Compact, High Fidelity Immersive Trainer Designed For Squadron Level Training Replicates The KC-135R Block 40 Boom Pod

The U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training & Instrumentation (PEO STRI) and FAAC have selected simulation company Christie to power the visual displays for the Air National Guard’s Boom Operator Simulation System (BOSS).

A compact, state-of-the-art immersive environment designed to support the complete boom operator training curriculum, the BOSS replicates the KC-135R Block 40 boom pod and control/gauges and features visual displays comprised of three Christie Matrix StIM WQ  DLP LED simulation projectors and two 46-inch Christie FHD461-X LCD panels. Contracted for a total of 17 complete trainers, FAAC has already installed five at end user sites and will deliver and install the others at locations throughout the U.S.

Recreating the immersive environment of a KC-135 aircraft, the state-of-the-art BOSS features head tracking technology, voice recognition and synthetic response, sophisticated and detailed visual models, as well as full recording and debriefing capabilities. The aircraft physical model emulates the actual aircraft boom and uses Christie’s advanced, high-resolution, out-the-window displays, with realistic computer-generated images provided by MetaVR.

Meeting Aerial Refueling Airplane Simulator Qualification (ARASQ) standards, it allows refueling boom operators to perform the same complex aerial maneuvers critical to refueling an aircraft in mid-air. With a compact 22’ by 21’ footprint, it fits within a standard-size room and can be disassembled to fit through double doors for the ultimate in portability and installation flexibility.

“The government was already impressed with the capabilities of Christie projectors, which it had been using in earlier BOSS prototypes. When we evaluated projectors to be used on this program of record, we determined that Christie still had the best solution on the market,” said Christopher Caruana, Director of Major Programs, FAAC Inc. “Performance, image quality and reliability were the key drivers, and the Christie Matrix StIM WQ delivers on all counts.”

Caruana noted that one of their biggest challenges is supporting the trainer’s modular design that can easily be disassembled at the production site and then reassembled at the user site, where the complex and intricate visual display system needs to be perfectly aligned again. He credits the Christie design and assembly teams with creating sturdy visual display systems – which include the projector and the structure for the projectors to sit in – that allows FAAC’s install team to perform the fine adjustments needed to efficiently and smoothly complete the reassembly process.  The system also required flat panel screens with thin bezels, and the Christie FHD461 LCD panels offer ultra-thin bezels to provide a perfect, virtually seamless visual environment when combined with the projected images.

“Christie is proud to have been chosen by FAAC, a world leader in supplying world-class simulation based solutions for more than 40 years,” said Dave Muscat, senior director, Visualization, Simulation and Control Room Solutions, Americas Region at Christie. “Their selection of Christie to power one of the most critical components of a training simulator – the visual display system – is a testament to the quality, reliability and performance of Christie simulation products and reflects our commitment to meeting the industry’s highest standards. We look forward to continuing our excellent and productive partnership with FAAC to deliver additional trainers to locations all around the world.”

FMI: www.faac.com, www.christiedigital.com