TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics, Sensors, BattlespaceOBJECTIVE: This topic seeks projects that apply one or more focus areas for aircrew training systems:Virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, extended reality gaming tools applied to aircrew simulation and trainingGaming technologies and gamification concepts applied to simulation and trainingArtificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics applied to simulation trainingHigh-fidelity, visual, and physics-based effects within the training simulatorCloud computing applied to the development, deployment, and operation of simulation trainingSecure remote training and instructionMulti-player, multi-aircraft, multi-role networked training simulation environmentAdvanced computer generated entities within training simulation and synthetic environmentsSecuring commodity hardware and software for military training needsData analytics applied to the collection and synthesis of design criteria data for simulator development and concurrency modificationsTogether, these focus areas can be considered part of the Lightweight Simulator Ecosystem (LSE) - a simulator system based on commodity hardware, providing a low-cost, modular, potentially deployable training system for aircrew positions.These training systems are targeted at the simple end of the training spectrum, yet still strives to incorporate as much capability and fidelity as possible, starting simply and adding capability as experiments and development continues.This topic seeks projects that apply one or more focus areas for aircrew training systems:Virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, extended reality gaming tools applied to aircrew simulation and trainingGaming technologies and gamification concepts applied to simulation and trainingArtificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics applied to simulation trainingHigh-fidelity, visual, and physics-based effects within the training simulatorCloud computing applied to the development, deployment, and operation of simulation trainingSecure remote training and instructionMulti-player, multi-aircraft, multi-role networked training simulation environmentAdvanced computer generated entities within training simulation and synthetic environmentsSecuring commodity hardware and software for military training needsData analytics applied to the collection and synthesis of design criteria data for simulator development and concurrency modificationsTogether, these focus areas can be considered part of the Lightweight Simulator Ecosystem (LSE) - a simulator system based on commodity hardware, providing a low-cost, modular, potentially deployable training system for aircrew positions.These training systems are targeted at the simple end of the training spectrum, yet still strives to incorporate as much capability and fidelity as possible, starting simply and adding capability as experiments and development continues.DESCRIPTION: Simulators Pitch Day 2020 Projects target using Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) gaming/training hardware components and gaming software, along the lines of the Pilot Training Next and other prototype trainers.The modular nature of the design should allow for swap out of components, switching between fixed screens or head-mounted displays for example.The projects shall be designed to be extended and refined over time, starting with a minimum viable product, and adding/improving features and functionality in rapid, initiative releases. This concept is described as the Lightweight Simulator Ecosystem (LSE), an ecosystem as it incorporates individual devices as well as the network in which these are developed and operate.Gaming industry hardware, software, and learning toolsDevSecOps and software factory techniques like Platform OneModular Open Systems Architecture approach for building and maintaining a training/simulator systemReusable digital components library, e.g. reusable 3D models of aircraftService based architectureSimulation Services: terrain, weather, threat entities, other virtual "players"Learning Services: IOS, Debrief, performance data collection & analytics, course creation & managementControl/backend Services: security, authentication, data management, configuration managementSimulators Pitch Day 2020 Projects, contributing to the Lightweight Simulator Ecosystem (LSE) will be developed using current techniques, utilizing a DevSecOps and Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery model, leveraging PlatformOne and CloudOne or similar accredited infrastructures.Designed using a Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA) that allows and encourages multiple vendors to participate and contribute toward the common ecosystem.Development for projects is in IL-4 (unclassified) cloud, accessible by commercial partners for development, with intent of broad participation in development. This development environment will focus on security from the start, targeting a continuous Authority to Operate (ATO).Projects for Simulators Pitch Day 2020 shall contribute components to an open development library, so that projects of different contributors can reuse components, accelerating project development.Configuration data of weapon system within these projects shall be parameterized, so that the development platform and resulting simulator system can remain at unclass level.Future deployments could update parameters with classified data if installed in a suitable environment.The Simulators Pitch Day projects shall leverage data collection and analytics for feedback on user performance, providing foundation for performance based training.Of interest are projects that support and utilize virtual flight instruction, remote instruction, group instruction and assessment (multi-student to one instructor).Variations and/or expansions of the projects shall support simulations of multiple crew members on an aircraft. Projects shall operate in a single ship and multi-ship configurations, with shared content such as threats, weather, and terrain.Multiple awards are expected under the Simulators Pitch Day 2020 topic, with targeted aircraft and crew position training dependent on a match between proposals and available resources at time of award. We anticipate development of any given project to start with basic familiarization training, then adding additional feature/functions to encompass increasing use cases.Projects can build upon existing lightweight training efforts incorporating these into the Lightweight Simulator Ecosystem.Project description will need to collect training tasks and capabilities needed, laying out a development plan for the rapid build out of capabilities in each iteration.Some sources of training tasks are RAP Checklists, Emergency Procedures, and Weapons & Tactics Training.PHASE I: Direct to Phase 2 OnlyPHASE II: The Direct to Phase IIs for Simulators Pitch Day shall be a multi-award, seeking projects that coordinate to integrate into the overall ecosystem, and address the Simulators Focus Areas in reference 1 below.Goals and deliverables for Phase II are:Develop MOSA for Lightweight Simulator Ecosystem (LSE), building on existing prototypes of game technology based training systems.Establish a library of reusable code components, and a development and deployment strategy that can obtain Continuous ATO certification.Establish baseline assessment of COTS gaming hardware and tools for inclusion in Authority to Connect, ATO documentation.Build a distribution 'App Store" for lightweight simulator training content.Deploy one or more minimum viable product level aircrew training simulation modules within the LSE.PHASE III: Phase IIIs projects out of this Direct to Phase II Simulators Pitch Day 2020 Topic shall address components and training systems developed herein. We expect projects/companies awarded Direct to Phase II prototypes in this effort to move into production/sustainment under Phase III efforts. In particular, we expect the standup and sustainment of the LSE is an operational environment hosting lightweight simulator training modules developed under Simulators Pitch Day and by similar prototype efforts.Additional major deliverable of Phase III are to publish the MOSA and other standards and documentation for the development of simulator modules in the LSE.As modules and components of the LSE mature, these migrate into the Simulator Common Architecture Requirements & Standards (SCARS) Program of Record.KEYWORDS: Simulation & Training; Aircraft Simulators; Aircrew Training; Virtual Reality; Gaming Systems, Immersion Training;References:1. Simulators Pitch Day Focus Areas, Attachment Simulators-Focus-Areas-D2P2-SBIR-20.3(10Jun2020).pdf2. Modular Open Systems Approach Memo.https://www.dsp.dla.mil/Portals/26/Documents/PolicyAndGuidance/Memo-Modular_Open_Systems_Approach.pdf
