Maritime Simulation Infrastructure (MSI) System

The PC based MSI System has six core components which run on a CORBA–based network independent of the external target system interface requirements. They provide any training system a rich data and control set to meet most functional, simulation and stimulation requirements. The MSI system core components are :

 • Scenario Controller  • Generic Sonar Emulator  • Generic Weapons Emulator
 • Generic Communications Emulator  • Generic Radar Emulator  • Generic Audio Simulator

The core provides emulation to stimulate or simulate the target system. Around it, a set of functional emulators and data gateways with the requisite message structure, format and protocols to interface to the target system are added. The gateways provide either simulated outputs for absent target system hardware (e.g. sonar trackers for absent acoustic processors) or stimulation of any hardware running operational software (e.g. broadband sonar stimulated for tracker creation by an operator using target’s acoustic processing system).

OSM is in the process of developing a comprehensive set of gateways to enable the MSI System components to integrate with the Heterogeneous Synthetic Environment software package from Advanced Weapons Systems (AWS) Pty Ltd, to create a Tactical Training Visualisation and Replay capability.

This provides a tactical picture solution assessment display, periscope and weapon camera view displays using visual models of vehicles and weapons, as well as 2-D weapon view elevation and plan displays. This is in addition to the full capabilities of the 3D visualisation of the scenario.

The Simulation Network Interface is designed to open system architecture principles providing open access to a comprehensive range of data. Many of the controls of the MSI System components are also provided over the network using standard CORBA features. This allows the customer to add their own interface gateways or additional emulators. Most MSI System components have extensive customisation parameters enabling almost any target system to be emulated.

MSI System components already provide the backbone for a COLLINS Combat System Augmentation trainer known as the Medium Fidelity Training Site installed in the Submarine Training and Systems Centre at HMAS STIRLING.

Scenario Controller
• Controls all aspects of the scenario; scenarios may be saved and replayed
• Flexible three dimensional vehicle kinematic model
• Vehicle simulation support for ships, submarines, fixed wing and rotary aircraft (up to 100 vehicles)
• Active EM, active and passive acoustic source emanation modelling
• Emanation propagation modelled through air and water with environmental noise modelling
• Slave mode allows Scenario Controller vehicles to be driven by external simulation systems
• Environmental simulation for sea state, set and drift, ocean bottom type and sound velocity profile

Generic Weapon Emulator
• Flexible behavioural characteristic model allows simulation of full range of weapon types
• Easy incorporation of sensitive weapons characteristics without coding
• Weapon launch profile, air flight or water column trajectory, search modes, search tactics, detection, acquisition and detonation profile
• Fully dynamic weapon control with appropriate read backs

Generic Communications Emulator
• MW and SMW emissions
• Emitter parametric data
• Data link messaging between vehicles in scenario
Generic Sonar Emulator
• Emulation of multiple hull-mounted and towed arrays with display, tracker and analysis data
• Produces automated detection and/or operator initiated trackers for BB and NB detections
• Passive and active array models, configurable with specific array and processing characteristics
• Comprehensive towed array modelling for direct path and bottom bounce effects
• Enhanced Doppler modelling for higher fidelity NB TMA training
• Models BB, NB and DEMON sources with large capacity for each vehicle

Generic Audio Simulator
• Combines all BB, NB, DEMON and omni-directional noise into continuous audio beams
• Audio output from multiple simultaneous but independent audio beams
• Options for automatic and sweep track follower beam steering

Generic RADAR Emulator
• RADAR detection for vehicles in active scenario
• Incorporation of land and depth contours to match visualisation of above and below water environments (in development)
• Uses Scenario Controller radar cross sections and vehicle state