AVIATION TRAINING SYSTEMS
Aviation Training Systems utilize the Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS) developed for the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter to provide Force-on-Force participation and weapons engagement. This training system for advanced weapons supports pilot competency in preparation for transition to combat while providing individual and Collective Training performance evaluation. AH-64D TESS enables pilots to safely perform aerial gunnery weapon engagements and normal Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) without firing a round.
MAJOR COMPONENTS
TESS is comprised of an aircraft system, ground vehicle system, Tactical Training Missile (TTM) and a Mobile Command and Control (MCC) system or Exercise Control (EXCON) station. Alignment tools and boresight devices are included in a support kit.
AIRCRAFT SYSTEM
The Aircraft System consists of an “A” kit that is resident on the aircraft and a “B” kit that is added to the aircraft for training exercises. The “A” kit includes the SMODIM tray assembly, cable connection provisions, and modified software in the Weapons, Display and Systems Processors.
The “B” kit includes the SMart On-Board Data Interface Module (SMODIM), TESS Training Missile (TTM), Eye-Safe Laser Range Finder/Designator (ESLRF/D), Training Laser Control Unit (TLCU), Training Laser Gun Transmitter (TLGT), 30mm Gun, FlashWESS, GPS and telemetry antennas.
SMODIM
The SMODIM interfaces electronically to the aircraft weapon system to provide a training mode, a simulated weapons inventory and weapon emulation. It actively monitors, tracks, records and transmits exercise data to the MCC/EXCON for analysis and AAR. Collected data includes aircraft position location, weapon events, aircraft status, aircraft heading, aircraft velocity, sensor heading, sight azimuth, Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) status and Real Time Casualty Assessment (RTCA).
GROUND HOST SYSTEM
The MCC/EXCON is a ground host system from which the training exercise is planned, initialized, controlled and monitored. Installed on the MCC/EXCON is the SMODIM Tracking and Analysis Recording (SMOTAR) interactive software. Utilizing differential GPS, SMOTAR displays data in real-time over tactical maps and aerial photos as players are dynamically simulated, tracked and recorded with high fidelity or selectable 3D viewing from user-definable perspectives.
TESS TRAINING MISSILE
The TESS Training Missile (TTM) replaces and emulates the Hellfire missile in size, shape and weight. It interfaces with the weapons bus and communicates to the aircraft to provide weapon emulation and enable training mode. If the TTM is not present, training mode is not activated. A FlashWESS weapons effect simulator signals a missile launch, and the Aircraft Kill Indicator (AKI) visually reports player status.
Aviation systems utilizing the TESS including the following:
- AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter
- ARH - Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter
- LYNX Attack Helicopter
- WAH-64 Apache Helicopter
Custom instrumentation kits have also been installed on: