With the release of VBS3 v19.1, BISim introduced a Call for Fire module with a simulated fire direction center to enable forward observers and fire support team members to train on call-for-fire procedures.
Earlier versions of VBS3 featured a simple artillery editor object that allowed instructors, administrators and players to simulate basic artillery strikes. The new VBS Call for Fire module offers simulated artillery ballistics with real-time and AAR visual trajectory monitoring. Users can easily pre-plan fire missions for automatic execution. The new user interface offers configuration of timing, caliber, loadout, layout and dispersion of rounds from mortars and howitzer gunlines.
The new fire direction center features a workflow that is intuitive and familiar to end users that have had exposure to fire support training tasks, says BISim Project Manager Richard Brake.
“The workflow is easy and straightforward,” Brake says. “We can set up gunlines in seconds instead of minutes. You can track trajectory in real time and this is all recorded in VBS3’s After Action Review capability.”
The fire direction center is part of the mission editors in VBS3 and split into two interfaces on the left and right side of the screen. The left side of the FDC interface is used for creating the fire mission, which follows a standard call-for-fire format. The right side interface handles the gunline and lets instructors monitor the status of each gunline and gun.
“The Call for Fire module allows for split battery operations as well, allowing gunlines to support multiple missions at the same time,” Brake explains. “This is a highly sought after capability currently identified as a gap in simulations by many end users.”
Another key difference between the new VBS Call for Fire module and the previous artillery editor object is that rounds are now visible over DIS and HLA networks.
Brake explains that the VBS Call for Fire module has been designed to help train the 90 percent of personnel who may have to call for fire in the field like platoon or squad leaders but aren’t necessarily experts or in need of more advanced or complicated applications that other complex Call for Fire training products may feature.
Check out the video above to see how the Call for Fire module works.