Forward Observer Trainer (FOTS)


RDR has developed numerous hardware and software integration modifications to the Forward Observer Training System (FOTS) located at the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific at the Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado California.

FOTS provides initial and sustainment training for Forward Observers by enabling the student to practice locating targets, calling for and adjusting fire, and reporting the results of fire in a simulated battlefield environment. An instructor station enables the ability to build and control battlefield scenarios and provide real time voice feedback to simulate actual Forward Observer's environmental situations. Multiple student stations are provided to enable up to 15 personnel to be trained simultaneously. The trainer can also be operated in a stand-alone mode allowing portability to remote sites for unit refresher training.

Our FOTS projects consisted of the following tasks:

• Developed and implemented software modifications to correct system errors and improve speech recognition and synthetic speech capabilities including libraries of common FO terms and phrases.
• Replaced and upgraded all 15 student stations and instructor stations computer systems
• Rewrote the underlying source code to accurately replicate 155mm, mortar(s) and Naval gun trajectories and projectiles.
• Incorporated the NATO Ballistic Kernel (NABK) to model actual weapon flight paths
• Update existing trainer documentation and develop new documentation to reflect the new software/hardware configuration.
• Establish System Test and Evaluation (T&E) program

©2006 RDR, Inc.