SYSTEMS

To power intensely real 3D image generation within a new tactical support and training system for its Gripen fighter, Saab Aerosystems has purchased four SGI Onyx family visualization systems from Silicon Graphics as the core hardware technology. Saab's new flight simulator, called PETRA (Planning, Evaluation, Training, Rehearsal and Analysis), can be used for planning, evaluating and debriefing of missions -- either simulated or actual real-life missions -- as well as for basic training and rehearsal exercises, mission rehearsal in training and analysis of tactical scenarios. Saab will use the SGI Onyx visualization systems for the Gripen C/D -- the latest version of the fighter aircraft -- in the training simulator part of the PETRA. SGI Onyx delivers the compute power to process the vast amounts of visualization data from satellite photos, terrain elevation data, and terrain features data to provide the most accurate and visually realistic environment for pilot training. "We chose the SGI system for its 3D graphics processing power and speed and because it offers visual representation of complex data in superior image quality, with full anti-aliasing," said Stefan Sandberg, manager of training systems, Saab Aerosystems. "With the Onyx system, we can synchronize up to eight visual channels and run the simulator at a consistent 60 Hertz, so that we can support the PETRA in Sweden, the Czech Republic and Hungary. Only the Onyx can supply the fluid production of images without any gaps or anything disturbing the training session for the pilots. Only SGI can support the realism we require: accurate down to 1 meter resolution." Saab Aerosystems PETRA, with the training simulator based on SGI Onyx, is a complete mission support system for mission planning and mission debrief. Once a mission is planned, it can be flown either in the simulator or the aircraft itself. Mission data is recorded in the Gripen the same way it is recorded in the training simulator and both the aircraft and simulator can debrief the mission. The Gripen is Saab Aerosystem's most important product. It is built around a completely digital infrastructure that is not only multi-role-able to perform air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance roles-it is also swing-role. By pressing a few buttons, the pilot can reconfigure the Gripen's systems in flight, allowing the plane to operate in more than one role during the same mission. SGI Onyx family visualization systems were originally used to power the first advanced flight simulator for the aircraft, and using SGI's open IRIX operating environment enabled Saab to do their own software development to create just the right tools for the job. The digital infrastructure also means that the Gripen can be continuously updated and developed, reducing the life-cycle costs of the aircraft. The PETRA powered by SGI Onyx is part of the ongoing updating and development that continues to prove the Gripen a highly cost-effective defense system for homeland security and enables the fighter to successfully compete in the international market. "Saab Aerospace has used SGI graphics supercomputers since 1996 to create both display simulation and exterior image generation and we are very pleased to continue that relationship which led to the development of the supersonic Gripen, the world's first all-digital combat aircraft," said Steve Detro, director, DoD Programs, SGI Federal. "Throughout the world, military training facilities striving to hone skills under the most realistic conditions turn to SGI for state-of-the-art image generation capabilities that enable quick processing of the ever increasing mountains of data that must be analyzed for effective action." Saab Aerosystems' purchase includes the four 16-processor SGI Onyx 350 visualization systems with SGI InfiniteReality4 graphics subsystems and 16GB of shared memory. Onyx 350 will drive the up to 8-channel display system, which is configured as a half dome with a 2 meter radius and a plus/minus 120 degree field of view. Saab runs its own proprietary software on top of SGI OpenGL Performer open-platform application programming interface. Two of the four PETRA systems powered by SGI Onyx for the Gripen will be sold to the Swedish Defense Material Administration, one to Hungary and one to the Czech Republic. SGI will ship two Onyx 350 systems to Saab in December. The remaining two Onyx 350 systems will be delivered in the third quarter. Saab expects to have the first PETRA flight simulation system ready by April.