LotAtc is a well-known project in the DCS World community from several years now. Since December 2018, the RBorn Software entity is also dedicated to the professional branch.
In January 2019, the French Navy (Marine Nationale) came with the idea to use LotAtc to train their controllers. To that aim, the request was to have something simple to run a scenario on a tape and be able for an instructor to interact with it through an IPS (Instructor Pilot Simulated) module.
Advantages of LotAtc Client for that project are :
- An easy way to install and maintain
- No specific hardware needs, standard computers are compatible
- Possibility to connect through any IP network (internet, internal network)
- Possibility to connect with radio system ( UniversRadio or SRS ) to enhance immersion
- Realistic simulation of radars with easy-learning approach
This was the start of LotAtc Generator and Instructor module projects.
Using the same core as LotAtc Server, LotAtc Generator is built to be fully compatible with LotAtc Client so that you can connect to both software programs with the same work interface for users. LotAtc Generator is totally independent of DCS World and can simulate any scenario in any part of the world. This allows the French Navy to work on modern theaters at any time.
LotAtc Generator works with a unit database that contains planes, helicopters, ships, vehicles, and ground units that you can edit directly (standard JSON files or LotAtc Editor). The French Navy can therefore enlarge the database with new unit types and characteristics.
For instructors, an Instructor module has been added to LotAtc Client to enable IPS. Once connected, instructors can easily interact with the server to:
- Pause/unpause simulation at any time
- Add/remove dynamically any item in the database
- Modify any item in the simulation to set a new heading, speed, altitude, transponders, radar status…
An instructor can start a tape and take over the target to train their students. They can also use radio to simulate pilot communications. All of that contributes to creating conditions for students that are close to the real world.
All sessions are saved and can be replayed with TacView with a combination of tracks and audio (UniversRadio) both in the same file. Debriefings are easy to do and instructors can explain errors and good operations to students.
This project is going a step further with the addition of the following features coming in the next months:
- APP6 Classification
- Tape/pattern edition
- Datalink simulation
- Weapons management and guidance
- Weather management
With LotAtc Generator and Instructor module, the French Navy has already achieved LotAtc-based training of the first student generation that is now deployed for French Rafale and Hawkeye control!
I would like to warmly thank the French Navy for this wonderful opportunity and especially OPC3D members for their professionalism and help on this project.
The official French Navy article about this project (with some pictures) is available here.
Finally, LotAtc Generator and Instructor module included in LotAtc Advanced are available to any user. See the products page for more information.
To go further :