Bohemia Interactive Simulations
Bohemia Interactive Australia (BIA) is located in Anna Bay, Australia. BIA was formed in 2001 as an initiative of both David Lagettie (Seventh - whos music features in the soundtrack for OFP) and BIS. Since formation, Well known in the simulation commmunity for its initial success, VBS1. In March 2007, BIA released Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2). In addition to VBS2, projects such as LVRS, and TWS are now actively employed. BIA is currently developing the Virtual Tool Kit (VTK) for relelease in Q2 2008.
With clients in over 17 countries, and development studios in Australia and the Czech Republic, BIA maintains a truly global focus. Our developmental effort concentrates on delivering state-of-the-art technology to meet the specific needs of the military customer and directly supports the troops on the ground.
Products now available are:
• Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2)
• Development Suite (VBS2 Tools)
• Aircrew Virtual Responder Simulation (AVRS)
• Interoperability with BIA products and other Simulations engine (LVC_Game)
• Tactical Weapons Simulator (TWS)
Bohemia Interactive's Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2) engine is a fully interactive, three dimensional training system providing a premium synthetic environment suitable for a wide range of military (or similar) training and experimentation purposes. VBS2 offers both virtual and constructive interfaces into high-fidelity worlds of unparalleled realism. Combined with the flexibility offered by the Real Time Editor and rapid terrain generation, VBS2 is at the forefront of addressing military and civil simulation requirements.
BIA understands user requirements to generate terrain and 3D representations for virtual simulation. Our Development Tools suite offers several applications to support the VBS2 desktop trainer.
Visitor 4 – A lightweight GIS application designed to import raw DTED and Satellite imagery and output a high fidelity VBS2 terrain areas.
Oxygen 2 – A 3D modeling and texture mapping tool designed by BIA which works to provide Avatars for the VBS2 engine that are created by the user.
FSM Editor – Our Finite State Machine allows the user to configure and script Artificial intelligence behaviors that will complement scenario requirements.
Data Encryption –. VBS2 supports data encryption to protect Commercial-In-Confidence and sensitive military content..
The Aircrew Virtual Responder Simulation provides the civil and military market with BIA’s technological excellence in aviator simulation. The AVRS system offers affordable, easy to use, deployable and networked simulation solutions by combining COTS software and reconfigurable hardware. The range of airframes currently supported are the S-70 Blackhawk, MRH-90 and CH-47D Chinook. LVRS can accommodate 4 trainees at any one time with VR headsets to provide freedom of movement around the cabin, therefore, trainees are able to operate in the same manner as they would in a real aircraft. Currently employed with the Australian Defence Force, LVRS has generated interest in aviation markets across the globe.
Interoperability with other products is an expanding area of BIA focus. We believe the ability to link customer virtual simulation investments with BIA products is paramount. LVC_Game is the BIA solution to requirements for DIS/HLA architecture interfacing. LVC_Game provides customers with the capability to link existing systems into the BIA product range. Developed in conjunction with our partner Calytrix Technologies, LVC_Game ensures VBS2 clients are not limited to participating in a single simulation engine.
The Tactical Weapons System (TWS) is based on the VBS2 Desktop trainer. While VBS2 is restricted to desktop computers, TWS provides support for the addition of physical weapon systems into the VBS2 engine. Its role is to enhance the realism-of-battle that trainees are exposed to. Not dissimilar from the LVRS system, TWS offers the ability for trainees to experience virtual battle in a vehicle with a weapon platform similar to the real thing. With weapons that actually fire into the virtual world, we are able to replicate weapon handling skills in conjunction with the tactical mind required to succeed in combat.
VBS2 Virtual Tool Kit VTK
In 2007, BIA entered into an enterprise agreement with the US Marine Corp. The mission was to enhance VBS2 to USMC specific requirements. We named this project Virtual Took Kit (VTK). With enhancements like thermal imagery and combat clearance capability, we have successfully provided a simulation package that is adaptable and flexible to the USMC training requirement. Currently in is Beta format, the VTK has been widely hailed as the simulation cornerstone of adaptability to a war fighters environment.
Service and Support
The new VBS2 website contains up to date release information.
VBS2 community forums: A central repository for information updates and FAQ's by the users of VBS2. Requires a logon account to access.
Partnerships
BIA, Calytrix Technologies and Lasershot established a tri-company relationship that is devoted to innovation in the simulation industry. The goal of the group is to identify expansion opportunities in core and adjacent simulation markets. This has lead to interest from agencies within the Military, State Emergency Services and Police Branches across the Globe.
Calytrix Technologies:
Calytrix is a solutions company with three main product lines. The software is standards-based and they use open APIs to facilitate integration of our products into our customers' environments, wherever possible. Calytrix R&D is at the forefront of current software thinking and their engineering team understands the importance of balancing innovation and elegance with practical experience. www.calytrix.com [3]
LaserShot:
Laser Shot’s capabilities include hardware and software design and development. Laser Shot’s hardware specialties include recoil systems, as well as tetherless weaponry, laser devices, modular and containerized shooting ranges with live-fire. Software capabilities include video and computer generated scenarios, players and editors, award winning, “Course of Fire 2”, tactical skill building drills, educational tools and database creation with record keeping. www.lasershot.com [4]
The future...
BIA is continually expanding its horizons to ensure that clients enjoy maximum simulation immersion. Over the past two years, The use of VBS2 simulation has been incorporated into the New Zealand Defence Force, Australian Defence Force, Singaporean Defence Force, US Marine Corp, US Army, Britain’s MOD, Canadian Armed Forces, and the Norwegian Armed Forces to name a few. In addition, BIA enjoys business relationships with industry professionals such as Raytheon, Boeing, General Dynamics. and Rio-Tinto.
Plans to expand into South Africa, UAE and Asia are well advanced and are being tabled for this financial year.
Bohemia Interactive Australia is continuing to be a world leader in the simulation industry, a company committed to providing state of the art simulation technology to civil and military organisations around the world.