RFView adds realism to combat pilot simulator training

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFLCMC) – An enhancement for pilot simulator training to add high-fidelity, physics-based, real-time modeling and simulation feature of real-world terrain, targets, and EW effects seeks to accelerate the delivery of combat-ready aviators to field units. 
 
RFView® Training, a product of Information System Laboratories, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, was a Simulator Pitch Day 2019 Small Business Innovation Research Phase II award winner and is currently under a Phase III contract.   
 
A training demonstration of the RFView was performed for representatives from several organizations including the 4th Training Squadron from Seymour Johnson AFB, the 479th Flying Training Group Innovation Team from NAS Pensacola, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Simulator Innovation Team from Wright-Patterson AFB, Information System Laboratories, Inc., as well as virtual participants  from Air Combat Command Plans, Programs and Requirements (ACC A5/8/9), at Seymour Johnson AFB on March 8, 2022. 
 
The demonstration was a result of ISL’s award for the AFWERX “Accelerating Pilots to Combat-ready Aviators” Challenge, according to Dylan Greco, Innovation Cell Program Manager.  The goal was to extend ISL’s previous SBIR Phase I, II and III efforts for B-1B aircrew to a fighter application.
 
“In today’s Air Force, many flight simulators do not have a high-fidelity, physics-based, real-time modeling and simulation feature of real-world terrain, targets, and EW effects.  This is a major inadequacy in aircrew training particularly for surface target engagement at standoff ranges employing active and/or passive RF sensors,” Greco said.  “While highly capable and expensive flight simulators exist, many do not contain an integrated high-fidelity radar/EW simulator for look-down (e.g., SAM suppression) engagements in contested environments.”

The teams enjoyed a full day of demonstrations and tours to include seeing an F-15E Strike Eagle up close.  The visitors were very impressed with the talent and passion of the aircrew, Greco said, and were honored to pick-up squadron T-shirts, patches and scarves and share in the esprit de corps.
 
ISL’s RFView® Training offers the most realistic radar/EW flight simulation possible, allowing pilots and flight operators to virtually fly and realistically train anywhere in the world, safely and cost-effectively, Greco said. It can be easily added to any existing flight simulator and training system and is now available for both defense and non-defense uses.  ISL and Phase III partner, ZedaSoft, look forward to providing the most realistic, highly contested environment, radar/EW training possible to ensure success against peer competition.
 
“ISL has ushered in a training innovation to perform radar and EW simulation in real-time,” said Margaret Merkle, Simulator Division Chief Innovation Officer.  “The WNS Innovation team has been pleased with all of the benefits that have come from this project. We see the potential for substantial increase in readiness and mission success, savings in flight hour costs, and an improved instructor retention rate.” 

As a result of the successfully demonstration, WNS and the 4th FS are documenting training system requirements and plan to leverage the SBIR Phase III process to meet F-15E training needs.