Background

The Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), one of the three Instrumented Battle Circuits (iBACs), is equipped with realistic battlefield effects – simulating air and artillery strike, as well as smart targetry that can ‘shoot-back’ – to create realistic and immersive training environments. These simulators will be portable and easily configurable for use, allowing combat units to hone tactical capabilities realistically. The aim of the iBAC system is to leverage technology to help our troops train more realistically and more effectively; by enhancing training realism, we strengthen the SAF’s operational edge.

Compared to previous forms of training methods where combat scenarios are simulated via verbal cues from instructors or through the use of pyrotechnics, the MUBC will deliver more realistic outcomes safely for drill-based training. Soldiers and trainers training in the MUBC and other iBACs will also be equipped with the enhanced battlefield monitoring system, which employs data analytics and user-centric debriefing tools to provide objective feedback on the soldiers’ and units’ training to improve their performance.

The key systems in the MUBC are as follows:

1. Exercise Control System (EXCON)

   The EXCON is used to plan, monitor, and control training activities at iBACs, and can support training debriefs. It communicates wirelessly with the targetry system and battle effects simulators (BES) through the Universal Controller (UC) that is used to control training devices. The training data of iBACs (e.g. engagement outcomes between soldiers and targets) will be stored within the EXCON. The EXCON systems comprise:

   • Battle Circuit EXCON (B-CON)

     The B-CON is a desktop version of the EXCON. Each iBAC is equipped with a B-CON for the planning and monitoring of training sessions. It controls the instruments, including activating and resetting the targets and BES systems.

   • Instructor EXCON (I-CON)

     The I-CON is a tablet version of the EXCON used by instructors during iBAC training for portability. It allows instructors to control the targets and BES remotely, to provide a more interactive and realistic training environment. The I-CON can also record training observations such as photos, videos, voice or text. It provides real-time access to training performance data (e.g., number of casualties, time taken to complete drills, shooting performance) to provide timely debriefs. Instructors can also playback troops movements/actions on the I-CON to enhance learning outcomes during debriefs.

2. Targetry Systems with “Shoot-Back” Capability

   iBACs are equipped with various targetry systems to enhance training realism and effectiveness. With the “Shoot-Back” system (SBS), the targets can interact with training troops equipped with the laser-based Tactical Engagement System (TES), allowing troops to be identified, shoot at targets, and be shot at during training. The targetry systems will also emit sounds and light to simulate “shooting back” at the troops. Each target is integrated with a UC to communicate with the EXCON. The key targetry systems are:

   • Static 2D Human Target

     The Static 2D Human Target can quickly move in various ways such as flip-up or turn around to simulate sudden engagements. It is designed to provide flexibility for deployment in confined spaces, and can replicate the body heat, enhancing soldiers’ training with their Night Fighting Equipment (NFE). This allows soldiers to train their ability to spot the target’s body heat with their NFE.

     
     

     View from a Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera of Targetry replicating human heat signature

   • Static 3D Mannequin Target

     The static 3D Mannequin Target is able to stand, sit, squat, kneel and prone to simulate an enemy in different fighting postures. It is equipped with SBS capabilities and can also replicate body heat to enhance training with existing NFE.

   • Mobile 3D Human Target

     The Mobile 3D Human Target is a target on wheels meant to simulate enemy patrols and reinforcements and have SBS capabilities to interact with training troops. It can operate at a speed of up to 10km/h and can also replicate human thermal signature to enhance training with existing NFE. Key safety features include the use of Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) for collision avoidance, and a physical emergency stop button that can be easily accessed by nearby personnel. The target movement will be based on pre-planned routes.

     

   • Virtual Avatar System (VAS)

     The VAS can project complex and realistic training scenarios, including situations which may involve civilians and hostiles using configurable settings. The scenarios can be adjusted based on the response of the training troops, which will help to prepare soldiers for dynamic situations. The video characters are integrated with SBS capabilities, allowing it to ‘shoot-back’ at the training troops with lasers to simulate gunfire.

     

3. Battlefield Effect Simulators (BES)

   The Battlefield Effect Simulators (BES) enhance training realism by simulating sights, sounds and effects that soldiers may encounter in the operational environment, such as blast effect, smoke, and being fired on, without using pyrotechnics. The BES will help to condition our soldiers and refine their battlefield instincts. The BESes are integrated with the UC and can be remotely controlled from the EXCON. The BES comprises:

   • Smoke Generator

     The smoke generator produces water-based, non-toxic smoke effects, to simulate the smoke produced by the detonation of ammunitions or charges, such as Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), artillery rounds and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

     

   • Large Blast Simulator

     The Large Blast Simulator can simulate the sound and shockwave effects of detonating ammunitions or charges, such as rockets, artillery rounds, and IEDs.

     

   • Weapon Signature Simulator

     The Weapon Signature Simulator generates sound effects and muzzle flashes similar to those produced by the firing of small arms, such as machine guns. This is achieved through the controlled ignition of a gas mixture.

     

   • Ground Burst Simulator

     The ground burst simulator simulates small-calibre rounds hitting the ground and the detonation of small charges by releasing compressed air.