MCAT-P -- Marine Common Aircrew Trainer - Prototype
The MCAT-P has been built as a Phase II SBIR project under the Navy Transition Assistance Program. It is a follow-on project to Pathfinder Systems' Prototype Aviation Combat Crew Trainer(PACCT) SBIR and re-used much of our developmental experience with the Army's Non-rated Crew Member Trainer (NCMT). We are now completing the first Phase III SBIR project for MCAT-P to add improvements and assess training value. The MCAT will be a training device capable of training aerial gunnery, external loads and crew-coordination for CH-46E, UH-1N, MV-22B and MH-53E aircrews. The MCAT-P provides the Marine Corps with the prototype training device to aid in the detailing of requirements for the MCAT. The system interoperates with the USMC's Tactical Environment Network to implement friendly and opposing forces, and to enable control of the MCAT by an external flight simulator, when desired. The MCAT-P was developed in our Simulator Assembly Facility in Lakewood, Colorado, and was delivered to the Marine Corps Air Station, New River in August 2008. It completed its initial acceptance test by the Marine Corps in September 2008, 5 months ahead of schedule. MCAT-P, as is, is a capable training device for aerial gunnery, crew coordination and external load operations. The USMC is continuing technical development of the MCAT-P under Phase III SBIR funding.
CLT -- C-130 Loadmaster Trainer
The CLT system uses augmented reality to enhance ground-based training for Airforce C-130 Loadmasters. CLT builds off of a long line of Pathfinder Systems' research in Augmented Reality, stretching back to the very conception of augmented reality in 1991. In the CLT, trainees can react to a number of cargo compartment emergency situations to include oxygen fires and hydraulic leaks and faults such as loose cargo or fouled extraction chutes. It also trains engine start, and engine start emergency procedures. The system augments the student's view of the real world with training scenarios. This allows the student to master the physical aspects of the job (cargo, straps, chains and chutes) while reacting to virtual emergencies, such as a cabin fire. The system uses a ruggedized see-through goggle to present the computer generated portion of the image to the trainee. The system is to be completed in early 2008 when it will be deployed at Little Rock Air Force Base.
CGAWT -- U.S. Coast Guard Aircrew Weapons Trainer
The CGAWT is a motion-based simulator supporting USCG armed helicopter aircrew training. It expands upon the Pathfinder repertoire of aircrew simulator capabilities. It accommodates various on-board weapons employed by the Coast Guard, and it is quickly convertible between the MH-60C and MH-60J aircraft. The CGAWT is being developed under a Phase III SBIR project for delivery in 2010. The CGAWT has been installed at the US Coast Guard Aviation Training center in Mobile, AL in April, 2010. Further improvements of CGAWT, also funded under Phase III SBIR include the addition of three shoulder fired weapons, upgrade to 12 projectors (from the initial 7) and the addition of laser designator and illuminator to all weapons. This improvement activity is currently underway. CGAWT is capable of displaying NVG night scenes by directly stimulating the aircrew's night vision glasses with the projected NVG scene.
DARTS -- Dismounted Augmented Reality Training System
By extending Land Warrior (LW) soldier computer systems with augmented reality, we can provide an infrastructure free training device that soldiers can use to train basic tasks as well as conduct mission rehearsals. DARTS will solve many of the challenges associated with this technology, and provide innovative solutions for image generation and training. DARTS will allow soldiers to train both as individuals and as part of a unit any time and any place, without the need for complex infrastructure or setup.
VTAGS -- Virtual Target Gunnery System
This "Virtual Target Gunnery System" is developing a low cost technology to provide military personnel with a strap-on gunnery training system, that allows trainees to engage virtual targets in real-world settings in either the live-fire or dry-fire mode. The initial application being developed will support the Mark 38, 25mm machine gun. Initial live fire against virtual targets was demonstrated in September of 2002. (Customer: OSD -- Live Fire Test and Evaluation Directorate)