Pack-and-go laptop technology has quickly gained popularity for its lightweight ease of portability
Fidelity Technologies Corp. (Fidelity) announced it has introduced a laptop version of its “Call for Fire Trainer” (CFFT), which provides a lighter, more portable system with all of the same training functions as the full-sized deployable trainer. This system provides soldiers with advanced-level, forward observer training in artillery, mortars, naval gunfire and close air support tasks.
The laptop version is the most portable CFFT ever designed, as it is lightweight, packs easily and quickly into two small crates, and is ready for transport via standard modes of transportation. Soldiers can easily transport and use this new CFFT, making it an attractive and flexible training product.
In its packaged configuration, the system complies with commercial airline checked baggage restrictions.
The CFFT is Fidelity’s state-of-the-art simulator to train the war fighter to conduct call for fire missions and coordinate close air support.
“The military first asked us in 1993 to develop important technology to support the forward observers on the battlefield,” explained J. David Gulati, president of Fidelity. “Over time, we have enhanced the product to include the latest technology and updated the training functions to address the latest tactics, techniques and procedures. We are proud to offer this portable version of the CFFT, which plays a critical role in preparing our soldiers for combat.”
The laptop system is gaining popularity and has already generated sales for Fidelity, Gulati said. To date, Fidelity has shipped six systems and has more orders pending.
The latest CFFT features a Head Mounted Display (HMD), which tracks the soldier’s head movements and provides a 360-degree view of the battlefield. The device boasts a binocular view that is in full color and in high resolution.
The trainee has the ability to select the HMD’s visor view to simulate commonly-used sensor devices, such as night vision goggles and infrared displays.
The battlefield HMD includes a three-degree-of-freedom tracking device, which monitors and adjusts the visual presentation to match the soldier’s perspective and orientation. Optimized graphic refresh rates ensure seamless display updates, minimizing spatial discontinuities and virtually eliminating trainee disorientation, eye fatigue, and motion-induced discomfort.
“The laptop system includes a fully-functional image generation system to provide realistic battlefield scenarios,” Gulati said, adding “the basic system is offered with two rendering subsystems which can be expanded depending upon the training requirements.”
Equipped with three standard databases, the laptop supports the import of other databases, making it ideal for database re-use and interoperability.
“The CFFT technology evolved from an advanced simulation system that we developed with the U.S. Army for a domestic and foreign military sales program,” Gulati explained, noting the training simulator uses advanced simulation technology to train all levels of military personnel in observed fires skills.
“As a result of lessons learned in Iraq, the Army directed that every soldier receive basic training in call for fire mission procedures,” Gulati added. “The Call for Fire Trainer is comprehensive in its capability to support introductory task-based skills training, intermediate and refresher training, and complex mission planning.”