Simulating aircraft data for tactical training

Abstract

The present application relates to simulating aircraft data for tactical training, and discloses a computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, via an onboard network and by a computing device associated with a live aircraft in a training environment, simulation data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft, wherein the simulation data is packet-based; and performing, by the computing device based on receiving the simulation data, one or more operations to create a training simulation for the live aircraft, wherein the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft with the simulated attributes.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] In an aircraft tactical training environment, as part of a training plan for tactical training of a pilot of a "live" aircraft against an enemy aircraft, one or more "live" aircraft are deployed with "enemy" aircraft within a training range (e.g., a military range). In some instances, the enemy aircraft used in the training plan can include aircraft available in inventory (e.g., older aircraft, retired aircraft, unmanned aircraft, stripped-down aircraft, etc.). Because representative aircraft can not be available for training for various reasons, the enemy aircraft can not represent (e.g., physically or in the electronic spectrum) an aircraft that a live pilot can face in a "real" combat scenario. The enemy aircraft can include a device that emits electromagnetic signals to allow the live aircraft to detect and track the enemy aircraft. SUMMARY

[0002] In one example aspect, a computer-implemented method includes receiving, via an onboard network and by a computing device associated with a live aircraft in a training environment, simulation data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft, where the simulation data is based on data packets; and performing, by the computing device based on receiving the simulation data, one or more operations to create a training simulation for the live aircraft, where the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft having the simulated attributes.

[0003] In another example aspect, a computer program product includes a computer- readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are executable by a computing device to cause the computing device to receive, via an onboard network and by a computing device associated with a live aircraft in a training environment, simulation data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft, where the simulation data is based on data packets; and perform, based on receiving the simulation data, one or more operations to create a training simulation for the live aircraft, where the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft having the simulated attributes.

[0004] In another example aspect, a system includes a processor associated with a computing device, a computer-readable memory, and a computer-readable storage medium; program instructions to receive, via an onboard network and by a computing device associated with a live aircraft in a training environment, simulation data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft, where the simulation data is based on data packets; and program instructions to perform, based on receiving the simulation data, one or more operations to create a training simulation for the live aircraft, where the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft having the simulated attributes. The program instructions are stored on the computer-readable storage medium to be executed by the processor via the computer-readable memory. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 An overview of example environments and implementations described herein is shown.

[0006] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Example components in the environments of Figure 1 and data flows between devices are shown.

[0007] Figure 3 An example flow diagram of a process for receiving and using simulated aircraft data for real-world aircraft tactical training is shown.

[0008] Figure 4 An example training environment according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0009] Figure 5 Example components of devices that can be used within a training environment are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements; it being understood that the drawings are designed for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments of the various techniques described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the various techniques described herein in any way. The drawings illustrate and describe various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] In aircraft tactical training between a "live" aircraft (e.g., an aircraft that can be deployed in a real combat scenario) and an "enemy aircraft," the enemy aircraft can not represent (e.g., physically or in the electronic spectrum) an aircraft that a live pilot can face in a "real" combat scenario because a representative "real" enemy aircraft can not be available for training for various reasons. For example, inexpensive, retired, and / or other types of aircraft (e.g., beach flyers, RotorWay jet aircraft, etc.) can be used as enemy aircraft in a training program. While using such aircraft can be useful when more representative real enemy aircraft are not available or accessible, the efficiency of training using such unrepresentative enemy aircraft can be lower compared to using more representative or realistic enemy aircraft. For example, an unrepresentative enemy aircraft can appear differently in the electronic instruments of a live aircraft. Likewise, the electronic emissions, physical representation, thermal signature, and / or other types of signatures of an unrepresentative enemy aircraft can not accurately represent an aircraft that a pilot can face in a real combat situation. Furthermore, the electronic emissions of an unrepresentative enemy aircraft can be detected by unauthorized observers. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure can replace the electronic emissions of an unrepresentative enemy aircraft with simulated data packet-based enemy aircraft data that more closely represents the attributes of a real enemy aircraft than the signals emitted by the unrepresentative enemy aircraft. Aspects of the present disclosure can include a system to simulate the attributes of a live enemy aircraft so that the enemy aircraft has the appearance (e.g., within the instruments of a live aircraft) of a more realistic combat aircraft that exists in a real combat situation. In some embodiments, the simulated data can be generated as datagrams or packets of data that can be transmitted over a data packet-based onboard network.

[0012] As described herein, simulated aircraft data can be transmitted to a live aircraft in a training environment to cause the combat and / or electronic display systems of the live aircraft to operate as if the enemy aircraft had the attributes of a real enemy aircraft. In this manner, the development of tactics and tactical / combat training of live pilots is improved because the pilots have the opportunity to train against aircraft that appear to have the attributes of real enemy aircraft that can be faced in a real combat situation. Furthermore, relatively inexpensive, available, and relatively abundant unrepresentative aircraft can still be used in a training program because the unrepresentative aircraft can appear in the instruments of a live aircraft to represent a real enemy aircraft.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the simulated data can be packet-based data transmitted over a packet-based network (e.g., an Internet Protocol (IP) network, a local onboard network, etc.). The simulated data is encrypted and any number of network security techniques (e.g., media access control filtering / blocking, firewalls, passwords, etc.) can be used to secure the training network in which the simulated data is transmitted. Other security measures can be taken to protect the encryption and decryption keys and prevent unauthorized access to the training network (e.g., hardware encryption using any type of encryptor). In this way, unauthorized parties are prevented from detecting the training aircraft (e.g., operational aircraft and / or enemy aircraft).

[0014] As described herein, in addition to the simulated data, the operational aircraft can receive sensor data. In some embodiments, the sensor data can be inconsistent with the simulated data. For example, the sensor data can identify actual or non-simulated attributes (e.g., size, dimensions, shape, heat signature, etc.) of an enemy aircraft, while the simulated data can identify simulated attributes representative of a real or simulated enemy aircraft. In some embodiments, the sensor data can be merged with the simulated data. The merged data can include a portion of the real sensor data, as well as a portion of the simulated data, to more closely resemble a real combat scenario. In this way, the simulated data can be used to "fill in the gaps" or supplement the sensor data to create a real combat scenario. Further, the systems of the operational aircraft can execute and process instructions based on the merged data, thereby providing a more realistic combat training environment for the pilot. For example, the systems of the operational aircraft can execute instructions to display the merged data, track the enemy aircraft based on the merged data, etc.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the simulated data can be generated by an aircraft data system on the enemy aircraft. In some embodiments, a portion of the simulated data can be based on real data (e.g., non-simulated data) such as a real geographic location of the enemy aircraft. That is, the simulated data can include a real location of the enemy aircraft, but not simulated data regarding a heat signature, electronic emission signature, physical characteristics (e.g., size, shape, dimensions, etc.) of the enemy aircraft, etc. In some embodiments, the enemy aircraft does not necessarily exist and a simulated training data application can be implemented on a computing device (e.g., desktop, server, laptop, mobile device, augmented reality device, etc.). In this way, simulated training data can be generated and transmitted without using an enemy aircraft. Upon receiving the simulated training data, the instrumentation systems of the operational aircraft can detect the simulated aircraft (e.g., location, movement, and attributes of the simulated aircraft) for the purpose of tactical aircraft training. In one or more alternative embodiments, the simulated data can represent other types of vehicles other than aircraft, such as tanks or ground vehicles, structures, etc.

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include systems, methods, and / or computer program products at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 An overview of an example implementation and example environment in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, a training environment 10 can include a live aircraft 100, an enemy aircraft 115, and an onboard network 120. As described herein, the training environment can include any number of live aircraft 100 and enemy aircraft 115, however, for simplicity and illustrative purposes, one of each live aircraft 100 and enemy aircraft 115 is shown. As described herein, the enemy aircraft 115 can be a representative enemy aircraft that can exist in a real combat situation, but is used for training purposes due to availability. Figure 1

[0018] As shown, each of the live aircraft 100 and enemy aircraft 115 can include an aircraft training data system 105, whereby packet-based aircraft data can be exchanged via the onboard network 120. More specifically, the aircraft training data system 105 of the enemy aircraft 115 can transmit simulated aircraft data to the aircraft training data system 105 of the live aircraft 100. For example, the simulated aircraft data can represent attributes of a real enemy aircraft that can exist in a live combat situation. As described herein, the aircraft training data system 105 of the live aircraft 100 can receive the simulated aircraft data and operate based on the simulated aircraft data (e.g., display the simulated aircraft data, operate weapon, navigation, and / or flight systems based on the simulated aircraft data, etc.). In this manner, the pilot of the live aircraft 100 can experience a more realistic combat scenario during the training mission. Figure 1

[0019] ​​In some embodiments, the aircraft training data system 105 of the combat aircraft 100 can convert its actual (e.g., non-simulated) system, navigation, position, and / or sensor data into a packet-based format and transmit this packet-based aircraft data via the airborne network 120 for reception by the aircraft training data system 105 of the enemy aircraft 115. Additionally or alternatively, other aircraft and / or other computing devices connected to the airborne network 120 can receive the packet-based aircraft data transmitted by the combat aircraft 100. In this way, aircraft data (e.g., both simulated and non-simulated aircraft data) can be transmitted and delivered across the airborne network 120 without the risk of unauthorized interception, a risk that may exist in systems where the enemy aircraft 115 implements a transmitter detected by the combat aircraft 100. Moreover, by transmitting aircraft data in a packet-based format, multiple different aircraft and computing devices on the airborne network 120 can securely discover and observe the aircraft data independently.

[0020] Airborne network 120 may include network nodes and network devices to form a network (e.g., a packet-based network) through which multiple different aircraft training data systems 105 and other computing devices can communicate. Additionally or alternatively, airborne network 120 may include one or more wired and / or wireless networks. For example, airborne network 120 may include cellular networks (e.g., second-generation (2G), third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), fifth-generation (2G), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolved Data Optimized (EVDO), etc.), Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMN), and / or another network. Additionally or alternatively, network 240 may include a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), Ad Hoc Network, Managed Internet Protocol (IP) Network, Virtual Private Network (VPN), Intranet, Internet, fiber-optic network, and / or combinations of these or other types of networks. In this embodiment, the airborne network 120 may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers.

[0021] The number of devices and / or networks in Environment 10 is not limited to Figure 1 The quantities shown. In practice, environment 10 may include additional equipment, aircraft and / or networks; fewer devices and / or networks; different devices and / or networks; or [other devices and / or networks]. Figure 1The illustrated devices and / or networks are different arrangements of devices and / or networks. Also, in some embodiments, one or more devices of environment 10 can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another device or devices of environment 10. Devices of environment 10 can be connected to each other via wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0022] Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example of components in environment 10 and data flow between devices is shown. More specifically, Figure 1 An example of components in environment 10 and data flow between devices is shown. More specifically, Figure 2A An example of components for generating a simulated training environment by transmitting packet-based simulated aircraft data across an onboard network 120 between aircraft is shown. As described herein, during a training operation, simulated aircraft data can be converted to a packet-based format and received by a live aircraft 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2A Enemy aircraft training data system 105 can transmit simulated enemy aircraft data to live aircraft training data system 105. In some embodiments, enemy aircraft training data system 105 can be implemented in a live enemy aircraft 115. Additionally or alternatively, enemy aircraft training data system 105 can be implemented in a ground-based or non-aircraft computer system. Enemy aircraft training data system 105 can generate simulated enemy aircraft data based on aircraft position data 202, sensor control / data 204, sensor models 206, entity database 208, and / or aircraft properties 210. In embodiments, data conversion component 212 can be implemented to convert data from aircraft position data 202, sensor control / data 204, sensor models 206, entity database 208, and / or aircraft properties 210 to packet-based data for transmission via onboard network 120.

[0024] In some embodiments, aircraft position data 202 can be based on non-simulated data of a live enemy aircraft 115. For example, when enemy aircraft training data system 105 is implemented in a live enemy aircraft 115, aircraft position data 202 can be obtained from an aircraft navigation / position device that tracks the real-time position of live enemy aircraft 115. Alternatively, when enemy aircraft training data system 105 is implemented in a non-aircraft computer system, aircraft position data 205 can be simulated.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensor control / data 204 can include non-simulated sensor and control data from sensors implemented on the live enemy aircraft 115, or simulated sensor and control data when the aircraft training data system 105 is implemented on a non-aircraft training system. In some embodiments, the sensor control can be on the live enemy aircraft 115, or controlled remotely (e.g., wirelessly from a cockpit of the live enemy aircraft 115). In some embodiments, the sensor data can be received from the enemy aircraft 115 or remotely (e.g., from a ground system or an airborne system). The sensor models 206 can include any number of modeled sensor data, including threat perception data, RADAR data, radar warning receiver (RWR) data, etc.

[0026] In some embodiments, the entity database 208 can store data identifying other entities (e.g., aircraft, structures, vehicles, etc.) detected within the onboard network 120. The aircraft attributes 210 can include simulated attributes of the aircraft similar to real combat aircraft. For example, the aircraft attributes 210 can identify aircraft type, model, dimensions, size, shape, design, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the aircraft attributes can identify electronic emission signatures, thermal signatures, etc. In some embodiments, the aircraft attributes 210 are provided via user input (e.g., by an operator or a training personnel). For example, the aircraft attributes 210 can be set to be similar to a particular type of aircraft for which training is being performed.

[0027] In some embodiments, the data conversion component 212 can convert and package data from the aircraft position data 202, the sensor control / data 204, the sensor models 206, the entity database 208, and / or the aircraft attributes 210 as simulated enemy aircraft data. The simulated enemy aircraft data can be transmitted to other devices on the onboard network 120 (e.g., via the transceiver 214). In some embodiments, the simulated enemy aircraft data can be transmitted to the live aircraft training data system 105. Figure 2A In some embodiments, the simulated enemy aircraft data can be transmitted to the live aircraft training data system 105.

[0028] In some embodiments, the live aircraft training data system 105 can provide the simulated enemy aircraft data to the aircraft instruments and control systems 110. As described above, the aircraft instruments and control systems 110 can include any number of instruments and control systems of a real combat aircraft. In some embodiments, the simulated enemy aircraft data can be provided to the aircraft instruments and control systems 110 via the transceiver 214. Figure 2AAs shown, the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 can also receive data from sensors 112 implemented on the live aircraft 100. As described herein, a portion of the data from the sensors 112 can conflict or be inconsistent with the simulated enemy aircraft data. For example, the sensor data can identify actual or non-simulated attributes of the enemy aircraft (e.g., size, dimensions, shape, heat signature, etc.), while the simulated data can identify simulated attributes representative of the real or simulated enemy aircraft. To resolve these inconsistencies, the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 can implement data fusion 114 to fuse or merge the sensor data with the simulated enemy aircraft data. In some embodiments, the data fusion 114 can filter, discard, and / or override a portion of the conflicting sensor data such that the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 receives the simulated data. Generally, the data fusion 114 can retain sensor data that is not in conflict with the simulated enemy aircraft data and can override sensor data that is in conflict with the simulated enemy aircraft data. In this way, the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 can receive a complete merged data set that includes both the non-conflicting sensor data and the simulated enemy aircraft data to create an“appearance” of a real enemy aircraft that can exist in a combat scenario and a simulated scenario. In some embodiments, any number of rules can be implemented to define the manner in which the data fusion 114 modifies, filters, and / or overrides the sensor data in consideration of the simulated aircraft data.

[0029] Based on receiving the merged data, the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 can perform any number of instructions or operations based on the merged data. For example, the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 can display the merged data such that the live enemy aircraft 115 has the attributes of a real enemy aircraft (e.g., appearance, electronic emission signature, heat signature, etc.). Further, any combat tactics, weapon systems, and / or maneuvers controlled by the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 (e.g., automatically or manually) can be performed based on the simulated attributes and simulated data. In this way, the aircraft tactical training can more realistically recreate a real combat scenario.

[0030] As described herein, in addition to receiving simulated aircraft data based on data packets, the live aircraft 100 can also generate and transmit non-simulated aircraft data to other aircraft data systems 105 in the onboard network 120 (e.g., implemented in other aircraft or ground systems). In this way, the analyzed data from the live aircraft 100 can be received and used as part of training or analysis. For example, with reference to Figure 2B , the live aircraft training data system 105 can implement a data fusion 116 to fuse or merge the non-simulated aircraft data with the simulated enemy aircraft data. In some embodiments, the data fusion 116 can filter, discard, and / or override a portion of the non-simulated aircraft data such that the live aircraft training data system 105 receives the simulated data. Generally, the data fusion 116 can retain non-simulated aircraft data that is not in conflict with the simulated enemy aircraft data and can override non-simulated aircraft data that is in conflict with the simulated enemy aircraft data. In this way, the live aircraft training data system 105 can receive a complete merged data set that includes both the non-conflicting non-simulated aircraft data and the simulated enemy aircraft data to create an“appearance” of a real enemy aircraft that can exist in a combat scenario and a simulated scenario. In some embodiments, any number of rules can be implemented to define the manner in which the data fusion 116 modifies, filters, and / or overrides the non-simulated aircraft data in consideration of the simulated aircraft data. Figure 2AThe enemy aircraft training data system 105 discussed herein generates non-simulated combat aircraft data based on data packets in a manner that simulates enemy aircraft. For example, the combat aircraft training data system 105 can convert aircraft position data 202, sensor control / data 204, sensor models 206, entity database 208, and / or aircraft attributes 210 into data packets for transmission via the onboard network 120. Figure 2B As shown, multiple different aircraft training data systems 105 can receive non-simulated combat aircraft data. This non-simulated combat aircraft data can be received and used by other combat aircraft 100 and / or on-site enemy aircraft 115 (e.g., for displaying non-simulated combat aircraft data in instrument / display systems, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the non-simulated combat aircraft data can be stored for analysis at a later time. In some embodiments, a central server receives simulated and / or non-simulated aircraft data for distribution, or each individual aircraft training data system 105 can receive simulated and / or non-simulated aircraft data.

[0031] Figure 3 An example flow diagram is shown for the process of receiving and using simulated aircraft data to conduct tactical training with real aircraft. Figure 3 The steps can be found in Figure 1 Implemented in an environment, for example, using Figure 1 The reference numerals of the elements depicted in the figures are used to describe them. Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In some embodiments, process 300 may be run or executed by the aircraft training data system 105.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, process 300 may include receiving simulated data (block 310). For example, aircraft training data system 105 (e.g., implemented in combat aircraft 100) may receive simulated data from another aircraft training data system 105 connected to airborne network 120 (e.g., aircraft training data system 105 implemented by the on-site enemy aircraft 115, remote or ground-based aircraft training data system 105, etc.). As described herein, the simulated data may represent simulated attributes of the on-site enemy aircraft and / or simulated attributes of the enemy aircraft.

[0033] The process 300 can further include receiving sensor data (block 320). For example, the aircraft training data system 105 can receive sensor data from one or more sensors 112 implemented by the live aircraft 100. In some embodiments, the sensor data can be non-simulated sensor readings representative of properties of a surrounding live enemy aircraft (e.g., electronic emission data, electronic signature data, heat signature data, aircraft size, shape, dimensions, etc.).

[0034] The process 300 can further include comparing the sensor data and the simulated data (block 330). For example, the aircraft training data system 105 can compare the sensor data (e.g., non-simulated data) to the simulated data. Through the comparison, the aircraft training data system 105 can identify inconsistencies or differences between the sensor data and the simulated data. For example, the sensor data can identify actual or non-simulated properties of the enemy aircraft (e.g., size, dimensions, shape, heat signature, etc.), while the simulated data can identify simulated properties representative of a realistic or simulated enemy aircraft.

[0035] The process 300 can further include merging the sensor data and the simulated data (block 340). For example, the aircraft training data system 105 can merge the sensor data and the simulated data (e.g., using the data fusion 114). In some embodiments, the data fusion 114 can filter, discard, and / or overwrite a portion of the conflicting sensor data such that the aircraft instruments and control systems 110 of the aircraft training data system 105 receive simulated data. Generally, the data fusion 114 can retain sensor data that is not in conflict with the simulated enemy aircraft data and can overwrite sensor data that is in conflict with the simulated enemy aircraft data. In this way, the aircraft instruments and control systems 110 can receive a complete merged data set that includes non-conflicting sensor data as well as simulated enemy aircraft data to create a “look” of a realistic enemy aircraft that can exist in a combat scenario and a simulated scenario. In some embodiments, any number of rules can be implemented to define the way that the data fusion 114 modifies, filters, and / or overwrites sensor data in consideration of simulated aircraft data. In this way, a representation of a live enemy aircraft can be digitally transformed (e.g., from the perspective of the instruments in the live aircraft) into a realistic combat enemy aircraft (e.g., an aircraft having simulated properties that are consistent with properties of an aircraft that exists in a combat situation). That is, the simulated data can transform a digital representation of a live enemy aircraft such that the live enemy aircraft has properties (e.g., look, heat signature, electronic signature, size, shape, dimensions, etc.) of a realistic combat enemy aircraft.

[0036] Process 300 may further include performing operations based on the merged data (box 350). For example, the aircraft instrument and control system 110 of the aircraft training data system 105 may execute any number of commands or operations based on the merged data. For example, the aircraft instrument and control system 110 may display the merged data such that the digital representation of the enemy aircraft 115 in the field has the attributes of a real combat enemy aircraft (e.g., appearance, electronic launch signature, thermal signature, etc.). Furthermore, any combat tactical operations, weapon system operations, instrument displays, and / or maneuvers controlled (e.g., automatically or manually) by the aircraft instrument and control system 110 may be performed and / or modified based on the simulated attributes and simulated data. In this way, an aircraft tactical training simulation is created, which can more realistically reconstruct the real combat scenario compared to a training environment that only includes unrepresentative enemy aircraft.

[0037] In some embodiments, the aircraft training data system 105 can convert combat aircraft data of the combat aircraft 100 into data that can be transmitted via an IP network (e.g., an airborne network 120). For example, the aircraft training data system 105 can convert combat aircraft data such as sensor readings, position, speed, trajectory, mission, and aircraft commands into packetized data for transmission throughout the airborne network 120 to other aircraft training data systems 105. In this way, other computing devices, simulators, and / or other aircraft training data systems 105 on the airborne network 120 can see and observe the operation of the combat aircraft 100. Moreover, since the aircraft data is transmitted via a secure airborne network 120 rather than through electronically transmitted signals, unauthorized parties cannot access the aircraft data.

[0038] Figure 4 An example training environment according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the training environment 400 may include a live-fire aircraft 100 and an enemy aircraft 115. The enemy aircraft 115 may be a non-simulated aircraft in the field, but the aircraft training data system 105 may be implemented to simulate one or more of its attributes, giving the enemy aircraft 115 a more realistic appearance of a combat aircraft existing in a real combat situation (e.g., within the instruments of the live-fire aircraft 100). Figure 4Further shown, the training environment 400 can further include a phantom or simulated live aircraft 100-1 and a phantom or simulated enemy aircraft 115-1. In some embodiments, the phantom aircraft can not physically exist, but can exist within a display and / or other instrumentation system of the live aircraft 100. The phantom aircraft can be generated by any of the aircraft training data systems 105 on the onboard network 120. For example, the training aircraft training data system 105 can generate simulated packetized aircraft data and transmit the data as IP data over the onboard network 120. Additionally or alternatively, the phantom live aircraft 100-1 and / or the phantom enemy aircraft 115-1 can be simulated aircraft controlled by individuals using ground-based aircraft simulators. That is, the phantom aircraft can be purely simulated and computer controlled, or can be simulated and operator controlled. In this way, the training environment 400 can include any number of live aircraft with simulated attributes and / or simulated phantom aircraft for creating various training simulations. Moreover, any number of operations can be performed based on simulated data included in the training environment 400 (e.g., operations to adjust digital representations of live and / or phantom enemy aircraft, adjust combat operations performed by the live aircraft 100, etc.).

[0039] Figure 5 Example components of a device 500 that can be used in the training environment 10 or 400 are shown. In some embodiments, the device 500 can correspond to the aircraft training data system 105, the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110, and / or any type of computing device implemented by the live aircraft 100. Each of the aircraft training data system 105, the aircraft instrumentation and control system 110 can include one or more devices 500 and / or one or more components of the device 500.

[0040] As Figure 5 shown, the device 500 can include a bus 505, a processor 510, a main memory 515, a read-only memory (ROM) 520, a storage device 525, an input device 530, an output device 535, and a communication interface 540.

[0041] Bus 505 can include a path that allows the components of device 500 to communicate with one another. Processor 510 can include a processor, microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other processing unit that interprets and executes instructions. Main memory 515 can include a random access memory (RAM) or another type of dynamic storage device that stores information and instructions for execution by processor 510. ROM 520 can include a ROM device or another type of static storage device that stores static information and instructions for use by processor 510. Storage device 525 can include a magnetic storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a removable memory such as flash memory.

[0042] Input device 530 can include a component that permits an operator to input information to device 500, such as a control button, a keyboard, a keypad, or another type of input device. Output device 535 can include a component that outputs information to the operator, such as a light emitting diode (LED), a display, or another type of output device. Communication interface 540 can include any component similar to a transceiver that enables device 500 to communicate with other devices or networks. In some embodiments, communication interface 540 can include a wireless interface, a wired interface, or a combination of a wireless interface and a wired interface. In an embodiment, communication interface 540 can receive computer-readable program instructions from a network and can forward the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium, such as storage device 525.

[0043] Device 500 can perform certain operations as described in detail below. Device 500 can perform these operations in response to processor 510 executing software instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as main memory 515. A computer-readable medium can be defined as a non-transitory memory device, and should not be interpreted as being transitory signals per se. Memory devices include storage within a single physical storage device or spread across multiple physical storage devices.

[0044] Software instructions can be read into main memory 515 from another computer-readable medium, such as storage device 525, or from another device via communication interface 540. The software instructions contained in main memory 515 can direct processor 510 to perform processes that will be described in greater detail below. Alternatively, hardwired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0045] In some implementations, device 500 can include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. 5. Figure 5 The components shown in FIG. 5 can be arranged differently than shown in FIG. 5.

[0046] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0047] These computer readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored

[0048] The flow and block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flow and block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which

[0049] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include systems, methods, and / or computer program products at any possible technical detail level of integration. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out operations described herein and / or to otherwise result in the execution of the operations described herein by the processor.

[0050] In embodiments, computer-readable program instructions can be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, or either source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0051] In some embodiments, an electronic circuit comprising, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA) can execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to individualize the electronic circuit in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] The computer-readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0053] In embodiments, a service provider can offer to perform the processes described herein. In such a case, the service provider can create, maintain, deploy, support, etc. the computer infrastructure that performs the process steps of the present disclosure for one or more customers. The customers may, for example, be enterprises that have a business relationship with the service provider. In return, the service provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under a subscription and / or fee agreement, and / or the service provider can receive payments from the sale of advertising content to one or more third parties.

[0054] The previous description provides an overview and description of the described embodiments, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the possible implementations to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure, or can be acquired from practice of the embodiments.

[0055] It will be obvious, that the various examples of the description provided above can be implemented in many different forms of software, firmware, and hardware in the implementations illustrated in the figures. The actual software code or specialized control hardware to implement these examples is not limiting of the implementations. Thus, the operation and behavior of the examples were described without reference to the specific software code - it being understood that software and control hardware can be designed to implement the examples based on the description herein.

[0056] Even if a particular combination is recited in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, such a combination is not intended to limit the disclosure of possible embodiments. Indeed, many combinations of features can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Although each dependent claim listed below can only directly depend on one other claim, the disclosure of possible embodiments includes each dependent claim in combination with every other claim in the claim set.

[0057] The following describes other aspects and features of a simulated aircraft tactical training system, presented without limitation in a series of paragraphs, some or all of which can be combined in a variety of ways, and / or combined with the disclosure elsewhere in this application, for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more of the other paragraphs, and / or combined with the disclosure elsewhere in this application, in any suitable manner. Certain of the following paragraphs expressly reference and further limit other paragraphs, providing some examples of suitable combinations, without limitation.

[0058] 1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving, via an onboard network (240) (120) and by a computing device (500) associated with a live aircraft (100) in a training environment (10, 400), simulation data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft (115), wherein the simulation data is packet-based; and performing, by the computing device (500), one or more operations based on receiving the simulation data to create a training simulation for the live aircraft (100), wherein the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes.

[0059] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein performing the one or more operations comprises at least one of: displaying a digital representation of the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes; adjusting an instrument display based on the simulation data; adjusting a combat tactical operation based on the simulation data; adjusting a weapon system operation based on the simulation data; and adjusting a maneuvering operation based on the simulation data.

[0060] 3. The method of any of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the enemy aircraft (115) is a live enemy aircraft (115), wherein the simulation data transforms a digital representation of the live enemy aircraft (115) into a combat enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes.

[0061] 4. The method of any of clauses 1-3, further comprising: receiving sensor data; and merging the sensor data with the simulated data based on a difference between the sensor data and the simulated data, wherein performing the one or more operations is based on merging the sensor data with the simulated data.

[0062] 5. The method of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising receiving additional simulated data representing a phantom or simulated enemy aircraft (115), wherein the additional simulated data is received remotely from a ground or airborne system, and wherein performing the one or more operations is based on receiving the additional simulated data.

[0063] 6. The method of any of clauses 1-5, further comprising transmitting packetized data representing operations of the live aircraft (100) across the airborne network (240) (120).

[0064] 7. The method of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the airborne network (240) (120) is an IP-based or other packet-based network.

[0065] 8. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions presented therewith, the program instructions executable by a computing device (500) to cause the computing device (500) to: receive, via an airborne network (240) (120) and by a computing device (500) associated with a live aircraft (100) in a training environment (10, 400), simulated data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft (115), wherein the simulated data is packet-based; and based on receiving the simulated data, perform one or more operations to create a training simulation for the live aircraft (100), wherein the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes.

[0066] 9. The computer program product of clause 8, wherein performing the one or more operations comprises at least one of: displaying a digital representation of the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes; adjusting an instrument display based on the simulated data; adjusting a tactical operation based on the simulated data; adjusting a weapon system operation based on the simulated data; and adjusting a maneuvering operation based on the simulated data.

[0067] 10. The computer program product of any of clauses 8 or 9, wherein the enemy aircraft (115) is a live enemy aircraft, wherein the simulated data transforms a digital representation of the live enemy aircraft into a combat enemy aircraft having the simulated attributes.

[0068] 11. The computer program product of any of clauses 8-10, wherein the program instructions further cause the computing device (500) to: receive sensor data; and merge the sensor data with the simulated data based on a difference between the sensor data and the simulated data, wherein performing the one or more operations is based on merging the sensor data with the simulated data.

[0069] 12. The computer program product of any of clauses 8-11, wherein the program instructions further cause the computing device (500) to receive additional simulated data representing a phantom or simulated enemy aircraft (115), wherein performing the one or more operations is based on receiving the additional simulated data.

[0070] 13. The computer program product of any of clauses 8-12, wherein the program instructions further cause the computing device (500) to transmit packetized data representing operations of the live aircraft (100) across the onboard network (240) (120).

[0071] 14. The computer program product of any of clauses 8-13, wherein the onboard network (240) (120) is an IP-based or other packet-based network.

[0072] 15. A system comprising: a processor (510), computer-readable memory, and computer-readable storage media associated with a computing device (500); program instructions to receive simulated data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft (115) via an onboard network (240) (120) and by a computing device (500) associated with a live aircraft (100) in a training environment (10, 400), wherein the simulated data is packet-based; and program instructions to perform one or more operations based on receiving the simulated data to create a training simulation for the live aircraft (100), wherein the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft (115) with the simulated attributes, wherein the program instructions are stored on the computer-readable storage media for execution by the processor (510) via the computer-readable memory.

[0073] 16. The system of clause 15, wherein performing the one or more operations includes at least one of: displaying a digital representation of the enemy aircraft (115) with the simulated attributes; adjusting an instrument display based on the simulated data; adjusting a tactical operation based on the simulated data; adjusting a weapon system operation based on the simulated data; and adjusting a maneuvering operation based on the simulated data.

[0074] 17. The system of any of clauses 15 or 16, wherein the enemy aircraft (115) is a live enemy aircraft (115), wherein the simulation data transforms a digital representation of the live enemy aircraft (115) into a combat enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes.

[0075] 18. The system of any of clauses 15-17, further comprising program instructions to receive sensor data; and program instructions to merge the sensor data with the simulation data based on a difference between the sensor data and the simulation data, wherein performing the one or more operations is based on merging the sensor data with the simulation data.

[0076] 19. The system of any of clauses 15-18, further comprising program instructions to receive additional simulation data representing a phantom or simulated enemy aircraft (115), wherein performing the one or more operations is based on receiving the additional simulation data.

[0077] 20. The system of any of clauses 15-19, further comprising program instructions to transmit packetized data representing operations of the live aircraft (100) across the onboard network (240) (120).

[0078] While this disclosure has been disclosed with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations can be made within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The appended claims do not intend to limit the disclosure to the described embodiments.

[0079] No element, act, or instruction used in the description of this application should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article "a” is intended to include one or more items, and can be used interchangeably with "one or more." Where only one item is intended, the Figure 1 term "one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: Simulated data representing simulated attributes of a field enemy aircraft (115) is received via an airborne network (240) (120) and through a computing device (500) associated with a combat aircraft (100) in a training environment (10, 400), wherein the simulated data transforms a digital representation of the field enemy aircraft (115) into a combat enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes, and the simulated data is based on data packets; Receive sensor data from the enemy aircraft (115) on site; Data fusion is used to merge the sensor data and the simulation data based on the differences between them, so as to retain sensor data that does not conflict with the simulation data and cover sensor data that does conflict with the simulation data; and The computing device (500) performs one or more operations based on receiving the simulation data and merging the sensor data with the simulation data to create a training simulation for the combat aircraft (100), wherein the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulation attributes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the one or more operations comprises at least one of the following: Displays a digital representation of the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes; Adjust the instrument display based on the simulated data; Adjust combat tactics based on the simulation data; Adjust weapon system operation based on the simulation data; and Adjust maneuvering operations based on the simulation data.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving additional simulation data representing a phantom or simulated enemy aircraft (115), wherein the additional simulation data is received remotely from a ground or airborne system, and wherein the one or more operations are performed based on receiving the additional simulation data.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting packetized data representing the operation of the combat aircraft (100) across the airborne network (240) (120).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the airborne network (240) (120) is an IP-based or other packet-based network.

6. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions presented therethrough, the program instructions being executable by a computing device (500) to cause the computing device (500) to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5, and further causing the computing device to: Simulated data representing simulated attributes of an enemy aircraft (115) is received via an airborne network (240) (120) and through a computing device (500) associated with a live-fire aircraft (100) in a training environment (10, 400), wherein the simulated data is packet-based; and Based on the received simulation data, one or more operations are performed to create a training simulation for the combat aircraft (100), wherein the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulation attributes.

7. A system comprising: A processor (510), a computer-readable storage device, and a computer-readable storage medium associated with the computing device (500); Program instructions for receiving, via an airborne network (240) (120) and through a computing device (500) associated with a combat aircraft (100) in a training environment (10, 400), simulated data representing simulated attributes of a field enemy aircraft (115), wherein the simulated data transforms a digital representation of the field enemy aircraft (115) into a combat enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes, and wherein the simulated data is based on data packets; Program instructions for receiving sensor data from the enemy aircraft (115) on site; The program instructions use data fusion to merge the sensor data and the analog data based on the differences between the sensor data and the analog data, so as to retain sensor data that does not conflict with the analog data and overwrite sensor data that does conflict with the analog data. Program instructions for creating a training simulation for the combat aircraft (100) based on receiving the simulation data and merging the sensor data with the simulation data to perform one or more operations, wherein the training simulation includes the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulation attributes. The program instructions are stored on the computer-readable storage medium for execution by the processor (510) via the computer-readable storage medium.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein performing the one or more operations comprises at least one of the following: Displays a digital representation of the enemy aircraft (115) having the simulated attributes; Adjust the instrument display based on the simulated data; Adjust combat tactics based on the simulation data; Adjust weapon system operation based on the simulation data; and Adjust maneuvering operations based on the simulation data.

9. The system of claim 7, further comprising program instructions for receiving additional simulation data representing a phantom or simulated enemy aircraft (115), wherein the one or more operations are performed based on receiving the additional simulation data.

10. The system of claim 7, further comprising program instructions for transmitting packetized data representing the operation of the combat aircraft (100) across the airborne network (240) (120).

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