SYSTEMS

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., SGI announced that Link Simulation & Training, a division of L-3 Communications in Arlington, Texas, has purchased eight SGI(R) Onyx(R) 3000 series high-performance graphics systems to power U.S. Air Force F-22 Full Mission and Weapons Tactics Trainers. SGI(R) visualization systems are playing a critical role in the F-22 training program by providing Air Force pilots with a high-fidelity virtual training environment that realistically simulates this next-generation air superiority fighter. Link Simulation & Training has bought two 32-processor SGI(R) Onyx(R) 3800 visualization systems, each with eight graphics pipes, that will power F-22 Full Mission Trainers, providing 360-degree out-the-window views, high-fidelity cockpit displays and simulation of correct aircraft behavior. In addition to air- and ground-based threats, the F-22 Full Mission Trainers will also simulate a variety of atmospheric and environmental conditions, including wind shear, turbulence, storm cells and lightning. F-22 Weapons Tactics Trainers will be powered by six 16-processor SGI Onyx 3800 visualization systems, each with a single graphics pipe, which will support a high-fidelity tactical environment. The trainers will provide F-22 pilots with simulated controls and displays, enabling them to practice individual and team weapon systems employment. "The F-22 air superiority fighter is the most advanced military aircraft in the world, and only SGI visualization technology has the graphics, computing power and scalability to meet these demanding training and simulation requirements," said Tony Celeste, national director of defense business, SGI Federal. "We have been working with the F-22 team since 1997 and the use of SGI advanced visualization systems has made an invaluable contribution to the F-22 program, not just for training, but in every phase of F-22 development, including the design and manufacturing process." Designed to simultaneously process 3D graphics, 2D imagery and video data, the SGI Onyx 3000 series scales from single-user systems to those that combine the ultimate in supercomputing and visualization technologies. The SGI Onyx 3000 series is the third-generation implementation of the revolutionary SGI(R) NUMA architecture and features NUMAflex(TM) technology, which increases bandwidth and reduces memory latency. The industry-leading InfiniteReality3(TM) graphics subsystem is the high-performance graphics pipeline for the SGI Onyx 3000 series. Thanks to the enormous bandwidth unique to SGI NUMA, customers can use multiple InfiniteReality3 subsystems simultaneously, focusing incredible power on solving a single visual problem.