Incorporating Intelligent Computer Generated Forces in a Human-in-the-Loop Simulation: Phase One – Establishment of a Research Testbed

The Air Operations Division (AOD) of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has developed a range of simulation tools whose capabilities include air combat modelling. The Air Operations Simulation Centre (AOSC) provides a facility for Human-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulation, and the BattleModel provides intelligent Computer Generated Forces (CGFs). The AOSC and the BattleModel have been integrated to create a research testbed for air combat simulation as Phase One of a Technology Demonstrator. This has been the first integration of operationally credible CGFs with a HiL facility in an air environment by DSTO. The CGFs have been implemented using dMARSTM agent controlled fighter aircraft. Interaction with the AOSC has been achieved using Distributed Interactive Simulation (DIS). This paper outlines the rationale for using intelligent CGFs and HiLs in the same synthetic environment, details the development of the research testbed, describes the initial results achieved and makes suggestions for the way forward.