Army Aviation Training

Apache TESS is used to safely train personnel in the tactical operations of the AH-64D/E Apache Attack Helicopter. Live fire training includes cooperative force engagements, evasive procedures, and the use of Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE). Player and Event data is transmitted in real-time for display and tracking on the Modular Mobile Command and Control (MMCC) to provide situational awareness, player-to-player communications, decentralized engagement adjudication, Real-Time Casualty Assessment (RTCA), and After Action Review (AAR).

Apache TESS includes an A-Kit and a B-Kit. The A-kit includes the Training Laser Designator (TLD), the tray assembly for the Advanced Smart Onboard Data Interface Module (ASMODIM) and modified software in the weapons display and systems processors with cable connection provisions. The B-kit includes the ASMODIM, TESS Gun Control Unit (TGCU), TESS Training Missile (TTM), and GPS and Telemetry antennas.

The Training Laser Designator (TLD) is permanently embedded within the Modernized Day Sensor Assembly (M-DSA) for the M-TADS/PNVS. The TLD simulates weapon designation performed by tactical hardware. The TLD is a self-contained subsystem consisting of a collimated Class 3R (ANSI) 904 nanometer (nm) eye-safe Laser energy transmitter capable of transmitting MILES coded messages to simulate designation during training exercises. It includes the optics required to direct the laser beams and the associated electronics to drive the TLD. MILES output is enabled when firing simulated Hellfire Missiles or Rockets when Apache TESS is installed and engaged on the aircraft. Parameters for direct fire routine are in accordance with PMT 90-S002A. MILES Player IDs range up to 1320 unique Players and 4 Ammo codes.

The TESS Gun Control Unit (TGCU) includes a 904nm eye-safe Laser that transmits MILES Communications Weapon Codes for the 30mm Gun to simulate weapon engagements with TESS instrumented targets. It is mounted within the 30mm Gun Turret and receives commands from the aircraft to control the TGCU and TLD. 30mm gunfire is visually indicated to the target in single or multiple burst rates by the Flash Weapon Effects Signature Simulator (FlashWESS) when the aircraft weapons trigger is pulled. Pilots receive audio cues over the aircraft intercom.

TASS stimulates the Aircraft Survivability Equipment (ASE) when within threat detection and engagement ranges, requiring pilots to take appropriate actions for peer or near-peer threat avoidance. The stimulated ASE triggers the correct audio/visual cues to the aircrew, and inventories and decrements Chaff and Flare countermeasures. TASS replicates enemy Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS) threats by providing interrogation, tracking and targeting of aircraft participating in combined arms Force-on-Force (FoF) training at the Combat Training Centers (CTCs). Incoming aircraft are detected by Opposing Force (OPFOR) acquisition systems. Acquisition data is sent to Command and Control (C2) for firing solution and launcher assignment. Firing data is sent to individual launching platforms (MAST, ASET IV, RSE). Launching platforms engage aircraft by stimulating the ASE B-Kit Emulator (ABE). Apache TESS adjudicates the attack and relays status and performance parameters of the threat for display on the unclassified CTC-IS. At end-game, TASS presents the user with computed miss-distance and probability of kill results to quantify the outcome of the engagement.

Aviation TESS (AV-TESS) instruments the UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters for collective training at U.S. Army Combat Training Centers (CTCs) and Home Stations. MILES Laser engagement capability is added by integrating the SMODIM, Aircraft Kill Indicator (AKI), and GPS and Telemetry Antennas. The AKI is a hermetically sealed, high-intensity strobe light that transmits standard “Hit”, “Kill” or “Near Miss” flash sequence indications when the Laser Sensors detect MILES Laser energy.

AV-TESS is designed to interface with the CTC’s Core Instrumentation System (CIS) through the existing Army Aviation Data Management System (AADMS) network. The SMODIM processes signals received from the Laser Sensors/Detectors to calculate Real-Time Casualty Assessment (RTCA). Based on the outcome, the SMODIM controls AKI signaling, injects audio messages through the aircraft Intercom System (ICS), and transmits event data through the telemetry network.

LUH-TESS provides dual capabilities for the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to perform as an Observer/Controller (O/C) and Opposing Force (OPFOR). An Offensive Weapons Capability is added to provide target acquisition and simulated weapons for the OPFOR threat aircraft. Weapons are simulated with a MILES coded Laser. New platform integrated components include the Articulating Sensor Package (ASP) with embedded FlashWESS Laser Transmitter (FLT), Weapons Processor, Hand Controller and two Color Cockpit Displays.

The Weapons Processor is the interface between the ASP and the LUH-TESS SMODIM. The Weapons Processor controls weapon events and interfaces with audio/video functions, ASP, and SMODIM. The Weapons Processor is packaged in a MIL-STD qualified enclosure and installed in the avionics bay.

The Hand Controller articulates the ASP and controls the zoom and focus of the internal camera.

A weapons trigger provides an offensive capability and indicates when the Laser is armed and active. Two Color Cockpit Displays provide situational awareness, targeting, weapon selection, rounds count, range and trigger pull.