Tactical Insertion Mission Planning and Rehearsal Using Virtual Reality Simulation

Abstract

Systems Technology, Inc. (STI) has developed a versatile new system for parachute mission planning and rehearsal, combining the validated technology of STI's PC-based PARASIM parachute simulation system with real-time interactive networking, powerful scene generation graphics tools, and terrain-correlated wind fields. This Tactical Insertion Mission Planning and Rehearsal Simulator (TIMPARS) was developed under the SBIR program, funded by the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The TIMPARS system rests on four cornerstones: the PARASIM  simulation software, the real-time interactive network, the scene generation toolkit, and the terrain-correlated wind generation module. These elements combine to produce a system with which users can utilize geospecific terrain data and imagery to recreate a real-world site as a simulation scene, input actual or forecasted wind speeds and directions at altitude above the chosen location to generate a terrain-correlated wind field specific to the simulation scene, and then plan and rehearse a mission in a real-time simulation environment with multiple live participants interacting in the same virtual space. BACKGROUND STI's original parachute simulator was developed for use by smokejumpers, US Forestry Service airborne firefighters. Designed to teach round and ramair canopy control, this early version employed rudimentary graphics with a fixed monitor; users stood before the display monitor and pulled simple toggle lines to maneuver in the simulation. Despite the austere configuration, this version provided the minimum cues required to teach parachute flight safely at low cost. In 1996, STI launched a major development effort to incorporate new photo- realistic graphics and head-mounted display/virtual reality technology into the simulator. Subsequent development efforts produced malfunctions procedures software, riser controls, harness switches, and additional simulator improvements. The implementation of these enhanced simulators by the US Marine Corps (USMC) and the Military Freefall School in Yuma, AZ, resulted in a drastic drop in the rate of training injuries. In particular, the USMC First Force Reconnaissance Company experienced a 75% reduction in main canopy cutaways after implementing the enhanced simulator in the MC-5 static line deployed ram-air parachute system (SLDRAPS) transition course at Camp Pendleton, CA. TIMPARS PROJECT