Orlando, FL — Bohemia Interactive Simulations, (BISim), a global developer of military training and simulation software, announced that VBS3 v3.9.1 is now available for customers to download. The latest version of VBS3 includes a range of new features, content, updates and bug fixes. Download the latest version of VBS3 here.
“This version features detailed updates of tools such as a new close air support system and expanded artillery strike feature, making it easier for scenario editors and administrators to incorporate these elements into training,” said Oli Arup, BISim’s vice president of product development. “These have been done under the close guidance of SMEs to ensure they further enhance the training value for customers.”
Highlights of the new features and updates in VBS3 v3.9.1 include the following:
New Close Air Support system - Based on the the previously existing ‘Use Plane to Deliver’ feature of the Artillery Strike editor object, this new system allows users to select aircraft types and customize its loadout before unleashing it on a target. It adds support for egress routes, missile delivery and strafing run-type attacks from both fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft.
Artillery Strike update - The updated system now allows for customization of ammunition calibers, warheads and fuses for a wider range of available ordnance. From 3.9.1 on, aircraft have been removed from the Artillery Strike editor object and will now be available via the new Close Air Support system.
AC-130 updates -The Spectre and Spooky AC-130 variants have been improved, providing more training value. Their flight and targeting characteristics are improved and new features regarding the control and designation of orbit location and targets have been implemented. The turret operator can accept verbally communicated coordinates from a ground unit player (using VBS Radio, for example) and enter that data into a dialogue in a range of map grid formats to both get the aircraft where it needs to be, and the turret to lock onto the area it needs to observe. New menu systems and data dialogue windows are among the aircraft's new features.
AI Rules of Engagement - A new editor object providing a basic set of offensive and defensive rules for AI entities in a mission. Options range from for restricting all AI movement or limiting it to a defensive role only. Control over both the server or player controlled AI's reaction to perceived threats and engagement rules give the mission design and administrator quick and easy control over hostile or civilian AI reactions.
Nighttime Sensor Sim - Infrared (IR) strobes that can be attached to any object, with selectable flash rates. Marker lights in VBS3 are now synced and can be displayed over a dedicated server and can be recorded and displayed in AAR. BISim also has updated targeting pods with IR lasers that include easy-to-use, slew-to-grid feature on optics, a Rover video feed of the pod view, and the ability to configure users in aircraft.
Flight Model Plugin - A plugin for VBS Gateway that allows JSBSim to control the flight dynamics and physics of VBS3 aircraft. JSBSim is an open source flight dynamics model (FDM) that compiles and runs under many operating systems. The FDM is essentially the physics/math model that defines the movement of an aircraft, rocket, etc., under the forces and moments applied to it using the various control mechanisms and from the forces of nature. VBS3 users can enable the flight model by attaching an editor object to the aircraft. Using JSBSim, customers can define their own custom flight models for VBS3 by creating an XML file in JSBSim which loads automatically into the editor object in VBS3.
Added Animations - A dozen new face animations for a greater range of expressiveness for characters. BISim is implementing multi-frame facial animation control in VBS in order to provide high fidelity facial animations of multiple frames over seconds in time.
Windage Effects - BISim has added windage effects that impact ballistics and flares for players and AI units. This feature is turned off by default but can be turned on in the simulation settings.
VBS3, which is used by hundreds of thousands of military personnel worldwide for training and simulation, provides an immersive virtual environment that helps soldiers train on tactics, rehearse for missions, and practice standard operating procedures.
With its After Action Review tool, the software is designed to help soldiers learn to think, make decisions and improve communications before heading to the field for live exercises. VBS3 is used for tactical training and mission rehearsal on desktop computers as well as part-task trainers and full-mission simulators.
VBS products are used in more than 30 countries by military organizations such as the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, UK Ministry of Defence, Australian Defence Force, French Armed Forces, Bundeswehr, Swedish Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, and New Zealand Defense Force.
BOHEMIA INTERACTIVE SIMULATIONS
Founded in 2001, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) is a global software company at the forefront of simulation training solutions for military and civilian organizations. BISim utilizes the latest game-based technology and a large, experienced in-house team of engineers to develop high-fidelity, cost-effective training and simulation software products and components for military applications.