Applications of Distributed Interactive Simulation for the Royal Australian Navy

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1 Applications of Distributed Interactive Simulation for the Royal Australian Navy Peter Ryan 1 and Peter Clark 2 1 Maritime Operations Division, 2 Air Operations Division Aeronautical and Maritime Research Laboratory Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) Summary Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) allows the interconnection and interaction of a number of simulation and/or real devices. DIS defines an infrastructure to link simulations of various types at multiple locations to create realistic, complex, virtual worlds. DIS exercises can support a mixture of virtual entities, live entities, and constructive entities. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) plans to exploit DIS to link their team trainers and later other trainers. These plans are discussed together with a map to further possible applications of DIS for the RAN. 1. INTRODUCTION Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS) is a protocol which allows the interconnection and interaction of a number of simulation and/or real devices [1]. A DIS environment is created through real-time exchange of data between distributed, autonomous simulations, simulators, and instrumented equipment. DIS is an international de facto standard for conducting simulated combat operations (wargames) between different services and nations. This technology could enable the RAN to plan and rehearse naval operations through modelling and simulation. Navy are leading the ADF with DIS and propose to use it to develop the Maritime Warfare Training Centre for surface warfare command team training. This paper discusses current Navy plans for the exploitation of DIS and possible further applications. 2. DISTRIBUTED INTERACTIVE SIMULATION In DIS the world is viewed as a set of independent entities that interact with each other by means of events. These events may be perceived by other entities and may affect them, which may then cause other events affecting other entities [1]. DIS operates through a set of protocols, the DIS Protocol Data Units (PDUs), which communicate the state of entities in the virtual world by broadcasting over the simulation network. DIS PDU Standards are developed by the US-based DIS Coordinating Committee through the IEEE Standards approval process. DIS is continually evolving and has now reached the current IEEE standard DIS [2]. The current DIS standard has 27 PDUs and introduced new capabilities to support voice radio and tactical data links, simulation management, and electromagnetic emissions. Future DIS versions will contain further enhancements to support underwater acoustic emissions, dynamic terrain, environmental effects, fidelity control, and C 3 I. To participate in DIS exercises a simulator needs an interface which translates its internal entity representation and behaviour into standard DIS PDUs and interprets PDUs broadcast over the network from other simulators. This DIS interface is then attached to the network so that the simulator can communicate with other simulations. 3. APPLICATIONS FOR NAVY Navy has advanced plans to use DIS technology to assist command team training for surface warfare under Project SEA This project, which will be the first Australian military use of DIS, seeks to integrate surface warfare training systems to achieve greater command team training effectiveness. Other potential training uses of DIS for the RAN may follow from the successful implementation of SEA Surface Warfare Training - Project SEA 1412 Surface warfare training for the RAN is undertaken at the RAN Surface Warfare School (RANSWARS) at HMAS WATSON in Sydney. This training encompasses individual skills training, command team training (CTT), and simulated task group level tactical training. Ship

2 operations room simulators are used for CTT for the major fleet assets: the Integrated Operations Team Training Facility (IOTTF) with linked DDG/FFG emulated operations rooms provides training for the DDG and FFG whereas a separate ANZAC milspec Ship Combat System Team Trainer (CSTT) installed in l996 will support ANZAC training. These trainers need to be integrated to provide effective CTT for the RAN s surface warfare fleet. Navy Project SEA 1412 seeks initially to link these trainers to form the foundation of the Maritime Warfare Training Centre (MWTC) [3] which will be used for command team training and tactical development using DIS [4]. The project is being developed in several phases: Phase 1: Integration of shore-based trainers at RANSWARS to form the Maritime Warfare Training Centre (MWTC) together with a naval wargaming system. Phase 2: Extension of the MWTC to allow integration with the RAN s On Board Training Systems (OBTS) and other ADF simulators. This will create the Maritime Warfare Training System. 3.2 Further Navy Training Options for DIS The RAN have various other training simulators both in-service and planned. A set of visits to RAN training establishments was carried out to examine navy use of simulation [5] followed by a formal survey of Navy simulators by DSTO to assist Naval Training Command with future development of training simulation [5]. These trainers, summarised in Table 1, can be considered as either command team trainers such as the IOTTF, mission team trainers such as the Seahawk simulator, or operator/skills trainers such as the Air Control Trainer at HMAS WATSON. The proposed OBTS for the FFG and ANZAC may also be considered as command team trainers. Table 1: Simulators in service and planned for the RAN Command Team Trainers Mission Team Trainers Operator Skills Trainers IOTTF Bridge (generic Air Control Trainer (DDG/FFG) platform) (tracking aircraft) CSTT Submarine SCS SLQ-32 (EW (ANZAC) and PCS training) Submarine Combat Seahawk Mission SQS-56 (sonar System (Collins) simulator operator training) MHC CSOT Sea King SQS-23 (sonar (planned) operator training) FFG mil spec MHC PSOT MK309 (torpedo operations room (planned) fire control) FFG/ANZAC OBTS (planned) Trainers for newer assets such as the Minehunter Coastal and the Offshore Patrol Combatant (OPC) are also planned as discussed briefly below. MHC Combat System Operator Trainer (CSOT). The CSOT will provide operator, sub-team and command team training capability for all Combat System related minehunting and minefield clearance activities which can be carried out from the Operations Room and Bridge of the MHC. MHC Platform System Operator Trainer (PSOT). The PSOT will be used for platform systems training specifically navigation, operation of the integrated control system as well as the overall control and monitoring. Other Major Platforms. Newer major platforms such as the proposed new surface combatant and the mooted offshore patrol combatant (OPC) will probably also have command team and operator trainers to train officers and crews in their combat and surveillance roles. The new ANZAC helicopter will also have a dedicated trainer. When connecting simulators to a network using DIS, the terms DIS compliance, DIS compatibility, and DIS interoperability are frequently used. The following definitions were proposed at the 12th DIS workshop: DIS Compliant - A simulation/simulator is DIS compliant if it can send and receive PDUs in accordance with IEEE DIS Compatible - Two or more simulations/simulators are DIS compatible if they are DIS compliant and their models and data send and interpret PDUs to support the realisation of a common operational environment among the systems (coherent in time and space). DIS Interoperable - Two or more simulations/simulators are DIS interoperable for a given exercise when their performance characteristics support a fair fight to the fidelity required for the exercise. 3.3 Likely Candidates for DIS Connectivity The most likely candidates for DIS compliance are discussed below. Briefly these are the Seahawk mission simulator, the Sea King mission simulator, the Bridge simulator, the MHC CSOT/PSOT, and the Collins SCS/PCS. The FFG/ANZAC OBTS will be included in Phase 3 of SEA 1412 as discussed in section 3.1. Seahawk. The S-70B-2 Seahawk Mission Simulator supports the training of aircrew and maintenance personnel for the RAN s Seahawk helicopter. The simulator includes: a cockpit mounted on a six degrees-offreedom motion base, Instructor Operator Stations both within the cockpit and in a separate control room, and a suite of computer systems. The simulator provides preparation for airborne sorties during conversion training, practice of emergency procedures, practice in crew mission coordination, and development of captaincy skills in single-pilot operations. Sea King. The Sea King helicopter simulator represents a previous generation of simulator technology from the Seahawk trainer. This simulator has two instructional elements: the cockpit (a Flight Simulator), and the Tactical Coordinator / Sensor Operator stations (a Mission

3 Simulator). The Flight Simulator offers noise, vibration and limited motion. The Sea King Mission Simulator is in a separate room to the Flight Simulator and only replicates system operation and aircraft noise. The two simulators can be linked for full crew training, or operated separately. Bridge Simulator. The Bridge Simulator is a mainframe-based system used for bridge team training. A wrap-around simulated view of the environment is provided around a generic bridge mockup which rests on a hydraulically-controlled platform. Sea state can be introduced by moving this platform and different environmental conditions (fog, rain etc) can be simulated on the display. Other vessels, naval and merchant, and aircraft can be introduced into the scenario. The MHC PSOT and CSOT have been described in detail in section 3.2. Collins Submarine SCS. The Ship Control Simulator (SCS) comprises a simulated partial control room mounted on a computer-controlled movable platform to mimic real submarine pitch and roll movement. This manin-the-loop simulator contains the Manoeuvring Control Console and the Diving and Safety Console. The system is used for part-task, individual submarine control training and also team training. The instructor can inject faults and can vary environmental parameters such as sea state to add realism to the training. Collins Submarine PCS. The Propulsion Control Simulator (PCS) contains a mockup of the machinery control room with a replica Propulsion Control Console (PCC) and instructor station to enable simulation of the performance and operation of the PCC. The PCS is stationary and can be operated either individually or in a combined mode with the SCS for team training in a common environment. 3.4 Levels of Synthetic Environment for Training Command team trainers are designed to train crews in correct command and control procedures. Thus fidelity of the models in the training systems is less important than accurate representation of the command team warfare environment. On the other hand, the platform team trainers main function is to teach skills to the team controlling the physical behaviour of the platform. The operator/skills trainers are designed to teach basic and expert skills for a single piece of equipment. Two levels of synthetic environment can be envisaged using DIS - one in which the command team trainers are linked to form a task force team training environment and another in which the platform trainers are linked to form a tactical training environment Command Team Training Environment The first environment would be at the C2 level and would form an extension of SEA Task forces consisting of various combinations of major fleet assets, MHCs, submarines, and patrol boats could be trained with this system. Ship on-board training systems can also be linked into this environment when these become available. This is illustrated in Figure 1. Fleet Base West DIS LAN Node OPC ANZAC CSTT Wide Area DIS Network Maritime Warfare Training Centre Node Wargame Stations IOTTF Fleet Base East DIS LAN Node MHC CSOT HMAS Waterhen DDG MODEL FFG MODEL Figure 1: Command Team Trainer Synthetic Environment This system would provide task force command team training for mixed fleet units consisting of DDG, FFG, ANZAC, MHC, OPC, Collins submarine for the full range of RAN scenarios involving Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Mine Warfare etc. To achieve the training scenarios discussed will require consideration of the following elements: Communications between sites to carry the DIS traffic. This could be a significant issue for linkages to the trainers and ship OBTS at HMAS STIRLING from the East Coast. Fidelity of models in different trainers. The internal models will need to exhibit identical behaviour for valid simulation to achieve a fair fight [7]. Scalability of DIS exercises. As the number of entities in the exercise increases, network traffic and the load on the individual simulators proportionately increase. Game management, eg game coordination issues such as starting/stopping the trainers at different sites. Cost. The additional training value that will accrue from connecting a simulator to the DIS network needs to be carefully considered against the cost of providing appropriate software and hardware for a DIS interface. Common databases so that the trainers can participate in the same synthetic environment. Future upgrades to DIS. If a DIS interface is added to an existing trainer it may need to be upgraded whenever a new version is produced (and certified for use) to maintain compatibility. Many of these Navy trainers can be regarded as legacy simulators, systems in service for several years which were never designed with the intent of interoperability These must inevitably be enhanced to meet the requirements for participation in DIS exercises [8].

4 3.4.2 Mission Trainer Environment In the second environment, naval manoeuvres and tactics could be simulated - eg by linking the Bridge trainer with the Seahawk trainer, landing skills could be rehearsed in a more realistic environment than at present. This environment is shown in Figure 2. additional assets for the command team-oriented trainers such as IOTTF. For example, low cost PC-based systems such as those developed at RANSWARS could be used to provide additional semi-automated forces to populate the synthetic battlespace. 3.6 Connection to RAN Constructive Simulations Bridge - DDG/FFG/ANZAC Seahawk In addition to the manned, virtual training simulators mentioned above, the RAN also plans to develop wargaming facilities at HMAS WATSON for surface warfare and at HMAS WATERHEN for mine warfare. Collins SCS/PCS Wide Area DIS Network MHC PSOT Sea King Figure 2: Mission Trainer Synthetic Environment This system will provide a range of tactical training such as landing/takeoff operations, safe manoeuvres in harbour situations, organic helicopter/ship operations etc. with manned simulators. At present the Collins SCS/PCS trainers are standalone and have no external visual or sensor display systems so that there would be limited training benefit in participation with the other trainers as indicated by the dashed line in Figure 2. However, if a periscope simulator was integrated with the SCS to provide a visual or other sensor display, then it could be linked into scenarios involving these other asset trainers. Note that since these trainers have accurate representations of the assets physical behaviour, eg rolling and pitching in the bridge simulator, and were designed for a different purpose, it might not be consistent to link them with the command team trainers. The Seahawk trainer, for example, will have much greater fidelity than an IOTTF asset cubicle configured to represent an FFG organic helicopter. If these are both in the same exercise they may exhibit considerably different behaviour although they represent the same asset. Such interoperability issues may frequently arise with DIS exercises where simulators have been developed in isolation with no plans for interoperability with other simulators and verification, validation, and accreditation (VV&A) have not been sufficiently employed [7]. 3.5 Skills Trainers The lowest level training simulators are the skills trainers for teaching operator skills. At the SimTecT96 conference a PC-based scenario generator developed and located at HMAS WATSON in Sydney was linked using DIS protocols into the scripted exercises to provide a tactical scenario [9]. These low-level simulators could be used to provide DIS provides the ability to connect virtual simulations with such constructive simulations. Mine warfare scenarios could be developed at HMAS WATERHEN using the wargaming facility and presented to the manned MHC trainers on site or to the wider set of trainers at HMAS WATSON. For example, a synthetic minefield could be generated using a minefield planning tool which could be presented to the surface combatant trainers. 3.7 Connection to other ADF Trainers and Simulations Trainers for land-based maritime patrol and surveillance assets could also be connected via DIS. The P3C and proposed AEWC simulators could be used in DIS exercises in conjunction with ship simulators to assist joint training and mission readiness. These could be connected to either the platform trainers or the command team trainers depending on training requirements. Ultimately, an Australian synthetic theatre of war could be developed with connection between Navy, Air Force, and Army trainers, simulations, and possibly live units. This would provide Joint Force training and mission rehearsal capability. 4. FURTHER APPLICATIONS OF DIS FOR THE RAN While providing a more realistic team training environment was the prime purpose for the development of DIS, it holds the promise of further applications such as mission rehearsal; combat systems development; and systems development (weapons, sensors etc.). These are discussed briefly below. 4.1 Mission Rehearsal and Tactical Development Mission rehearsal can be considered as advanced training for a specific mission using realistic models and environment. Using DIS, military personnel can rehearse operations in a synthetic environment with and against appropriate supporting and opposing forces. These may be either other manned trainers, wargames, or computer generated forces. For example, Army, Navy, and Air Force trainers could be linked together in the final planning stages to rehearse future variants of joint force exercises such as the Kangaroo series. DIS provides the

5 ability to view exercises in real time from any participating entity in 3D. This can greatly assist rehearsal activities and tactics development through correct force placement and helping to clarify how certain events lead to specific outcomes [10]. 4.2 Systems Prototyping Using DIS, a model of a new system or subsystem (eg, weapon or sensor) can be tested in a synthetic environment. For example, a ship model could be configured with a model of a proposed radar system whose performance could then be measured in a synthetic environment approximating to operational conditions with other manned trainers providing the fog of war effects. Performance measures could be generated in a safe controlled environment to enable decisions on acquisition and development of the proposed system. 4.3 Combat Systems Development Modern naval platforms employ advanced combat systems to perform the critical functions of integrating all sensor data into a tactical picture and providing the commanding officer with decision support. Simulation can be used to test and evaluate combat systems by providing a synthetic environment appropriate to the platform. The combat system can also then become an entity in a larger scenario using DIS. 4.4 Design and Acquisition Diminishing defence budgets combined with technology change will encourage the use of simulation for acquisition, test and evaluation of new systems [12]. Computer-designed models of potential military systems can be employed in synthetic battle environments using DIS prior to actual development and deployment and thus include the military end-user in the design process through feedback. The advantages of checking design decisions before building in the DIS environment are enormous. 5. FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN DIS DIS is in a continual state of development both in its underlying technology and its applications. The most significant new developments are discussed in the following sections. 5.1 High Level Architecture The existing DIS protocols work well for certain applications particularly between manned virtual simulators. However, the US DoD has defined as one its future goals for DIS development increased interoperability among simulations for which the current DIS protocols are not well suited such as interactions with wargames. A new High Level Architecture (HLA) has been proposed which will incorporate additional functionality and increased flexibility to allow this interoperability. The HLA will support DIS-like exercises as well as detailed engineering or analysis modeling. The DIS Steering Committee, has embraced the development of HLA within its charter, thus ensuring a compatible migration path to HLA. A later version of DIS, to be known as DIS++, will embrace the HLA philosophy. 5.2 Computer Generated Forces The US Army began large scale simulator networking exercises in the early 90's to increase the realism and effectiveness of tank team training and helicopter air support. Computer generated forces (CGF) were created to supplement the exercises by providing opposing and supporting forces. Later, automated behaviours were added resulting in the creation of Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) that provided realistic behaving opposing and supporting forces with little human intervention. This technology has continued to advance with many derivatives of SAF and CGF efforts. It is planned to demonstrate in STOW 97 the Navy Synthetic Forces project which will provide representations of Navy platforms and behaviours operating in a realistic synthetic environment. 5.3 Australian Defence Simulation Master Plan The draft Australian Defence Simulation Master Plan [11] provides a comprehensive framework for the planning, programming and budgeting of simulation Projects, programs and activities, and assigns further responsibilities and actions. The plan recognises that Modelling & Simulation (M&S) can substantially improve capabilities and decision making in training and readiness, force development, and force structure leading to greater operational efficiency and also significant cost savings and optimum use of limited resources. The Master Plan s vision is that within the next ten years, a comprehensive M&S infrastructure will be established which will provide readily available, operationally valid, synthetic environments for Defence to: conduct training (and mission rehearsal) for both single service and joint operations; develop doctrine and tactics, formulate operational plans, and assess warfighting situations; and support technology assessment, system upgrades, capability analysis, and force structure development. 6. DISCUSSION Distributed Interactive Simulation was devised to enhance training through providing interactivity between simulators. Providing an appropriate DIS interface and network connection, however, will not suffice to ensure that a DIS exercise will run correctly. Various issues need to be addressed at the planning stage. 6.1 Interoperability of Models and Simulations

6 DIS was developed from the SIMNET system which networked a large number of homogenous tank simulators for tank warfare training and mission rehearsal. This demonstrated the feasibility of creating a consistent virtual world using linked simulators. However, extending this concept to linking heterogenous simulators can introduce problems. All simulators and simulations playing in DIS must have identical sets of engagement rules and model behaviours for there to be a consistent fair fight in the exercise [7]. DIS compliance does not automatically guarantee such interoperability. 6.2 Exercise Management DIS by definition runs in a distributed environment so that large DIS exercises will require the development of distributed management systems. This can be divided into several areas [12]: a) Pre-exercise: all simulations must be loaded with consistent versions of the DIS software, data files, terrain files, and scenario files must be correctly formatted and distributed to all players. b) Exercise: startups must be synchronised; simulations must be monitored for correct operation; networks must be monitored to avoid overloading problems. c) Post-exercise: network and computers must be disconnected gracefully; data collected and transmitted for after-action reviews and analysis. 6.3 Degree of Usage The existing trainers employed by the RAN are all reported to currently have considerable workloads [5]. To add them into a DIS environment would require resources - the addition of DIS interfaces, expanded scenarios, additional game management - which are not required for standalone operation. Decisions will need to be made as to whether the additional costs can be justified for creating DIS networks between the RAN s legacy simulators. [3] Defence Force Capability Proposal (DGFD(Sea)) SEA 1412: Maritime Warfare Training Centre. [4] Ryan, P.J., Clark, P.D., Zalcman, L.B., and Thompson, N. (1996). Integration of DDG/FFG Trainer with ANZAC Ship Trainer, DSTO Client Report DSTO-CR [5] Clark, P.D. and Ryan, P.J. (1996). Overview of Royal Australian Navy Training Simulators, DSTO Client Report DTSO-CR-0022 [6] Gilmartin, B., Clark, P.D., and Ryan, P.J. Simulator Survey for the Royal Australian Navy, DSTO Technical Note (in preparation) [7] Smith, R. D. (1995). The Conflict between Heterogenous Simulations and Interoperability Proc. 17th I/ITSEC. [8] Pope, M. and Miller, D.M. (1995). A Legacy Model for Tomorrow s Training, Proc. 17th I/ITSEC. [9] Curl, I. and Weisz, A. (1996). Training Systems Development at HMAS WATSON, proceedings of the First International SIMTECT conference [10] Davis, P. Distributed Interactive Simulation in the Evolution of DoD Warfare Modelling and Simulation, Proc. IEEE, August, 1995, p [11] Australian Defence Simulation Master Plan (draft version 1.5), November Clark P.D. and Mazur C. (LTCOL). [12] Reddy, R. and Garrett, R. Future Technology Challenges in Distributed Interactive Simulation Proc. IEEE, August, 1995, p CONCLUSION DIS offers the potential to revolutionise RAN training through providing the ability to connect manned trainers with other trainers and simulations. It will enable lowercost, more efficient team training at sites dispersed across Australia. While at sea training is still essential the use of simulation and DIS will supplement this training and also provide the advantages of safety, security and a greater range of tactical scenarios. Ultimately DIS may provide a means to perform realistic mission rehearsal for RAN exercises and operations such as the RIMPAC series. 8 REFERENCES [1] DIS Vision: A Map to the Future of Distributed Simulation. (1994). Prepared by the DIS Steering Committee, Institute of Simulation and Training (IST), University of Central Florida (UCF), Orlando, Florida. [2] IEEE (1994). IEEE Standard for Information Technology - Protocols for Distributed Interactive Simulation Applications.