Although modelling and simulation software solutions for the military represent cutting-edge technology, simulation itself isn’t a modern concept.
In the 19th century, Prussian army officers trained using kriegsspiel, or wargames. These tabletop games helped officers understand and develop critical military strategies.
However, most military exercises have depended on deploying troops and equipment to simulate actual combat conditions. This is costly on resources and poses considerable risks to both personnel and equipment.
Simulation software solves both these problems and provides a near-limitless scope for testing capabilities. It takes strategic planning elements and incorporates them directly into immersive user experiences.
What is modelling and simulation software?
Modelling and simulation software combines various virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) elements with computer-generated models, scenarios and environments.
The major difference between VR and AR is how much control the individual user has over their environment. VR offers total immersion in a virtual world, while AR combines virtual with real-world elements.
This difference is important when providing varying degrees of physical interaction for protagonists using simulation and modelling for training purposes.
Basically, modelling and simulation software take physical phenomena and situations and create likenesses of them that feel acutely lifelike for users. They permit high levels of user interaction to heighten this sense of immersion.
In a military context, simulations can range from purely analytical to more demanding, wide-ranging training exercises involving multiple participants.
Military and defence simulation and modelling apply to army, air force and naval training.
Example of a modelling and simulation application
A perfect example of a modelling and simulation application is wargame and mission planning using multi-domain simulation software.
This type of simulation training for the military is a descendant of kriegsspiel wargames. It also represents a significant evolutionary leap forward in strategic training capabilities.
The software provides an extensive and immersive synthetic environment and loads it with multiple entities – individual simulated elements such as troops, vehicles, weaponry and equipment. Users can create and exercise scenarios according to their specific needs and objectives.
The individual user or participant is at the centre of this. They have a first-person role, where they must respond, plan and execute courses of action.
Drag-and-drop functions make it straightforward to add entities and pre-configured groups, along with reactive behaviours and tactical graphics. Users have options to automate complex tasks or trigger actions and events manually.
This modelling and simulation software also supports planning for live exercises and augments live training.
What are the benefits of defence simulation and modelling?
Just as the Prussians realised in the 1800s, diligent planning is critical for delivering desired military outcomes. Defence simulation and modelling take this planning to a higher level altogether.
But there are more benefits to modelling and simulation software solutions besides the obvious ones to do with increased scope for accuracy, detail and involvement.
With modern military budgets under considerable pressure, simulation offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional military exercises and training. It removes the expense and risk of learning to use costly weapons, vehicles and other equipment in the field.
Bridging the gap between the classroom and hands-on experience allows multiple participants to train simultaneously.
Besides saving training time and resources, simulation and modelling offer a safe alternative for trainees learning to use weapons and equipment.
Simulation software creates immersive experiences and demanding environments in which individuals must learn to react and respond rapidly and effectively.
Simulation software offers diverse environmental options for different scenarios, such as climate, weather conditions, terrain, shadows and lighting.
Access to this wide variety of scenarios and conditions supports multiple training exercises, missions, manoeuvres and operations.
Immersiveness is an intrinsic benefit of simulation. Extremely high quality, vivid graphics and environmental effects combine to create interactive and immersive learning and training experiences.
Measuring and assessing the impact of training and the progress of individual trainees are crucial for the military. Simulation and modelling software solutions have built-in capabilities for measuring progress objectively. The software tracks each individual user’s movements and decisions precisely.
Virtual reality (VR) simulation with ST Engineering Antycip
ST Engineering Antycip answers the demanding training needs of the defence and military sector with advanced simulation and modelling software solutions.
These offer a range of simulation-based training applications, from bespoke training environments to computer-generated forces.
Simulation encompasses multiple training roles and scenarios. At a strategic level, it serves tactical and leadership training needs. But it works just as effectively for skills training in critical aspects of military operations such as weapons and vehicle training.
It applies across vital military functions, giving immersive training options to land, air and sea forces.
We can install our training solutions worldwide and customise them to fulfil specific needs and functions.
In collaboration with prominent military specialists and organisations, we've completed various successful projects, including synthetic mission training for the RAF, armed forces and Eurofighter simulation training and ships bridge simulators for international defence training at sea.
Modelling and simulation software broadens military training options, drives efficiency, controls training costs and provides precise measurements to track the individual’s training progress.
For more information about our advanced training solutions, contact us.
