SimBuilder^TM is a software simulation product which provides weapon simulation models for use in training environments. This software package consists of executable simulations which are configurable by way of a graphical user interface (GUI). The simulation executable is capable of modeling a wide range of air launched weapons when run in conjunction with data representative of the actual weapon systems.

The core of the SimBuilder^TM software application is the data driven simulation models. FAAC Incorporated draws on its history as the sole supplier of weapon simulations to the United States Air Force (USAF) Air Combat Training System (ACTS) and United States Navy (USN) Tactical Aircrew Combat Training Systems (TACTS) ranges to provide a high fidelity simulation product. To facilitate the task of weapon model database creation, a GUI is provided which guides the user through the database generation task.

SimBuilder^TM can be used alongside simulations produced previously for the USAF/USN ACTS/TACTS application in a classified environment. SimBuilder^TM can also serve as the host for such simulations due to the completeness of the SimBuilder^TM interface.

2. SimBuilder^TM DESCRIPTION

SimBuilder^TM provides a data-driven simulation containing two components; the database file for a particular weapon type, and the generic simulation itself. The database files contain many user-supplied internal parameters used during operation including those that control execution path. The database file is created and maintained using the SimBuilder^TM GUI.

A database file will be created by the SimBuilder^TM for each peculiar weapon type. A collection of database files and their respective generic simulations can then be used as a weapon simulation package on the training ranges host computer.

The SimBuilder^TM enables the user to easily create and tune weapons from user-provided data without requiring a programmer to make the modifications. The SimBuilder^TM creates and maintains a database of internal parameters of generic weapon simulations and enables the user to verify their performance. The simulation can then be used on the training range during an exercise. The SimBuilder^TM and the generic weapon simulations are closely coupled. Features of SimBuilder^TM include:

1. Capability to model guided weapons (missiles and guided bombs), unguided weapons (bombs, mines and rockets), and guns (air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-aircraft artillery).
2. Capability to be integrated with non-SimBuilder^TM models when available.
3. GUI and generic simulations run on a Personal Computer to allow low cost access to the missile model data generation and model verification activity.
4. Simulation verification activity allows examination of a wide range of trajectory output parameters. The generic simulation’s performance can be verified via the SimBuilder^TM using trajectory analysis (time history profiles during flight). This feature allows for the inclusion of reference data to be used in simulation validation.
5. Provides weapon scoring.
6. Provides weapon target pairing.
7. Reentrant simulation architecture allows a single weapon simulation (generic simulation and database) to simultaneously model multiple weapons of identical type from a single executable.
8. Provides for inclusion of wind model and wind effects on weapons.
9. SimBuilder^TM GUI Features include:
• Runs on a PC with the Windows NT or Windows95 environments. Uses commercial Microsoft Access and Visual Basic programs.
• Allows graphical analysis of simulation results to support simulation verification. This includes comparison to reference data or another simulation within SimBuilder^TM.
• Provides on-line help for understanding parameter definition and intended use.
• Allows for selection of desired unit system (English or Metric).
• Unavailable/Undesired fields are grayed or ghosted.
• Input fields are boundary checked for validity.