New integration enhances Joint Fires Training and Simulation for MAK ONE users

ST Engineering Antycip announced on November 28 the integration of SimCentric’s advanced Joint Fires training simulation, SAF-FIRES, with the MAK ONE simulation platform from sister company, MAK Technologies. This integration will be demonstrated live for the first time at I/ITSEC 2024 in Orlando, the world’s largest modelling, simulation, and training event.

SAF-FIRES is a scalable joint fires training solution and extends the capabilities of virtual and constructive simulation systems to fully meet the training requirements for both joint fires and JTAC professionals. This gives MAK ONE users access to advanced training features, including:

• Urban and counter-insurgency scenarios with non-combatants and complex environments
• UAV surveillance integration and a wide array of Close Air Support (CAS) platforms
• Military-grade targeting accuracy and future battlespace representation
• Scalable, interoperable, and flexible solutions for individual or large-scale training needs

SAF-FIRES is accreditable for all types of JTAC controls, in accordance with the Joint Fires Support Executive Steering Committee (JFS-ESC) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

The integration of SAF-FIRES with MAK ONE, represents a significant leap forward in the evolution of scalable training environments for military personnel. Built on the same accredited Call-For-Fire and Close Air Support engine as SimCentric’s FiresFST, SAF-FIRES is now available to MAK ONE users, providing a comprehensive solution for training Joint Fires Observers (JFOs), Fire Support Teams (FSTs), and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) in modern battle environments. Integrated with MAK ONE, this system provides observers with the opportunity to exercise their key role individually and in a Battle Group (Battalion (+) and Brigade Combat Team context as part of a larger constructive environment. They can interact with real pilots operating a VR-Engage Pilot Role Player Station or coordinate and adjust Naval Gunfire. The Fire Direction Centre and Command posts can also be utilised to provide a complete end-to-end training opportunity.

At I/ITSEC 2024, the demo will feature VR-Forces for environmental simulation, integrated with SAF-FIRES for realistic fire mission execution. For the observer role, the demo will use VR-Engage and the SAF-FIRES trainee interfaces to show target acquisition and digital transfer of CFF and CAS commands. This dynamic integration will highlight the combined capabilities of the MAK ONE suite and SAF-FIRES for Joint Fires training, showcasing a fully immersive training scenario for JFOs, FSTs and JTACs.

“We are excited to showcase SimCentric’s SAF-FIRES technology within the MAK ONE ecosystem at I/ITSEC 2024,” said Colin Chester, Business Development and Sales Executive at ST Engineering Antycip. “This integration will offer MAK ONE users a seamless experience for Joint Fires, Naval Gunfire Support, and Close Air Support training. The demo will highlight how VR-Forces, VR-Vantage, VR-Engage and SAF-FIRES come together to create an immersive and operationally focused joint fires training environment.”

Dr. Adam Easton, CEO of SimCentric said: “We are delighted to be working so closely with Antycip to make SAF-FIRES available for users of VR-Forces and MAK ONE. It will enable best-in-class Joint Fires and JTAC training capability. With SAF-FIRES, users can now conduct advanced Call-For-Fire training, Fire Planning, JTAC training (for types 1, 2 and 3), generate Fire Support Coordinate Measures, and access a suite of instructional analysis and visualisation tools. The power of MAK ONE’s terrain streaming technology means that scenarios can be based anywhere in the world.”

Attendees of I/ITSEC 2024 are invited to visit SimCentric’s booth #862 for live demonstrations of the MAK ONE and SAF-FIRES integration.