Barco system solution chosen for Navy MSAT environment
Norfolk, VA – Barco simulation will install a complete high-resolution digital projection system containing seven BarcoReality 909s with 9" CRTs, advanced control and alignment tools, and high-gain screen at Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic (EWTGLANT) located aboard the Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek for the MSAT (Multi-purpose Supporting Arms Trainer) display system. EWTGLANT conducts training and instruction in the doctrine, tactics, and techniques of naval expeditionary warfare, with a focus on amphibious operations, in order to support operational commanders in maintaining forces ready to project military power from the sea.
“With the pace of Operations that exists today, it is very difficult to get FAC and JTAC trainees time with the real aircraft,” says Denny Shockley, Simulation Market Development Manager at Barco Simulation. “MSAT is going to provide the Navy and the Marine Corps a new training tool that will allow them to practice again and again in a much more controlled and cost-effective environment than utilizing actual aircraft.”The MSAT display system will train Forward Air Controllers (FACs), Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), Forward Air Controllers Airborne FAC(A) and Forward Observers (FOs) in staff and joint exercise training events. MSAT is designed to include all aspects of artillery, mortar, naval, and Close Air Support. This training includes the use of Joint approved Joint Close Air Support (JCAS) tactics, techniques and procedures and observed fire procedures for Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), artillery and mortar fires. MSAT will enable FACs, JTACs, FAC(A)s and FOs to train in stand-alone or interoperable modes without the use of live ammunition or range/training areas.
Barco will install seven BarcoReality 909 projection systems and a high-gain screen from Tech-Com International into the Navy MSAT display system, which is a partial dome with a 240° horizontal FOV and a 60° vertical FOV (+45°/-15°). BarcoReality 909 CRT projection systems are the ideal choice for MSAT due to the resolution requirement of 2048 x 1536; Barco 909s have the highest resolution (3200 x 2560) capability in the industry. The Barco 909’s unique digital image adjustments provide exceptional performance in multi-channel set-ups, on curved screens as well as on flat screens. MSAT will also utilize Barco’s advanced display system control and auto alignment tools: xRACU, AutoAlign, and LDAT.
“We have extensive experience delivering system solutions worldwide for a broad range of applications,” adds Shockley. “Thanks to our seasoned project management and installation teams, we’ll be able to implement this complex system in a short time frame. That’s what Barco does best – deliver complete system solutions on time, to spec, and to budget.”
Barco’s xRACU is a revolutionary solution to streamline the setup and control of the multiple projection system. The xRACU can simultaneously control up to 32 projectors and makes several projectors appear as a single projector to the user. The unit instantly detects the projector type, location, and when it is replaced, and it automatically downloads the projector’s display parameters. The Barco xRACU is “future proof,” using a common interface across all projector types and technologies including projectors not yet on the drawing board – and it is backwards compatible.
The Barco AutoAlign system alleviates the daunting and time-consuming task of aligning a multiple projector display system. It provides an automated approach to efficiently perform routine alignments. Working with the xRACU, AutoAlign keeps multi-channel systems aligned in color, geometry, etc., so they appear as a single projector to the user. Advanced technology allows a user to perform repeatable and accurate alignments and maintenance tasks quickly and easily with minimal user intervention.
Barco’s LDAT marks reference points to effectively align display channels. One LDAT provides a solution for up to 30 dedicated laser light sources, which can be independently directed to points on the screen. Multiple arrays are used to mark a complete multi-channel system. The Barco LDAT also allows you to control motorized blending. The LDAT is a permanent maintenance tool that verifies the proper alignment of the display system.
AutoAlign, xRACU, and LDAT are trademarks of Barco.
About Barco
Barco, an international company headquartered in Kortrijk, Belgium, provides visualization and display solutions for professional markets. Barco designs and develops solutions for large screen visualization, display solutions for life-critical applications, and systems for visual inspection. Barco is active worldwide and has its own facilities for Sales & Marketing, Customer Support, R&D and Manufacturing in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Barco is quoted on Euronext Brussels and is a BEL 20 and a Next 150 company (Euronext: BAR; Reuters: BARBt.BR; Bloomberg: BAR BB).
About NAVAIR Training Systems Division (TSD) Orlando
Within the Naval Air Systems Command, the NAVAIR Training Systems Division (TSD) in Orlando , FL is the Navy's source for a full range of innovative products and services that provide complete training solutions. TSD Orlando is the principle Navy center for research development, test and evaluation, acquisition and product support of training systems; the Navy and Marine Corps center for learning and simulation technologies, methods, processes and systems. This includes requirements analysis, design, development and full life cycle support. Of significance to note is TSD Orlando's ability to provide continuous learning solutions across all Navy warfare communities (aviation, surface, undersea, etc.). TSD Orlando integrates the science of learning with performance-based training and measurement of training effectiveness focused on improving the performance of Sailors and Marines. Additionally, TSD Orlando provides inter-service coordination and training systems support for the Army, Air Force and Coast Guard.
