The Virtual Terrain Board (VTB) Training System is designed to introduce new Night Vision Goggle (NVG) users to the capabilities and limitations of NVGs. The system is also used for typical annual refresher courses required by many operational organizations.

It is a small foot print, digital projection system that can be used in a classroom setting. The VTB meets and exceeds the training capabilities of the classic physical terrain board used for many years in the military aviation community.

System Capabilities

The VTB is intended to be a major component of any overall NVG training program. It provides an immersive environment where the student views a normal unaided night scene in a blacked out classroom. When viewed through NVGs, the same scene will be an extremely high definition, true physics-based NVG representation. The VTB  creates the various NVG attributes that are generally included in NVG course training objectives:

• Effects of various illumination levels on image quality.
• Effects of low illumination on contrast/detail over different terrains.
• Effects of different illumination levels on halos.
• Differences in albedo for different objects.
• Differences of albedo in high and low contrast areas
• Effects of different color/wavelengths of light
• Effects of different color/wavelengths of light under different illumination levels
• Effects of shadows on the NVG image.
• Effects of moon elevation and azimuth
• Effects of different atmospheric obscurants, such as rain, snow, and dust

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The VTB Training System, in addition to extremely high fidelity rendering of the NVG environment, allows viewing from a view point either fixed in space with slew and zoom  or in a fly-through mode at different altitudes throughout an environment. Numerous types of moving models and special effects are being requested by operators and are in development. These include, but are not limited to:

• Aircraft formation, rendezvous and intercept
• Moving vehicles over various terrains
• Ships and reflections in various sea states
• Surface-to-air threats such as MANPADS, AAA, small arms
• IR target designation, identification procedures and techniques
• Weather effects and inadvertent entry into IMC
• Laser effects
• Different atmospheric obscurants, such as rain, snow, and dust

The various features above can be grouped and sequenced to form training modules to fit various customer training programs. The VTB Training System uses basic core training modules based on the US Air Force Night Vision Goggle Training Course, which is based on the Night Imaging and Threat Evaluation (NITE) Laboratory Concept developed by the US Marine Corps. Other features and modules can be customized for law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire fighting aviation programs and for ground operators such as military and civilian security forces.

System Configuration

The major system components are commercial off the shelf, with a few exceptions. The projector is a high performance, three mirror DLP system such as the Panasonic 7000, a unique projector filter produced by Night Readiness, high performance personal computer with current state of the art graphics card, controller and display for the instructor, a black projection screen, and necessary ancillary cabling and equipment necessary for system operation.

The classroom must be light tight, blocking all external light from entering, and covering all internal light sources such as switches, other devices, and exit signs. We recommend a minimum throw distance for the projector of 12 feet, a 16 feet throw distance is recommended if room dimensions allow. Students are located far enough from the screen to optimize imagery for the full 40 degree field of view of the NVGs.

Night Readiness provides this system as a turn key installation, with all original manufacturer warranties, including an extended three year warranty on the projector. All Night Readiness software and databases have a one year warranty, with on-call support continuing after that. Night Readiness is currently delivering System Configuration 2.0a, a beta test configuration. We are working with current and potential customers to expand available databases, training modules and software configurations and expect to provide a full software suite and more databases for our System Configuration 2.0, with final release in 2009.  Custom features, training modules, and databases can be developed one on one with interested customers.

Training

We offer a cost effective, high fidelity in-house NVG academic training program. Your organization has made the commitment to increase the safety of your night flight operations. Your program includes FAA approved Night Vision Goggles, cockpit modifications and NVG training for your lead instructors. Establishing a quality in-house NVG training program within your own facilities allows you to customize NVG training for your specific mission and operating locations, as well as keep your initial and recurring training within budget.

Night Readiness offers a comprehensive NVG Academic Training Program. This is the only ground training program designed to support organizations with their own NVG qualified instructors, and who desire to build and maintain a complete, cost effective NVG in-house training program. Our unique program provides:

Online Computer Based  Training Modules.  Night Readiness’ self paced online modules teach students  key learning objectives critical in developing an understanding of NVG operations. Subjects include physiology and human factors affecting night operations, physics of image intensification in the night environment, and nomenclature and operation of your specific model Night Vision Goggles.

Classroom Training.  Instructor led courseware permits hands-on training and direct observation of NVG performance in all environments using Night Readiness’ proprietary Virtual Night Environment technology. Night Readiness installs your Training System on-site and trains your staff of instructors on each block of instruction. 

NVG Flight Operations Preview.  Optional custom databases can be produced for your unique operating location. Custom NVG databases from Night Readiness allow students to preview critical phases of flight, unique terrain, illumination and weather conditions prior to specific training flights.

Annual Refresher Training.  Combination of Online Computer Based Training and NVG instructor led training is designed to meet all annual NVG refresher requirements.

Brief Description of Topics. The following are covered in our courses of NVG instruction, comprised of CBT training modules, instructor led courses and the use of our Virtual Terrain Board.  In addition, courseware is constantly reviewed for currency and updated as new virtual environment capabilities are introduced for our Virtual Terrain Board system:

Introduction to NVG Flight.  History of NVG development, design features, electromagnetic spectrum, system performance and limitations.

Human Factors and Physiology.  Anatomy of the eye, characteristics of night vision, spacial disorientation, dark adaptation, circadian rhythm, and self imposed stress.

Night Vision Goggles-1.  Adjustment nomenclature, image intensification, objective and diopter lens, filters, photocathode, phosphor screen, and image characteristics.

Night Vision Goggles-2.  Preflight inspections, post flight inspections, and focus & adjustment procedure

Night Environment.  Illumination sources, terrain reflectivity, shadows, cultural lighting, obscurants and atmospheric effects, unique hazards.

Terrain Interpretation. Waypoint and turn point selection, terrain gradients, cultural features.

Safety Considerations. Rules and regulations, crew coordination, misperceptions and illusions.

Operational / Route Planning Considerations.  Altitude selection, lunar elevation and azimuth, cultural features.

Export Notice: The Virtual Terrain Board training system is controlled for export purposes under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations part 120-130.  The VTB  requires authorization by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Defense Trade Controls, prior to export or transfer to a non-U.S. Person. Contact Night Readiness for details.