simulation. Under the terms of the agreement, Antycip Simulation will market and sell MASA's flagship product, MASA SWORD, an automated, aggregated, constructive simulation software. 

I/ITSEC 2011: Elbit Systems Operational State-of-the-art Solutions

Elbit Systems features a wide array of its cutting-edge training and simulation solutions alongside unique next-generation training solutions and concepts at I/ITSEC 2011. 
At I/ITSEC 2011, Elbit Systems presents a full spectrum of simulation capabilities, emphasising Joint live training, tactical and headquarters training solutions, as well as the Elbit HLS training system currently in operational use by the Israeli Home Front Command. 

 (Photo: Elbit Systems)

Solutions presented at the Elbit Systems booth include the Joint- Live Air, Land and Naval Training Concept; Live Combat Training System (LCTS) including SUN (Soldier Urban Navigation System), an accurate, independent urban navigation system for dismounted soldiers; EHUD AACMI, a complete and fully Autonomous Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (AACMI) system offering a combination of airborne combat training coupled with advanced ground-based capabilities; Naval Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (NCMI); Homeland Security Simulation System (HLS2); Command and Staff Training (CST); Tactical Battle Group Trainer (TBT); Mission Training Center (MTC) a system enabling linked training between various trainees and platforms, including different platforms of an Air Force, as well as at an interoperable level and ground controllers; and TARGO Helmet Mounted Avionics (HMA) and the EVA (Embedded Virtual Avionics). TARGO, a Helmet Mounted Avionics system that enables pilots to plan, rehearse, fly and debrief using their personal helmets. 


For more information about Elbit System's HLS training system currently in operational use by the Israeli Home Front Command, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2011, available at I/ITSEC 2011. 

I/ITSEC 2011: Boeing Innovative as Ever

Boeing is showcasing extensive training and simulation solutions during I/ITSEC, including its Virtual Mission Board, a multi-touch table for mission planning and rehearsal, exercise control and after-action reviews for military ground forces, with sales to an undisclosed US customer, and the APACHE Multi-Role Trainer, which allows students to train on APACHE cockpit procedures, maintenance operational checks, weapons systems communications and crew coordination.
In the virtual training arena, Boeing demonstrated the Australian Super HORNET Integrated Visual Environment Maintenance Trainer, and the APACHE/CHINOOK Virtual Maintenance Training demonstrator. The Boeing booth also featured training and mission planning solutions from Boeing subsidiaries Argon ST and Tapestry Solutions, as well as a Boeing Flight Services kiosk that showcased a comprehensive portfolio of pilot, crew and maintenance training products, services and support for the commercial, business and general aviation markets.
On Tuesday 29 November, Mark McGraw, Vice President of Boeing Training Systems & Services, provided an update on current training programmes and future opportunities, including KC-46, P-8A POSEIDON, Ground Forces Training, and international opportunities. 
According to Mark E. McGraw, VP Boeing Training Systems & Services, Boeing "had a great 2011," referring to sales in the last few months. McGraw also mentioned that the company is growing internationally, with the UK Flight Crew Training, in India, and are expecting the Tanker Trainer RfP shortly. "We think we're the best choice for it," he explained at a press round table.

For more information about Boeing Simulation and Training, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2011, available at I/ITSEC 2011.

I/ITSEC 2011: SAIC Features Collective Training Solutions and New Technologies

SAIC is featuring training solutions for Crew Mission Coordination, Medical Simulation and the Virtual C2 Center on the new, cloud-based and web-enabled OLIVE 3.0 enterprise platform and new technology at I/ITSEC 2011.
SAIC's demonstrations included: CDT Crew Cab (C2) Virtual Simulator for collective task training featuring IED interrogation; NEWLY web-enabled, cloud-based OLIVE 3.0 Virtual World; modeling and simulation services through SAIC’s Cloud Simulation Infrastructure (CSI); integrated, live and virtual delivery of medical education with real medical interventions on life-size human simulators, individual task trainers and use of a new patient physiological model in OLIVE 3.0; and LightBox high speed, automated verification and validation of large scale correlated terrain databases.

I/ITSEC 2011: Seen and Heard at the Show

Quantum3D announced its Mantis Real- Time Scene Management software platform will be available as a standalone, software-only product. Previously sold with Quantum3D’s renowned INDEPENDENCE® IDX series of image generators, Mantis is now available on the desktop for a wide range of PC hardware configurations to match any simulation application, including fixed- and rotary-wing flight simulation, ground vehicle simulation, tank simulation, mission rehearsal, sensor simulation, and more.
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The US Army PEO STRI has awarded Lockheed Martin a $6.7 million contract to support live manoeuvre training. In addition to the base year, the programme includes four one-year options. Through the initiative, Lockheed Martin will provide up to 20 variants of its Instrumentable Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System Shoulder Launched Munitions (I-MILES SLM) training devices.
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CAE announced that Boeing has ordered six additional P-8A POSEIDON operational flight trainers (OFTs) for the US Navy. CAE will manufacture the simulators, as well as develop a suite of P-8A Aircraft Equipment enhanced Desktop Environment (AeDTE) trainers, which will be used as role playing stations during training of P-8A aircrews. The P-8A OFTs and AeDTEs are part of a recent contract awarded to Boeing to support low rate initial production lot two (LRIP-II) of the P-8A multi-mission maritime aircraft.
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Engineering & Computer Simulations (ECS) announced that it received a five year contract from the NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) to develop its Immersive Learning Environment. In partnership with Bohemia Interactive Simulations, ECS will develop a series of training scenarios to be used by NATO ACT Joint Force Trainer. Potentially, these will include Counter IED and Security training.
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NGRAIN unveiled the 40 new features in its flagship development software PRODUCER 5.0 and its new Production Suite that empowers users to create NGRAIN-powered solutions taking advantage of the company’s 3KO technology. Customers, that have realised the ROI of using NGRAIN solutions to improve training again selected NGRAIN to develop Virtual Task Trainers, these include: US Coast Guard, US Army (Fort Benning), the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the Canadian Army.
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Presagis announced its Presagis SEGen Server, a cost-effective, server-based software solution for the run-time generation of high-fidelity, highly realistic synthetic environments based on the Common Database (CDB) specification.

I/ITSEC 2011: Saab's Groundbreaking Innovation

At I/ITSEC 2011, Saab is exhibiting their innovative simulation and training solutions for Land and Air Forces. 

 Photo: Saab

Showcased are Counter-IED Training, Joint Fires Training (minimising the risk of collateral damage), Virtual Capabilities (covering the full range of training solutions including capabilities and products for Virtual Training), Rapid 3D Mapping for Army Training, WinExcon ExPERT (the exercise C2 and AAR software programme for Saab's Instrumented Training Systems, supporting live combined arms Force-on-Force and Force-on- Target training in instrumented open and urban environments; and providing efficient tools for exercise planning, set-up, execution and review), Gamer Deployable CTC - DTES, I-TESS, DITS (an instrumented training system, enabling the military to train on home bases and rapidly deploy worldwide for any training mission), Location of Miss And Hit LOMAH (a general-purpose system for infantry weapon and tank gunnery weapon training to detect supersonic projectiles and determine trajectory parameters, identities, origins, and impact points), Stationary Infantry Target SIT, and Air Training and Simulation. 
For more information about Saab Simulation and Training, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2011, available at I/ITSEC 2011. 

I/ITSEC 2011: projectiondesign's New Technology

projectiondesign launched two projectors at I/ITSEC 2011.

The FL35 wqxga ReaLED™ projector is the latest addition to the projectiondesign range. It combines 4.1 million pixel resolution and 2nd Generation LED illumination technology offering the benefits of low cost of ownership, operation for up to 100,000 hours, highly accurate color reproduction and great reliability and system up-time. Unlike 4K resolution systems, the FL35 wqxga uses industry-standard single channel IG inputs and is designed for multichannel systems.

At I/ITSEC, an impressive six-channel ImmersiveDome™ system supplied by Immersive Display Solutions, and driven by the FlightSafety VITAL X IG highlighted the benefits of the FL35 projectors in real-life applications.

 Photo: projectiondesign

Also launched at I/ITSEC the new FS32 IR projector introduces 2nd Generation LED illumination, and pairs it with IR illumination in a highly versatile and proven opto-mechanical projector platform. The FS32 IR provides a realistic RGB+IR projection solution. 
For more information about projectiondesign, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2011, available at I/ITSEC 2011. 

I/ITSEC 2011: Rheinmetall Breaking New Ground

Rheinmetall Defence’s Simulation and Training division's broad spectrum of simulation competencies were exhibited at I/ITSEC 2011. 
On display at I/ITSEC 2011 is Rheinmetall’s ANTares modular tactical training system, designed to meet the exacting needs of the military for joint and combined training, ANTares provides fully networked and interoperable air, land and maritime weapon platform simulators in a realistic, high-intensity virtual combat training environment. 

 Photo: Rheinmetall

Furthermore, Rheinmetall Defence's state-of-the-art live training products, including advanced MOUT training technologies was showcased. Orders have recently been placed for two such live training systems, with one going to Russia and another to the Middle East. 
Future naval operational team training must continue to take place in a comprehensively networked Fleet Synthetic Training (FST) environment, that is why the company exhibited its Advanced Naval Synthetic Environment (ANSE).

I/ITSEC 2011: Russian Army Orders Rheinmetall State-of-the-art Training Centre

In the run-up to I/ITSEC, Rheinmetall Group and its Russian partner JSCo Oboronservis were contracted by the Russian MoD to build a major army training centre in Mulino, Russia, worth well over €100 million including further options. Located in the Volga region, by 2014 this simulation-supported training centre will be able to train 30,000 troops a year. JSCo Oboronservis will serve as general contractor and subsequently operate the facility on behalf of the Russian Armed Forces. Rheinmetall is tasked with developing and supplying the live combat simulation system, as well as technical implementation of all aspects of the project, including commissioning and quality assurance.

 Photo: Rheinmetall

The Russian Army training facility is designed to train a reinforced mechanised infantry or armoured brigade. An innovative rotation principle will enable training to take place simultaneously at a variety of stations, with the training system tracking and recording the activities of each participant via an electronic identification badge, helping to assure successful results throughout a training process lasting several weeks.


For more information about Rheinmetall's simulation and training solutions, please see MILITARY TECHNOLOGY 12/2011, available at the show.

I/ITSEC 2011: Government of Canada Selects Christie for Major HERCULES Simulator Upgrade

In the run-up to I/ITSEC 2011, Christie unveiled that the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) - Toronto, an agency of the Canadian DoND, has selected the award-winning Christie Matrix StIM™ projection system as part of a major technology upgrade to train threat reaction by aircrew of the CC130 J-model transport aircraft and other military aircrafts. The two projectors are installed in the Department’s HERCULES Observer Trainer (HOT) simulator.

 Photo: Christie

I/ITSEC 2011: MILITARY TECHNOLOGY Leading the Way

MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, as the world's leading international tri-service defence monthly magazine, is covering I/ITSEC 2011 in Orlando, FL/USA and all the show's aspects of modern defence technology, requirements, procurements and programmes. 

As the world's leading media platform for providing access to and influence within defence establishments worldwide, I/ITSEC exhibitors and visitors can receive a copy of the magazine and drop a business card for the after show raffle, at booth # 3129.

The Critical Need for Location and Situational Awareness for Dismounted Soldiers

Elbit Systems offers a new smart infantry location and tracking device called S-NAV (Soldier Navigation), providing accurate, continuous 3D location awareness for dismounted soldiers in GPS denied combat scenarios.
There is a critical need for location and situational awareness for dismounted soldiers in many combat scenarios, such as subterranean, urban and covered areas, where GPS reception is unavailable, weak or even blocked. Furthermore, in many cases the GPS signal is highly susceptible to interference and jamming. This is where Elbit Systems’ S-NAV steps in, enabling infantry to effectively operate in dense, obstructed warfare environments. Using advanced sensors it provides continuous, accurate and real-time location awareness, even when GPS reception is unavailable.

S-NAV performs continuous tracking during all types of combat action, whether the soldier is running, walking, crawling, jumping or firing. Based on advanced algorithms, the system measures the soldier’s footsteps, walking speed, stride length and direction, and then calculates his/her exact location. Additionally, S-NAV measures accurate altitude and enables recognition of elevation changes, such as those occurring between floors.
Incorporating Elbit Systems’ proprietary technology, S-NAV sensors positioned close to the body “learn” the soldier’s movements. All this being extremely compact (about the size of a cellphone) and lightweight (155g), S-NAV’s low power consumption enables operation for extended periods.

RBS 70 NG - A New Generation of VSHORAD Systems

On a cold, but clear September day, Saab introduced a new accurate, reliable and flexible very short range air defence system (VSHORAD) system with 24/7 all-target capability has been developed for any combat situation: the RBS 70 NG.
Featuring a new sighting system for improved precision and increased all-target capability, on 6 September 2011 at Karlskoga in Sweden, the RBS 70 NG was first test fired before representatives of 17 countries and five targets were taken out – three in the daytime and two at night time, with three direct hits and two proximity hits.

Targets included a dummy missile placed on a vertical platform around 4.5km away and an aircraft-towed aerial target flying at a height of 500m meters, tracked from a distance of 6km and requiring an elevation of around 30 degrees. This aerial target had a vertical height of around two feet. Such targets typically have a Hot Spot, which raises the temperature of the target by a few degrees above the surrounding air. The test-target had no Hot Spot, though. 
With the latest generation of missile - the BOLIDE - the RBS 70 NG is directed at the complete air and ground threat spectrum, including long range and close to ground. Everything from fixed and rotary wing aircraft and helicopters down to small targets such as cruise missiles, UAVs and armoured ground targets like APCs can be engaged, according to the company.
The operator line of sight-guided RBS 70 NG differs from systems guided by IR Homing, making it non-susceptible to deception by counter-measures dispensed by target aircraft (chaff or flares). The RBS 70 NG is a beam-rider, steered by a user-operated laser beam, and cannot be deceived and diverted by such counter-measures. A comparable system is the Thales STARSTREAK, being laser-guided as well. 
The system includes FLIR Systems’ integrated thermal imager and night sight capability, 3D target designation, automatic target detection. The auto-tracker aids the missile operator during engagement, allowing him/her to visually cue the target on the monitor. In case the operator changes his mind and wishes to abort the hit, he simply has to take away the tracker and self-destruct the missile.
The operator also has option of selecting the part of the aircraft to be targeted. This gives the operator the choice to merely scare off or disable an aircraft, if he chooses not to bring it down completely. 
The RBS 70 NG has an effective intercept range of 8km, with altitude coverage in excess of 5,000m and is lighter than its predecessor, thereby making it easier to transport. It is capable of operating in complex environments such as urban terrain and is well equipped for all environments, including tropical, desert and arctic conditions.

With more than 1,600 systems and more than 17,000 missiles sold, the RBS 70 has been procured by 18 nations world wide.
Saab has offered the RBS 70 NG for the Indian tri-service tender for VSHORAD systems, a tender for an initial order estimated to be worth INR 27,000 crore for over 800 launchers and over 5,000 missiles. 

Cover Gallery

Islamabad’s Lurch Away from Washington

The war in Afghanistan might be the latest round in America’s global fight against terrorism. Now a perfect terrorist storm might be brewing in Pakistan. When asked to choose the nation that is most likely to become the next al Qaeda stronghold, more experts chose Pakistan than any other country. These developments in that country could not be more worrisome; and on top of it all, experts said that Pakistan is the country most likely to transfer nuclear technology to terrorists in the next three to five years. 

But where did world terrorism begin? Iraq was a dangerous part of the equation, Afghanistan is even more dangerous, and then there’s Africa; but even killing bin Laden was not the head of the terrorist snake, as we have often pointed out.

We must go back in history to see terrorism’s deadly roots and then deal with the cause of the problem. It’s not enough to destroy the branches of a vast network of world terrorism. We must pull up the terrorist tree by its roots. It’s the only way to win this war.

The root could be Iran, state-sponsored terrorism in the 90s came out of that country and currenty they are providing weapons to the enemies of Israel. If one looks at Iran’s history, overthrowing the Shah was one of the biggest mistakes of history, and could prove to be the biggest foreign-policy disaster of the 20th Century.

With that history in mind, let’s ask the question: Could this nightmarish scenario be happening all over again?

In terms of population, Pakistan is the second-largest Muslim nation in the world, behind Indonesia. It has a population larger than Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea combined. Pakistan also has the nuclear bomb and taken over by radical Islam, with plenty of help from Iran, becoming a proxy of the Iranian mullahs, would be the worst possible disaster. The developments of the country could not be more worrisome (I know, I’m repeating myself).

The current Pakistani attacks on coalition troops takes its place atop a great mound of evidence of the deterioration of the US-Pakistan relationship. Is Pakistan ramping up its use of Afghan proxies to undertake terror operations designed to deplete the patience of NATO? Do Pakistan’s military leaders think they can weather the blowback from Washington, since the US has need of Pakistan’s logistical supply lines that stretch from Kabul to Karachi? Is the US downplaying the rapidly deteriorating relations between the two former strategic allies?

The killing of bin Laden on Pakistani soil without first alerting officials in Islamabad has not helped (deeply embarrassing the Pakistani government) and made plain that the US does not trust Pakistan. On top of that, this summer JIEDDO reported that over 80% of IEDs planted by insurgents in Afghanistan used calcium ammonium nitrate fertiliser made in Pakistan.

As Pakistan parts with the US, it is gearing up to replace the billions of dollars of aid it has been receiving from Washington by courting China and seeking help from Saudi Arabia. With much of the Muslim world blazing with uprisings, the time may be ripe for a coup that could ally nuclear Pakistan with another emerging bloc. I do not really need to address the danger of Pakistan and its nuclear arsenal falling under the control of radical Islamism and/or Iran. Despite its Muslim majority, Pakistan could also eventually be allied with China, contributing its strategic seaport and its soldiers to a pan-Asian military.

Islamabad’s lurch away from Washington takes on great importance in light of the $18 billion the US has pumped into Pakistan over the last decade, the degree to which American forces rely on Pakistan’s logistical supply lines, and, most importantly, the question of where Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal will end up.

Whether Pakistan succumbs to the coaxing of Iran, or joins forces with the rising Chinese dragon, it is becoming clearer all the time that America’s frayed alliance with Pakistan is almost over.

A Dangerous Shift in Allegiances

An angry mob in September, in Cairo attacked the Israeli Embassy and tried to occupy it, terrifying the 80 people inside. Sometime after midnight, Israel’s ambassador to Egypt, his family and most of the embassy personnel were forced to evacuate to Cairo’s airport, where they were whisked away by Israeli military jets. Six Israeli intelligence officers remained, charged with the unenviable task of protecting the embassy (the officers were later rescued, when upon US President Barack Obama's pressing, Egypt’s military rulers dispatched commandos to rescue the trapped Israelis).

Egypt’s Supreme Council of the Armed Forces could easily have prevented the demonstrators from breaching the embassy. It chose not to.

Reading about these events and the 300 young protesters answering a call in Jordan for a "million man march" against the Israeli Embassy (already cleared of most of its staff), one is struck by the broader parallel: Israel’s embassy crisis is a microcosm of the dilemma now facing the entire Jewish nation.

Like its embassy in Cairo and in Amman, Israel is a tiny speck, outnumbered and outgunned, in a region seething with hatred for the Jewish state. Like the embassies, Israel’s national security depends largely on the rectitude of third parties, be it regional allies or the United States. And much like embassy officials experienced firsthand, the willingness of Israel’s traditional allies to maintain past agreements and defend Jewish sovereignty is rapidly diminishing. In some instances these allies are even creating crises, much like Egypt’s military rulers did at the embassy.

By now even the most ardent peaceniks are realising that the now-forming post-Mubarak Egypt will not be a pro-Israel state. The growing hostility from Egypt could require a radical rethinking of Israel’s defence doctrine which, for the past three decades, counted on peace on its southern border. The uptick of violence against Israel in the Sinai and the now routine outbursts of public hatred for Israel in Egypt have military strategists examining how to beef up protection of the south, including by the building of an anti-infiltration wall in the Sinai.

Sadly Israel must again prepare for the possibility of war. It must increase the size of the IDF by adding a division to the Southern Command. It must train for desert warfare. It must expand the Navy.

Now consider the situation in Turkey, which was actually the first Muslim-majority nation to recognise Israel as a Jewish state back in 1949. Together with Cairo, the moderate government in Ankara has been Israel’s most important regional ally for decades, and a key pillar of Israel’s national security. But in recent years, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has undergone a quiet revolution, one that has involved Ankara increasingly sabotaging its relationship with the Jewish state in an effort to bolster its reputation among Muslim states.

Lately, Turkey has become ever more combative with Israel. Just in September, Ankara has suspended military ties with Israel. In his most recent provocation, Erdoğan announced that Turkey would dispatch three frigates to the Mediterranean to escort any future aid flotilla to Gaza.

Turkey’s growing animosity toward Israel is deeply sobering. Are we actually experiencing the beginning of Turkey’s slide into the enemy camp? Is Erdoğan openly taking steps to transform Turkey into an Islamic state along the lines of Iran? Surely not...

And we haven’t even considered the Palestinians’ plan to declare statehood at the UN!

This could create a fresh crisis for Israel, one of greater magnitude and with potentially disastrous consequences. At the moment no one knows for sure what will happen when most of the world recognises a Palestinian state. But, one thing is for sure: Israel will undoubtedly find itself more isolated, under greater pressure and facing more persecution from the Palestinians, from the international community and from the United States.

It’s a grim scenario, and one that has converged on Israel with incredible speed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Middle East is “now undergoing a political earthquake of historic proportions.” Netanyahu sees that right now vast tracts of the Middle East, territorially, politically and strategically, belong to Iran and radical Islam.

It’s true that the loss of Egypt and Turkey as regional allies is a disaster for Israel. But the real catastrophe in these recent developments is that both Cairo and Ankara are now aligning themselves with Iran. These events have not simply weakened Israel, they have empowered Israel’s greatest enemy!

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