Company type | Private |
---|---|
Industry | Defense Training |
Founded | 1971 |
Headquarters | Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States |
Key people | Kurt A. Flosky, President Christopher J. Caruana, Executive Vice President Christopher Garvey, CFO |
Website | http://www.faac.com/ |
FAAC Incorporated is an American immersive simulation training company. They began as a military contractor, providing flight and weapons simulation systems to the U.S. Air Force, but have since branched out into transit and transportation simulation, law enforcement, Fire/EMS, research, and human-interaction simulation.
FAAC is notable for their advancements in simulation systems for mass transit and public safety training. FAAC developed the first immersive bus transit training simulator (in 1999). In 2015 this simulator was named among the top 100 safety improvements of the last 150 years by the APTA. [1] [2] [3] FAAC also introduced the first full-mission CGI-based light rail train (LRT) simulator, [4] the first interactive full-cab immersive tractor-trailer truck simulators, and the first fully interactive simulators for Fire/EMS responders.
FAAC was founded in 1971. That same year, they delivered weapon simulations systems for the first simulation-based U.S. military air combat training systems, (e.g., the U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) system, and the Navy’s Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR) and Tactical Air Crew Training System (TACTS)). Soon after they were chosen to be the sole simulation software development provider for U.S. military integrated air defense systems (IADS) simulations. They retained this exclusive role through the 1990s [5] and have since continued to provide systems and services to many branches of the military. [6]
Through a series of strategic partnerships and acquisitions FAAC expanded into different aspects of vehicle, environmental, and human-interaction simulation and training. Important acquisitions included IES Interactive Training (developer of the MILO Range tactical engagement simulation system for law enforcement) and Realtime Technologies (research simulation for automotive vehicles). They were themselves acquired by Arotech Corporation in 2004. [7] These partnerships and acquisitions brought together otherwise disparate elements of hardware/software simulation design and implementation, leading to several decades of simulation training advancement (i.e., interactive full-cab immersive tractor-trailer truck simulators, fully interactive simulators for Fire/EMS responders, U.S. military interactive driving simulators with motion cuing, and fully interactive simulators for U.S. Fire/EMS responders).
FAAC is especially noted for hardware/software advancements in immersive law enforcement simulation training systems. In 1995 they released the first all-digital tactical engagement simulation (TES) systems for law enforcement. Over subsequent generations, these became the first such systems to include integrated debriefing and end-user-accessible scenario authoring tools, and to integrate police driving pursuit training, force options, weapons training, communication skills, and deescalation strategies into a continuous simulation exercise. [8] Significant hardware advancements include adding true multi-DoF (degrees of freedom) motion seats to police driving simulators, live point-of-view adjustment via real-time motion-capture (accomplished using off-the-shelf consumer-grade Microsoft Kinect™ hardware), true recoil firearm simulation, wireless haptic feedback distraction devices, and biometric tracking. [9] Such hardware advancements are important, as they trigger the stress-related physiological changes that occur in the human body during emergencies, and which may negatively impact officer judgement. This creates a more authentic training environment for public safety officers. [10] This has been accomplished both through changes in training curricula/simulation content, as well as through improved hardware/software integrations.
FAAC is a founding member of Pursuit Response, an advisory group composed of industry and victim’s advocacy groups, and dedicated to improving law enforcement/community safety during high-risk vehicle events.
A simulation is an imitative representation of a process or system that could exist in the real world. In this broad sense, simulation can often be used interchangeably with model. Sometimes a clear distinction between the two terms is made, in which simulations require the use of models; the model represents the key characteristics or behaviors of the selected system or process, whereas the simulation represents the evolution of the model over time. Another way to distinguish between the terms is to define simulation as experimentation with the help of a model. This definition includes time-independent simulations. Often, computers are used to execute the simulation.
A train simulator is a computer-based simulation of rail transport operations. They are generally large complicated software packages modeling a 3D virtual reality world implemented both as commercial trainers, and consumer computer game software with 'play modes' which lets the user interact by stepping inside the virtual world. Because of the near view modeling, often at speed, train simulator software is generally far more complicated software to write and implement than flight simulator programs.
A virtual environment is a networked application that allows a user to interact with both the computing environment and the work of other users. Email, chat, and web-based document sharing applications are all examples of virtual environments. Simply put, it is a networked common operating space. Once the fidelity of the virtual environment is such that it "creates a psychological state in which the individual perceives himself or herself as existing within the virtual environment" then the virtual environment (VE) has progressed into the realm of immersive virtual environments (IVEs).
De-escalation refers to the methods and actions taken to decrease the severity of a conflict, whether of physical, verbal or another nature. It is the opposite of escalation. De-escalation may also refer to approaches in conflict resolution, by which specific measures are taken to avoid behaviours that escalate conflict. De-escalation can be modelled with game theory.
SIMNET was a wide area network with vehicle simulators and displays for real-time distributed combat simulation: tanks, helicopters and airplanes in a virtual battlefield. SIMNET was developed for and used by the United States military. SIMNET development began in the mid-1980s, was fielded starting in 1987, and was used for training until successor programs came online well into the 1990s.
Battle Force Tactical Training or BFTT is a highly flexible, interactive single ship, group, or force level tactical combat system trainer in the US military. The purpose of BFTT is to "provide training to enhance naval combat readiness." BFTT provides a critical overarching training capability for developing and maintaining proficiencies required to fight a complex modern shipboard combat system in today's warfighting environment. BFTT wraps around the ships combat system to provide a comprehensive and coordinated training environment.
DARWARS was a research program at DARPA intended to accelerate the development and deployment of military training systems. These were envisioned as low-cost, mobile, web-centric, simulation-based, “lightweight” systems designed to take advantage of the ubiquitous presence of the PC and of new technology, including multi-player games, virtual worlds, off-the-shelf PC simulations, intelligent agents, and on-line communities. The project started in 2003 under the leadership of DARPA Program Manager Dr. Ralph Chatham, a former U.S. Navy officer.
In virtual reality (VR), immersion is the perception of being physically present in a non-physical world. The perception is created by surrounding the user of the VR system in images, sound or other stimuli that provide an engrossing total environment.
The defense industry of Turkey has a long history, dated from the Ottoman Empire, and has changed several times during the Republic period.
Live, Virtual, & Constructive (LVC) Simulation is a broadly used taxonomy for classifying Modeling and Simulation (M&S). However, categorizing a simulation as a live, virtual, or constructive environment is problematic since there is no clear division among these categories. The degree of human participation in a simulation is infinitely variable, as is the degree of equipment realism. The categorization of simulations also lacks a category for simulated people working real equipment.
Emergency management software is the software used by local, state and federal emergency management personnel to deal with a wide range of disasters and can take many forms. For example, training software such as simulators are often used to help prepare first responders, word processors can keep form templates handy for printing and analytical software can be used to perform post-hoc examinations of the data captured during an incident. All of these systems are interrelated, as the results of an after-incident analysis can then be used to program training software to better prepare for a similar situation in the future. Crisis Information Management Software (CIMS) is the software found in emergency management operation centers (EOC) that supports the management of crisis information and the corresponding response by public safety agencies.
Vortex Studio is a simulation software platform developed by CM Labs Simulations. It features a real-time physics engine that simulates rigid body dynamics, collision detection, contact determination, and dynamic reactions. It also contains model import and preparation tools, an image generator, and networking tools for distributed simulation which is accessed through a desktop editor via a GUI. Vortex adds accurate physical motion and interactions to objects in visual-simulation applications for operator training, mission planning, product concept validation, heavy machinery and robotics design and testing, haptics devices, immersive and virtual reality (VR) environments.
The ADMS is an emergency and disaster management training simulation system designed to train incident commanders, first responders, and incident command teams in a real-time, interactive virtual reality environment. ADMS was first introduced by Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETCC:US) in 1992. The development of ADMS was in response to the crash of British Airtours Flight 28M at the Manchester airport in 1985, in which 55 people died. Following the accident research indicated that first responder training should include realistic scenarios. The first ADMS system was produced for the UK Ministry of Defence, and delivered to Royal Air Force's (RAF) Manston Facility. Since its inception, ADMS has evolved into a modular, expandable disaster simulation platform, with systems in use worldwide.
Arotech Corporation is a defense and security products and services company. It manufactures and designs products for military and non-military air and ground vehicles; interactive simulation for military, law enforcement and commercial markets, and batteries and charging systems for the military. Arotech operates through two major business divisions: Interactive simulation for military, law enforcement and commercial markets, and batteries and power systems for the military.
Interactive Scenario Builder (Builder) is a modeling and simulation, three-dimensional application developed by the Advanced Tactical Environmental Simulation Team (ATEST) at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) that aids in understanding radio frequency (RF) and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) propagation.
CS Group, initially known as Communication & Systèmes (CS), is a French information-technology service company listed on the Paris Bourse as a member of the CAC Small index. The company designs information systems, develops and integrates software, manages projects and deploys industrial applications. Apart from that, it provides science, technology, and consulting services. CS Group is the French leader in air traffic control, the third-biggest supplier of traffic-management systems in the world and provides information technology consulting services.
The Joint Theater Level Simulation (JTLS) is used to simulate joint, combined, and coalition civil-military operations at the operational level. Used for civil/military simulations and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) scenarios, JTLS is an interactive, computer-assisted simulation that models multi-sided air, ground, and naval resources with logistical Special Operation Forces (SOF) and intelligence support. The primary purpose of JTLS is to create a realistic environment in which agency staff can operate as they would within a real-world or operational situation.also information.A training audience conducts a scenario or event to practice their ability to coordinate various staff functions.
A haptic suit is a wearable device that provides haptic feedback to the body.
MAK Technologies, formerly doing business as VT MAK, Inc. is a software company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts that provides commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) modeling and simulation software. The company develops and sells software for distributed simulations that system integrators, governments, and research institutions use to build and populate 3D simulated environments. Users include medical, aerospace, defense, and transportation industries. In addition to offering COTS software, MAK provides the following services: simulation content creation, software customization, interoperability, research and development, and training.
Tactical Emergency medical services (TEMS) is out-of-hospital care given in hostile situations by specially trained practitioners. Tactical support provided through TEMS can be applied in either the civilian world, generally with special law enforcement teams such as SWAT and SERT, as well as with military special operations teams. Tactical EMS providers are paramedics, nurses, and physicians who are trained to provide life-saving care and, sometimes, transport in situations such as tactical police operations, active shooters, bombings, and natural disasters. Tactical medical providers (TMPs) provide care in high risk situations where there is an increased likelihood for law enforcement, civilian, or suspect casualties. TEMS units are also deployed in situations where traditional EMS or firefighters cannot respond. TMPs are specially trained and authorized to perform live-saving medical procedures in austere and often times unconventional environments. TMPs are also expected to be competent in weapons safety and marksmanship, small unit tactics, waterborne operations, urban search and rescue, and HAZMAT. TMPs also serve to train their respective teams in complex medical procedures that may be performed in their absence. TEMS providers are sometimes sworn police officers cross trained as paramedics, paramedics that are operators trained and integrated into the SWAT Team, or medical providers trained in tactical EMS who are then integrated into law enforcement or military units.