SimCentric is proud to announce that the Australian Defence Force has exercised their SAF-FIRES upgrade licence option, continuing SimCentric’s enterprise wide support for ADF procedural joint fires training since 2018. This delivers the ADF a perpetual, enterprise licence of SAF-FIRES GSimA compliant software in readiness for transition to Land Simulation Core. SimCentric looks forward to supporting the long-term training proficiencies of ADF JFOs and JTACs.
Members of UK Fight Club from the Royal Marines and the NATO HQ Allied Rapid Reaction Corps test out SimCentric SAF-TAC VR software in Cardiff, Wales. Check out this short video that highlights the training and Arnel David briefly explains some of the ideas behind Fight Club.
SAF-TAC VR training helping to drive Army Reserve innovation. A composite Section of recruits, trained soldiers and NCOs trailed our platform built on the world leading Unreal Engine.
“The commander’s voice is a young Reservist JNCO who is due to go on his promotional course (Brecon/SCBC) this year. The condensed training he received here essentially quadrupled the amount of section level command appointments he has previously led.
Although he clearly recognises that it’s no replacement for real training, he felt his confidence as a Section Commander grow significantly. A lot of positive feedback from the troops.” Maj Andrew Borwick, OC B Coy, 4 PWRR.
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“The kit is building on the latest in video gaming technology to create a more realistic, intuitive and immersive environment to practise combat missions and scenarios.
The Ministry of Defence is looking to incorporate virtual simulator training across the military to support real-life training exercises.
Lieutenant Henry Dufosee, from 40 Commando Royal Marines Alpha Company, told Forces News: “We rolled out initially just doing basic skills and drills, shooting down a range of various weapons systems, getting to know the system before rolling out into a more tactical scenario where we assaulted a house as a 12-man team.
“It’s a chance for the lads to shake out and use different tactics and exercise different elements of command and control.”
The equipment has “six degrees of freedom” which allows the user to crouch and avoid simulated explosions.
Vice president of innovation at SimCentric, Tom Constable, said: “The headset itself is just a common off-the-shelf virtual reality headset.
“It’s got sensors around the edge, which basically means we can track the movement of the controls and the person in real-time.”
He explained the software provides “the highest level” of detail.
“As I fire the rifle and the rounds, empty cases are ejecting, whereas if I hold onto the handle and cock it, live rounds eject.”
The marines have been using the equipment to test out concepts of the Future Commando Force, designed to modernise the way Royal Marines operate.
The VR system is known as SafTac and can be used by more than 30 personnel at the same time.
It is also small enough to be taken on a ship.
Lt Dufosee said the kit is useful for trialling manoeuvres in the new “12-man team concept as part of the Future Commando Force”.
“If we can’t get access to a range or a training area, then having it in our own back garden is pretty useful to use,” he added.
Lt Dufosee says the simulator “takes a bit of time to get used to” and the personnel can feel “a bit nauseous towards the end”, but after a bit of time it’s “absolutely fine”.
He said: “It’s incredibly real, so real that you sort of lose all situational awareness of the outside and you’re solely focused on the moment that you’re in, but I guess that’s good.
“That’s realistic and that’s what we need to train for, is that realism that real world application.”
Mr Constable added: “This is not about replacing that live training – live training should always be the go to option.
“However, as we’ve seen, and as we know, and I know, it’s not always the case. You can’t always go and do that live training.
“There’s a lot of logistical and funding constraints associated with that live training.
“What we’re trying to do is provide the next best option down and get feedback from the troops to keep on refining this to assure that if they can’t do the live training they’ve got as good an option as we possibly can provide.”
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We’re proud to announce that SimCentric was featured during a BBC News episode which investigated the UK MOD’s use of our SAF-TAC Virtual Reality training platform.
SimCentric recently supported the multi-million dollar infrastructure development by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) in the siting and planning of the Section Urban Assault Range (SUAR) in Singleton. Supporting GHD and RPS as the construction primes, SimCentric utilised their SAF-FORESIGHT 3D range planning and visualisation software to digitally achieve in minutes what typically requires hours to manually complete.
After surveying two potential sites, SAF-FORESIGHT was then able to model both options within only minutes, demonstrating advantages and trade-offs inherent with both sites, doctrinal compliance and safety considerations, immediate options analysis around varying size and orientation of movement boxes, arc spans, range restrictions, approach vectors, building locations and access feasibility. SAF-FORESIGHT was then able to dynamically demonstrate various amendments and adjustments in real time, changing parameters based stakeholder input to demonstrate immediately the implications of any design changes.
The efficiency and speed afforded by the use of SAF-FORESIGHT in this process enabled a rapid comprehension of feasible options and inherent trade offs for each option, thereby maximising ADF’s return on investment in the construction of these critical training facilities.
SAF-FORESIGHT has been collaboratively developed in partnership with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) since 2017, with procurement of an enterprise licence of both Planning and Live modules completed in 2019. SAF-FORESIGHT continues to be collaboratively developed with the ADF and subject matter experts.
About SimCentric
Founded in 2008, SimCentric is a global simulation software company with expertise in a wide range of virtual environments. It has four technology divisions, the first is its Immersive Technology division which looks at taking cutting edge technology building truly immersive training experiences. The second, is its Joint Fires division which produces training software recently selected for the UK Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer, and used widely around the world. The third division is the wearable technology division looking at wearable haptics and sensors and their applicability to training. Finally, SimCentric produces a range safety software suite aimed at reducing fratricide in training.
Earlier this month Dr Adam Easton (CEO) and Tom Constable (Director of Innovation) were fortunate enough to spent time with Officers and NCOs from the RAF Regiment. It was a privileged to spend time with such a professional group of instructors. They stress tested our SAF-TAC Virtual Reality Team Training Platform and successfully conducted mission planning, rehearsal and execution.
“Always good to see experimentation and innovation in action. Retaining the ability to operate and to fight against threats to Royal Air Force (RAF) demands leading edge and challenging training simulators, alongside live exercises, are increasingly part of our solution.” Air Commodore Scott Miller, RAF Regiment. Listening, and crucially actioning, end-user feedback is absolutely key to our approach with SAF-TAC our solution has to be affordable, portable and simple to use. My mission is to ensure SAF-TAC is a simulation training platform that military personnel actively WANT to use and can see tangible value in embracing and frequently using this new technology.
“Over the trial it has allowed me to gain further understanding of how we can incorporate VR into training. With the given opportunity to have input from the instructors on the trial, it will make for a system that is fit for our needs. I am looking forward to seeing this become incorporated into out training in the future. I can see its many of benefits being used to enhance the training that Trg Wg provides to all phases” Sgt RE Minshall Training Wing Training Support Squadron.
Enquiries
About SimCentric
Founded in 2008, SimCentric is a global simulation software company with expertise in a wide range of virtual environments. It has four technology divisions, the first is its Immersive Technology division which looks at taking cutting edge technology building truly immersive training experiences. The second, is its Joint Fires division which produces training software recently selected for the UK Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer, and used widely around the world. The third division is the wearable technology division looking at wearable haptics and sensors and their applicability to training. Finally, SimCentric produces a range safety software suite aimed at reducing fratricide in training.
In light of recent COVID-19 events, SimCentric would like to update our stakeholders on the measures we have put in place to ensure continued support over this time.
We wish all the best to our user groups and the global community at large as we all make adjustments to mitigate and work through these current challenges. If we can assist our user community in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact us to let us know how we can help.
Stay safe and wishing those affected a speedy recovery.
Dr Adam Easton, CEO,
SimCentric
05th March 2020
Oxford, UK – The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MOD) has awarded a rapid impact contract to SimCentric in order to assess, validate and trial their Virtual Reality (VR) platform SAF-TAC, built on the Unreal Engine 4 (UE4). Awarded through the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), the contract will focus on identifying and quantifying the potential value of VR for collective training across the UK Armed Forces.
Working alongside members of the Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force this tri-service set of trials will run throughout 2020 and focus on three major areas:
SAF-TAC is a Virtual Reality-based point-of-need collective training application built on top of the UE4 game engine. It is built with the design philosophy that Virtual Reality is more than just virtual reality goggles plugged into a desktop-based simulation. Instead SAF-TAC maximises the combination of intuitive gesture control designed to match real soldier actions, rich sensory feedback including HD surround sound, haptic feedback and high-fidelity visuals, and bespoke training scenarios tailored for VR interaction. SimCentric has used the term ‘Immersive Reality’ to describe this full rich immersive experience, which exceeds the level of immersion normally attributed to VR in simulation.
Matt Smith, Dstl said “Partnering with SimCentric on the SAF-TAC trials will provide a great opportunity to understand the requirements of dismounted infantry VR simulations and provide valuable de-risking data to MOD on the use of these systems in team and collective training”
One of the key enabling technologies underpinning the SAF-TAC platform is UE4. This game-engine technology brings the high-quality visual environment, ultra-high framerates, cost effective content creation pipeline, and rich experience associated with cutting-edge AAA games to the simulation industry. This will be the largest UE4-based VR trial conducted for the UK MOD.
Immersive Reality technologies have the potential to transform training within the UK MOD, providing affordable and effective capability that is better able to bridge the gap between synthetic and live training.
Tom Constable Director of Innovation at SimCentric commented: “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to work so closely with the UK MOD. The DASA contract will allow us to conduct assessment, validation and trials of our Immersive Reality SAF-TAC platform with unprecedented access and support across all three services. We believe that tri-service user feedback is key to ensuring our platform is flexible, relevant and, crucially, able to support interoperability between Units and Services.”
Enquiries
About SimCentric
Founded in 2008, SimCentric is a global simulation software company with expertise in a wide range of virtual environments. It has four technology divisions, the first is its Immersive Technology division which looks at taking cutting edge technology building truly immersive training experiences. The second, is its Joint Fires division which produces training software recently selected for the UK Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer, and used widely around the world. The third division is the wearable technology division looking at wearable haptics and sensors and their applicability to training. Finally, SimCentric produces a range safety software suite aimed at reducing fratricide in training.
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