Smart onboard data interface module

Last updated

The Smart Onboard Data Interface Module (SMODIM) is an obsolete integrated device once used by the United States Army and foreign militaries for live simulated weapons training on military platforms. The SMODIM was the primary component of the Longbow Apache Tactical Engagement Simulation System (LBA TESS) that provides weapons systems training and collective Force-on-Force live training participation. [1]

Contents

TESS was an advanced weapons training system developed for the AH-64 Apache to support force-on-force and force-on-target live training at U.S. Army Combat Training Centers (CTCs), Aviation Home Stations, and deployed locations. [2] TESS integrates with aircraft and ground vehicles to provide collective opposing force participation in live training.

The Aerial Weapons Scoring System (AWSS) integration with LBA TESS provided the ability to conduct force-on-target engagements using plastic ammunition for 30 mm gun, rockets, and simulated virtual emulated Hellfire missiles. Gunnery scoring was supported by the SMODIM, which transmitted data from the one point to the other. AWSS scored the pilot's live-fire gunnery performance and provided constructive After Action Review (AAR) feedback. [3] [4] [5]

Designed and manufactured by Inter-Coastal Electronics, Incorporated - a division of Aerotech, LLC(ICE), "The SMODIM was fully compatible with the outdated multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) and legacy laser-based direct fire weapons simulation. Additionally, it eliminates the requirement for MILES-type lasers by providing the capability to geometrically pair weapon engagements with lasers". [6]

SMODIM Smart Onboard Data Interface Module (SMODIM).png
SMODIM

Background

In 1992, Inter-Coastal Electronics [7] was selected by U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM) [8] to provide the real-time casualty assessment (RTCA) interface for the AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter. This component was called the onboard data interface module (ODIM). As the Army incorporated new technologies, the SMODIM added GPS and telemetry and became the core component of live helicopter training systems at all U.S. Army Combat Training Centers (CTCs) with a fielding of over 240 systems. In 1997, the SMODIM was modified to provide a proof of concept for the upgraded AH-64 (D model) Longbow Apache. In 1998 the "Modular" SMODIM and the longbow tactical engagement simulation system (TESS) training system was fielded to all three CTCs and Aviation Home Stations, and became the U.S. Army's first fully integrated live aviation training system. [9] Over the following 15 years, the SMODIM has deployed in multiple systems and platforms with over one thousand SMODIMs fielded in the U.S. and abroad. An "Advanced" SMODIM or "ASMODIM" is currently in development due to parts obsolescence and will provide an 80% increased processing performance. Security encryption is in accordance with FIPS 140-2 level 2. Advanced weapon simulation is augmented by digital terrain elevation data (DTED) and geometric ranging. Data communication and data transmission upgrades utilize RS-422 and RS-485 full duplex channels, and ARINC 429 technical standards.

Overview

The SMODIM includes a built-in GPS receiver, telemetry radio, data recorder, and MIL-STD-1553 mux bus processors. The SMODIM interfaces with the weapons systems and actively tracks, records and transmits data to the ground station or exercise control (EXCON). RTCA feedback is passed directly to the weapons processor and the ground station through the onboard telemetry radio. The SMODIM processes area weapons effects (AWE) data received from the EXCON and computes geometric pairing solutions for weapon engagements using the RF Hellfire, semi-automated laser (SAL) Hellfire, 30 mm chain gun, and rockets. It selects a target from its onboard player/position database in the appropriate weapons impact footprint, then uses the probability-of-hit (Ph) factor to determine the assessment (i.e., 'hit'/'miss'). Via the data link, it then informs the target it has been selected for assessment.

The SMODIM maintains a dynamic position database through player-to-player network communications. The onboard telemetry radio supports simultaneous distribution to multiple locations. The radio acts as a message repeater to overcome line of sight (LOS) interruptions. The SMODIM interfaces with distributed interactive simulation (DIS) networks using SMODIM tracking analysis and recording (SMOTAR), [10] an advanced software suite that provides visual display and tracking of SMODIM instrumented players. GPS provides real-time position data as players are dynamically simulated, tracked and recorded over tactical maps and aerial photos for after-action review (AAR).

The TESS Aircraft System consists of an "A" kit that becomes part of the aircraft, and a "B" kit that is added to the aircraft for training exercises. [11] The "A" kit includes the SMODIM Tray Assembly, modified software in the weapons display and systems processors, with cable connection provisions. The "B" kit includes the SMODIM, Eye-Safe Laser Range Finder/Designator (ESLRF/D), TESS Gun Control Unit (TGCU), Aircraft Internal Boresight Subassembly (AIBS), TESS Training Missile (TTM) with Flash Weapon Effects Signature Simulator (FlashWESS), GPS and telemetry antennas.

SMODIM installed in Apache Helicopter Smart Onboard Data Interface Module (SMODIM).jpg
SMODIM installed in Apache Helicopter
SMODIM installed in Apache Block III helicopter (top right shelf) Smart Onboard Data Interface Module in Apache Block III.jpg
SMODIM installed in Apache Block III helicopter (top right shelf)
SMODIM showing interface connections Smart Onboard Data Interface Module Interface Connections.jpg
SMODIM showing interface connections

Monitored parameters

Qualifications

The SMODIM is qualified with an airworthiness release (AWR) through the Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED). [12] Environmental and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) compliance tests include DO-160, MIL-STD-810E/F and ADS-37A-PRF.

Platforms

The SMODIM is used on the following platforms with applicable current contract information:

Other platforms instrumented with the SMODIM include:

U.S. army programs

The TESS training system and SMODIM are used by the U.S. Army at Aviation Homestations and CTCs (NTC, JRTC, JMRC). Permanent TESS training support is provided at Ft Hood, TX since 1998 for the 21st Cavalry Brigade, [15] and is ongoing through the 166th Aviation Brigade and Foreign Military customers that train there. Permanent field support for TESS is also provided at the CTCs.

The UH-72A LUH Lakota is recently instrumented with the SMODIM and will deploy to Germany at the Joint Multinational Command Training Center (JMTC) to train pilots in combat engagements. [16] TESS provides the capability to track all LUH aircraft and provide OPFOR aircraft status (alive or killed) to the CTC EXCON. Simulated weapons capability allows Force-on-Force and Force-on-Target training engagements. [17]

The SMODIM supports U.S. Army Homestation gunnery on digital range training system (DRTS), [18] Digital Air Ground Integration Range (DAGIR), and Aviation Homestation Interim Package (AHIP) ranges. [19] Upon proven success, the SMODIM has become a key component of the Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) AHIP modular After Action Review capability. Beginning in September 2013, five AHIP AAR systems that use SMOTAR software suite are being fielded to Ft Knox, KY, Ft Drum, NY, Ft Stewart, GA, Ft Hood, TX, and Grafenwoehr Germany. The objective solution is full integration of ground/air manned platforms and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) including Gray Eagle, Shadow, Raven, and Puma. [20]

These programs are contracted by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), [21] and Program Manager Training Devices (PM TRADE).

FMS & direct sales

Direct and foreign military sales (FMS) of the aviation TESS are currently in use by: Netherlands, Taiwan, Kuwait, Egypt, United Kingdom, Singapore, and United Arab Emirates. [22]

Notes

  1. ↑ "PEO STRI Desk-Side Reference Guide, LBA TESS (Page 88)" (PDF). PEO STRI. 2013–2014.
  2. ↑ "PEO STRI LBA TESS". PEO STRI. Retrieved 2014-03-27.
  3. ↑ "PEO STRI AWSS LBA TESS". PEO STRI. Archived from the original on 2014-03-20. Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  4. ↑ "PEO STRI Desk-Side Reference Guide, AWSS LBA TESS (Page 83)" (PDF). PEO STRI. 2013–2014.
  5. ↑ "PEO STRI Products and Services Catalog". 2010. p. 81. CiteSeerX   10.1.1.177.858 .
  6. ↑ "ASMODIM - Advanced Smart Onboard Data Interface Module" . Retrieved 2014-04-04.
  7. ↑ "Inter-Coastal Electronics (ICE)". Inter-Coastal Electronics, Inc.
  8. ↑ "U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command (CECOM)" . Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  9. ↑ "The Development of a Verification and Validation (V&V) Plan for a Proposed Tactical Engagement Simulation System for the AH-64D Attack Helicopter" (PDF). Robert A. Pupalaikis, Defense Technical Information Center. November 1998. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 7, 2014.
  10. ↑ "SMODIM Tracking Analysis and Recording (SMOTAR)". Inter-Coastal Electronics (ICE). Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  11. ↑ "TESS Apache Longbow TESS B-Kit (Pages 88-89)". Headquarters Department of the Army. 12 May 2010.
  12. ↑ "Aviation Engineering Directorate (AED)" . Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  13. ↑ "Kiowa Warrior Cockpit and Sensor Upgrade Program Tactical Engagement Simulation System". PM Live Training Systems. Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  14. ↑ "PEO STRI Desk-Side Reference Guide, KW CASUP TESS (Page 87)" (PDF). PEO STRI. 2013–2014.
  15. ↑ "21st Cavalry Brigade" (PDF). GSA. 2011.
  16. ↑ "EADS North America delivers 100th UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter to the U.S. Army, (paragraph 13)". EADS North America. 2010.
  17. ↑ "Combat Training Center Aviation". PM Combat Training Instrumentation Systems. Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  18. ↑ "Digital Range Training System (DRTS)". Product Manager Digitized Training. Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  19. ↑ "Aviation Homestation Interim Package (AHIP)". U.S. Army TRADOC Capability Manager. 2013.
  20. ↑ "At the Crossroads: Pursuing the Path to a Common Aviation Solution for Instrumented Training" (PDF). Army Aviation Magazine. 2013-07-31.
  21. ↑ "Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI)" . Retrieved 2014-03-20.
  22. ↑ "Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Aviation Tactical Engagement Simulation System (TESS)". PM Live Training Systems. Retrieved 2014-03-20.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AAI RQ-7 Shadow</span> American unmanned aerial vehicle

The AAI RQ-7 Shadow is an American unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used by the United States Army, Australian Army, Swedish Army, Turkish Air Force and Italian Army for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and battle damage assessment. Launched from a trailer-mounted pneumatic catapult, it is recovered with the aid of arresting gear similar to jets on an aircraft carrier. Its gimbal-mounted, digitally stabilized, liquid nitrogen-cooled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera relays video in real time via a C-band line-of-sight data link to the ground control station (GCS).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing AH-64 Apache</span> U.S. attack helicopter (1975–present)

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is an American twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear and a tandem cockpit for a crew of two. Nose-mounted sensors help acquire targets and provide night vision. It carries a 30 mm (1.18 in) M230 chain gun under its forward fuselage and four hardpoints on stub-wing pylons for armament and stores, typically AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. Redundant systems help it survive combat damage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bell OH-58 Kiowa</span> 1967 scout helicopter series by Bell Helicopter

The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine single-rotor military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. It was produced by the American manufacturer Bell Helicopter and is closely related to the Model 206A JetRanger civilian helicopter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AGM-114 Hellfire</span> American air-to-surface missile

The AGM-114 Hellfire is an American air-to-ground missile (AGM) first developed for anti-armor use, later developed for precision drone strikes against other target types, especially high-value targets. It was originally developed under the name "Heliborne laser, fire-and-forget missile", which led to the colloquial name "Hellfire" ultimately becoming the missile's formal name. It has a multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike ability and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms, including the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. The Hellfire missile is the primary 100-pound (45 kg) class air-to-ground precision weapon for the armed forces of the United States and many other nations. It has also been fielded on surface platforms in the surface-to-surface and surface-to-air roles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hydra 70</span> American 2.75-inch rocket

The Hydra 70 rocket is a 2.75-inch (70 mm) diameter fin-stabilized unguided rocket used primarily in the air-to-ground role. It can be equipped with a variety of warheads, and in more recent versions, guidance systems for point attacks. The Hydra is widely used by US and allied forces, competing with the Canadian CRV7, with which it is physically interchangeable.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AAI Corporation</span>

AAI Corporation is an aerospace and defense development and manufacturing firm, located in Hunt Valley, Maryland, US. Formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of United Industrial Corporation, AAI was acquired by Textron in 2007. It currently operates as a unit of Textron Systems and employs more than 2,000.

The multiple integrated laser engagement system, or MILES, is used by the U.S. military and other armed forces around the world for training purposes. It uses lasers and blank cartridges to simulate actual battle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holbeach Air Weapons Range</span> Military range in Lincolnshire, England

Holbeach Air Weapons Range is a United Kingdom Ministry of Defence academic air weapons range (AWR) situated between Boston and King's Lynn in the civil parish of Gedney on The Wash, in Lincolnshire, eastern England.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AgustaWestland Apache</span> Attack helicopter series of the British Army

The AgustaWestland Apache is a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter for the British Army Air Corps. The first eight helicopters were built by Boeing; the remaining 59 were assembled by Westland Helicopters at Yeovil, Somerset in England from Boeing-supplied kits. Changes from the AH-64D include Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines, a new electronic defensive aids suite and a folding blade mechanism allowing the British version to operate from ships. The helicopter was initially designated WAH-64 by Westland Helicopters and was later given the designation Apache AH Mk 1 by the Ministry of Defence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naval Air Systems Command</span> Naval Aviation Material Systems Command of the U.S. Navy

The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) provides materiel support for aircraft and airborne weapon systems for the United States Navy. It is one of the Echelon II Navy systems commands (SYSCOM), and was established in 1966 as the successor to the Navy's Bureau of Naval Weapons.

The AGM-169 Joint Common Missile (JCM) was a tactical air-to-surface missile program (2002–2007) developed by the Lockheed Martin corporation for the United States military aircraft, such as attack and utility helicopters, strike fighters and fighter-bombers.

AVCATT is a mobile aviation training simulator developed by L-3 Communications, Link Simulation & Training for the United States Army in 2001. Entire units (suites) have been fielded.

A program executive officer, or PEO, is one of a few key individuals in the United States military acquisition process. As can be seen from the examples below, a program executive officer may be responsible for a specific program, or for an entire portfolio of similar programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AN/APG-78 Longbow</span> Type of aircraft radar

The AN/APG-78 Longbow is a millimeter-wave fire-control radar (FCR) system for the AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopter. It was initially developed in the 1980s as the Airborne Adverse Weather Weapon System (AAWWS) as part of the Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) to enhance the AH-64A. By 1990, both AAWWS and MSIP were renamed Longbow. The radar is produced by Longbow LLC, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Military helicopter</span> Helicopter which is built or converted for use by military forces

A military helicopter is a helicopter that is either specifically built or converted for use by military forces. A military helicopter's mission is a function of its design or conversion. The most common use of military helicopters is transport of troops, but transport helicopters can be modified or converted to perform other missions such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), airborne command post, or even armed with weapons for attacking ground targets. Specialized military helicopters are intended to conduct specific missions. Examples of specialized military helicopters are attack helicopters, observation helicopters and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Apache Arrowhead</span> Targeting & night vision system

The Apache Arrowhead, is an integrated targeting and night vision system developed by Lockheed Martin for the Boeing AH-64 Apache attack helicopter. It uses second-generation long-wave Forward looking infrared (FLIR) sensors with three fields of view, a charge-coupled device TV camera, dual field of view pilotage FLIR, electronic zoom, target tracker and auto-boresight.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing AH-6</span> Type of aircraft

The Boeing AH-6 is a series of light helicopter gunships based on the MH-6 Little Bird and MD 500 family. Developed by Boeing Rotorcraft Systems, these include the Unmanned Little Bird (ULB) demonstrator, the A/MH-6X Mission Enhanced Little Bird (MELB), and the proposed AH-6I and AH-6S.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United States Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology</span> Office of United States Army

The Office of the United States Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT) pronounced A-salt) is known as OASA(ALT). OASA(ALT) serves, when delegated, as the Army Acquisition Executive, the Senior Procurement Executive, the Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Army, and as the senior research and development official for the Department of the Army. The OASA(ALT) also has the principal responsibility for all Department of the Army matters related to logistics.

Program Executive Office Soldier is a US Army organization that is responsible for rapid prototyping, procurement, and fielding of equipment for the soldiers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Naval Air Systems Command Program Executive Offices</span> Military unit

The Naval Air Systems Command Program Executive Offices(PEOs) are organizations responsible for the prototyping, procurement, and fielding of naval air equipment. Their mission is to develop, acquire, field and sustain affordable and integrated state of the art equipment for the Navy.

References

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.