GOVERNMENT
U.S. Army Upgrades Kiowa Flight Simulator with E&S simFUSION
- Written by: Writer
- Category: GOVERNMENT
SALT LAKE CITY, UT -- Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. (E&S(R)) (Nasdaq: ESCC)--The U.S. Army has once again selected Evans & Sutherland's simFUSION(TM) high-performance, best-value PC image generators for its Kiowa Warrior helicopter simulator visual system, E&S announced today. Operated by the Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) at Fort Rucker, Ala., the OH-58D simulator is being used to evaluate PC-based image generation technologies for low-cost flight simulators. ARI's OH-58D simulator is a full-mission simulator complete with a training cockpit, three out-the-window channels, and two additional channels for sensor imaging. The system, which uses Carmel Applied Technology Inc. (CATI) software, is networked with other simulators for large-scale training exercises. "We selected simFUSION again because it provides advanced features at a comparatively low cost," said Dr. William Howse, research psychologist, ARI's Rotary Wing Aviation Research Unit (RWARU). "Selectable screen resolution, up to 1280x1024, is useful in evaluating tradeoffs between field of view and resolution. ChanLock(R) allows the use of multiple units to be synchronized without the distraction of stepping in a single channel. "In addition, the antialiasing and microtexturing provide important visual stability and detail for hovering tasks. Evans & Sutherland's ability to provide on-card forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imagery was also key to our selection of simFUSION. "Image generators for flight simulators used for both development and training must support rapid modification of terrain databases," continued Howse. "simFUSION's compliance with OpenGL and its compatibility with OpenFlight and CATI's X-IG run-time software ensure that our Kiowa Warrior simulator can be used in networked tactical training simulation exercises. "The original simFUSION systems have been in operation here at RWARU for more than a year, and during that time, they have proven highly reliable. Reliability and performance, in conjunction with outstanding technical support from E&S, are the primary reasons for selecting the next generation simFUSION." simFUSION is the newest line of PC-based image generators from E&S. Key features include GigaPixel-range fill rates, 1280x1024 and higher screen resolution, full OpenGL compliance, hardware-based simulation functions such as order-independent, full-scene subpixel antialiasing, pixel rate fog and lighting effects, and sensor capability. In addition, simFUSION provides true-color rendering and ChanLock channel synchronization. A scalable open system solution, simFUSION allows users to work with their existing OpenGL applications on Windows 2000 or Linux. For additional information visit www.es.com