ICE
Aviation Training Systems

Apache TESS is used to safely train personnel in the tactical operations of the AH-64D/E Apache Attack Helicopter. Live training includes cooperative force engagements, evasive procedures, and the use of Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE). Player and Event data is transmitted in real-time for display and tracking on the Modular Mobile Command and Control (MMCC) to provide situational awareness, player-to-player communications, engagement adjudication, Real-Time Casualty Assessment (RTCA), and After Action Review (AAR).

Aviation TESS is comprised of an Aircraft System that integrates with range infrastructures, command and control, and ground target training systems.

Aviation TESS consists of an “A” kit that is permanently installed during aircraft production, and a “B” kit that is added to the aircraft for training exercises. The “A” kit includes the Advanced Smart Onboard Data Interface Module (ASMODIM) tray assembly and modified software in the weapons display and systems processors with cable connection provisions. The “B” kit includes the ASMODIM, TESS Gun Control Unit (TGCU), TESS Training Missile (TTM), and GPS and Telemetry antennas.

Live Fire training uses only the  B-Kit “Back-half Kit” and provides real-time Position/Location and AAR.

The Training Laser Designator (TLD) is permanently embedded within the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) for the M-TADS/PNVS. The TLD simulates weapon designation performed by tactical hardware. The TLD is a self-contained subsystem consisting of a collimated Class 3R (ANSI) 904 nanometer (nm) eye-safe Laser energy transmitter capable of transmitting MILES coded messages to simulate designation during training exercises. It includes the optics required to direct the laser beams and the associated electronics to drive the TLD. MILES output is enabled when firing simulated Hellfire Missiles or Rockets when Apache TESS is installed and engaged on the aircraft. Parameters for direct fire routine are in accordance with PMT 90-S002A. MILES Player IDs range up to 1320 unique Players and 4 Ammo codes.

The TESS Gun Control Unit (TGCU) includes a 904nm eye-safe Laser that transmits MILES Communications Weapon Codes for the 30mm Gun to simulate weapon engagements with TESS instrumented targets. It is mounted within the 30mm Gun Turret and receives commands from the aircraft to control the TGCU and TLD. 30mm gunfire is visually indicated to the target in single or multiple burst rates by the Flash Weapon Effects Signature Simulator (FlashWESS) when the aircraft weapons trigger is pulled. Pilots receive audio cues over the aircraft intercom.

TASS replicates enemy Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) threats by providing interrogation, tracking and targeting of aircraft participating in combined arms Force-on-Force (FoF) training at the Combat Training Centers (CTCs). Incoming aircraft are detected by Opposing Force (OPFOR) acquisition systems.  Launching platforms engage aircraft by stimulating the ASE B-Kit Emulator (ABE)*. The emulated ASE triggers the correct aural/audio/visual cues to aircrew, and monitors aircraft maneuvers, usage of terrain features, weapons and countermeasures inventories, usage and remaining stores.

TASS adjudicates the attack and relays status and performance parameters of the threat for display on the unclassified CTC-IS.  At end-game, TASS presents the user with computed miss-distance and probability of hit/kill results to quantify the outcome of the engagement.

* The ABE software (Government owned) was developed for PEO STRI, in conjunction with PM-ASE providing technical guidance.

The Training Man-Portable Air Defense System (T-MANPADS) is designed to simulate real world air defense threats against aviation platforms. It is a self-contained, shoulder launched, ground-to-air missile simulator that provides for cooperative engagements between air and ground platforms, while increasing the complexity and fidelity of Opposing Force (OPFOR) air defenses. The simulated threat challenges Aircrews and enables training of tasks associated with penetrating, disintegrating, and exploiting the Anti-Access and Area Denial Air Defense Systems at the Combat Training Centers (CTCs).

Utilizing technology from fielded Ground Threat Emitters (GTEs), the T-MANPADS is an aviation crew trainer for the currently fielded Training Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) Stimulation Suite (TASS). Simulated offensive characteristics are controlled by the TASS Common Threat Database.

This air defense training system visually replicates a Threat MANPADS and includes smoke, light, noise, and weapon effects simulation. MILES Laser Detectors make it responsive to direct fire MILES laser engagements. A valid trigger pull resulting in a weapon launch causes an M176 Surface to Air Weapon Effects Signature Simulator (WESS) cartridge to detonate and provides visual indication to Pilots. Lethality Effect Assessment Routings (LEAR) is indicated visually by the System Kill Indicator (SKI) and audibly with a built-in alarm. Bluetooth connects to a Human Interface Device (HID) display that can overlay aim point and target lock symbology to enable training anytime, anywhere.

Aviation TESS (AV-TESS) instruments the UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters for collective training at U.S. Army Combat Training Centers (CTCs) and Home Stations. MILES Laser engagement capability is added by integrating the SMODIM, Aircraft Kill Indicator (AKI), and GPS and Telemetry Antennas. The AKI is a hermetically sealed, high-intensity strobe light that transmits standard “Hit”, “Kill” or “Near Miss” flash sequence indications when the Laser Sensors detect MILES Laser energy.

AV-TESS is designed to interface with the CTC’s Core Instrumentation System (CIS) through the existing Army Aviation Data Management System (AADMS) network. The SMODIM processes signals received from the Laser Sensors/Detectors to calculate Real-Time Casualty Assessment (RTCA). Based on the outcome, the SMODIM controls AKI signaling, injects audio messages through the aircraft Intercom System (ICS), and transmits event data through the telemetry network.

LUH-TESS provides dual capabilities for the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to perform as an Observer/Controller (O/C) and Opposing Force (OPFOR). An Offensive Weapons Capability is added to provide target acquisition and simulated weapons for the OPFOR threat aircraft. Weapons are simulated with a MILES coded Laser. New platform integrated components include the Articulating Sensor Package (ASP) with embedded FlashWESS Laser Transmitter (FLT), Weapons Processor, Hand Controller and two Color Cockpit Displays.

The Weapons Processor is the interface between the ASP and the LUH-TESS SMODIM. The Weapons Processor controls weapon events and interfaces with audio/video functions, ASP, and SMODIM. The Weapons Processor is packaged in a MIL-STD qualified enclosure and installed in the avionics bay.

The Hand Controller articulates the ASP and controls the zoom and focus of the internal camera.

A weapons trigger provides an offensive capability and indicates when the Laser is armed and active. Two Color Cockpit Displays provide situational awareness, targeting, weapon selection, rounds count, range and trigger pull.