SDS International (SDS) has been tasked to provide additional capabilities to the SDS-produced PC-based MQ-1B Predator training system (TS) recently delivered to the USAF's 311th Performance Enhancement Directorate, Brooks City-Base, Texas. SDS International's Advanced Technologies Division, Orlando, Florida delivered a MQ-1B Predator version of its low-cost, high-fidelity PC-based LiteFlite Reconfigurable Simulator, named the Predator TS, to Brooks earlier in the summer.
The Predator TS incorporates a high-fidelity MQ-1B aerodynamics package (including critical landing/turbulence/control-delay affects); various head-up-displays (HUDs); and Electro Optical/IR Sensor displays portrayed on high-fidelity terrain scenes provided by SDS' AAcuity PC-IG. The system also includes an operator control station with fully functioning head-down-display (variable information tables and menu button interfaces), map tracking displays, record/playback capabilities, and data-capture/analysis capabilities.
Predator TS provides a realistic environment to support USAF aerospace research efforts to assess the unique physiological, psychological, cognitive, and environmental stresses inherent in Remotely Piloted Aircraft operations.
Due to the success of the Predator TS program, SDS received a contract modification to provide additional capabilities, including a series of add-on HUDs (the MQ-1 sensor operator HUD, the MIL-STD 1787 I-HUD, and a novel new HUD aimed at improving pilot situational awareness during landing and after touchdown operations) plus additional autopilot functionality to support selection and use of typical Predator circular and loiter patterns. SDS' Predator TS will also support planned eye-tracker research activities.
