SPARTAN is a multimedia shooting training system that uses optoelectronic solutions such as simulated firing with a laser technology, infrared detection of the points of impact projectiles of training and live ammunition, the use of adapted nightvision and thermal sights for shooting. It is designed to teach, monitor and evaluate the targeting of small arms and to prepare soldiers for firing the live ammunition at open ranges for combat targets and silhouettes. It is also intended for the preparation of soldiers for detection, classification and engagement of real targets upon different terrains, weather conditions and periods during the day. The aim of the paper is to assess the impact of the system on the soldiers training process as well as the economic aspects of its application. This system in the Polish Armed Forces, in various configurations, has been used for several years, so it is possible its preliminary analysis.
Part of basic training for every soldier is firearms training, during which soldiers learn to master the principles of firearm operation, proper posture, and correct use of weapons including constructing and servicing the weapon. The main objective of this training is to improve their skills with small arms using different targets in different weather conditions. A particularly difficult part of this training is shooting at night. In night conditions, shooting is carried out using optoelectronic sights: night vision and thermovision. The principle of operation of a night vision sight is based on the reinforcement of residual visible light. Thermovision sights for imaging need infrared radiation in two basic so-called 3-5 μm and 8-14 μm windows. Therefore, targets used for daytime shooting, visible in the normal visible range, can’t be seen at night using these sights. Of course, these targets could be lit with reflectors of visible light and would then be visible without the use of night sights, but clearly these are not conditions that occur during real military operations. A variety of heated targets are used, but it is easy to damage (cut) them while shooting, especially the power cables used in their construction. As a result, the target immediately stops working. A consortium consisting of MIAT and OPTIMUM undertook the development of new target solutions, whose utility parameters will be much better than previously used targets. As a result of this project, three types of non-heated targets for both night and daytime shooting, and a heated target were developed. This paper presents both the concept of these targets and testing results of their models.
Multimedia shooting training systems are increasingly being used in the training of security staff and uniformed services. An advanced practicing–training system SPARTAN for simulation of small arms shooting has been designed and manufactured by Autocomp Management Ltd. and Military Institute of Armament Technology for the Polish Ministry of National Defence.
SPARTAN is a stationary device designed to teach, monitor and evaluate the targeting of small arms and to prepare soldiers for:
• firing the live ammunition at open ranges for combat targets and silhouettes
• detection, classification and engagement of real targets upon different terrains, weather conditions and periods during the day
• team work as a squad during the mission by using different types of arms
• suitable reactions in untypical scenarios.
Placed in any room the training set consists of:
• the projection system that generates realistic 3D imaging of the battlefield (such as combat shooting range) in high-resolution
• system that tracks weapons aiming points
• sound system which delivers realistic mapping of acoustic surroundings
• operator station with which the training is conducted and controlled
• central processing unit based on PC computers equipped with specialist software realizing individual system functions
• units of smart weapons equipped with radio communication modules, injection laser diodes and pneumatic reloading system.
The system make possible training by firing in dynamic scenarios, using combat weapons and live ammunition against visible targets moving on a screen. The use of infrared camera for detecting the position of impact of a projectile.
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