SDS International (SDS) recently received a contract to deliver two ROVATTS™-based Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) simulators to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND.  The ROVATTS™-based MQ-1B and Reaper Tabletop Simulators will be delivered to the university’s Center for UAS Research, Education and Training for use in USAF sponsored efforts to study issues associated with operating unmanned systems in the National Airspace.  Under a contract with the Joint UAS Center of Excellence located at Creech AFB, the university will begin using SDS’ UAS simulators to evaluate proposed unmanned aircraft operational scenarios for both Grand Forks Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base; unmanned aircraft operator/Air Traffic Control interactions; and ground-based systems being developed to enable sense and avoid (SAA) of other aircraft with unmanned aircraft.  These, and follow-on UAS efforts will help contribute to UND’s key role in North Dakota’s Red River Valley Research Corridor initiative.

ROVATTS™ MQ-1B and Reaper Tabletop Simulators, provided by SDS’ Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, FL, are delivered with pilot and sensor operator stations composed of adjustable, wheeled COTS tables holding properly sized/placed flat-panel displays for the HUD, Tracker, Command and Status Displays; game-level rudders; and functioning keyboard, trackball, stick and throttles.  Each system includes host-aircraft, pilot-station and sensor-operator-station software, plus built-in software-based DIS radios supporting internal and external communications.  Each system also includes one laptop-based instructor-operator station providing mission planning, system operation and after-action-review capabilities, which are particularly useful for standalone training.  Since ROVATTS™ systems are DIS/HLA capable, they can also operate with a variety of live, virtual, and constructive systems in local or distributed exercises.  Additionally, ROVATTS™ use of SDS’ AAcuity® IG provides the robust virtual environment (visual/sensor) needed to support realistic training, mission rehearsal, R&D, and T&E activities.

SDS’ ROVATTS™-based MQ-1B and Reaper Simulator systems are delivered as easy-to-use, hardware/software turnkey systems.  To ensure the systems provide both flexibility and training fidelity at affordable prices, SDS offers its turnkey systems in both Tabletop and Laptop versions, each using COTS computers and associated hardware (tables, displays and controls, as applicable).  The Tabletop version preserves system functionality and control station physical layout including correctly sized/placed displays, while providing ease of set-up/movement.  The Laptop version also preserves system functionality while increasing mobility and reducing system footprint by placing all functions (Tracker, Status, Command and HUD) in selectable windows on one COTS laptop per pilot and sensor operator station.  Either version is designed to operate in a common office environment using standard 120V AC power and uses COTS hardware components carrying commercial OEM warranties.