Weapons Simulation Tracking Systems (Testing Methods)

As small arms weapon simulation systems are increasingly employed by military and law enforcement agencies, requirements and specifications for weapon tracking systems need to be addressed. The integration of weapon tracking systems is hampered by a lack of standardized methods for their testing and analysis. This report documents suggested standardized test procedures for evaluating position/orientation tracking systems relative to their ability to perform in Weapons Fire Simulators. Discussions are provided on tracking system basics including: the terminology used in tracking systems, the different tracking types and technologies, and weapon fire simulation requirements. A computer controlled motorized linear track was used to evaluate performance characteristics of weapon tracking systems. The evaluation discussion includes: the definition of the parameters to be tested, the equipment and procedures to be used, and the analysis of the data recorded. Data is collected to evaluate the parameters of resolution and accuracy for both position and orientation. Two distinct weapons tracking cases are tested for accuracy: static and dynamic. These two cases evaluate a tracker's use in marksmanship training, where the weapon is barely moving, and tactics training, where the weapon is moving at moderate to high angular and translational rates. Procedures are provided for each test, describing the data to be collected and the calculations to be performed. These procedures have been integrated into a tracker test program that collects the data while controlling the test track and tracking system. Appendices are included that provide an overview of the tracker test program, a sample test plan, and sample tracker test program outputs.Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Div Orlando FL is the author of 'Weapons Simulation Tracking Systems (Testing Methods)' with ISBN 9781423556398 and ISBN 1423556399.