VBS2

VBS2 (Virtual Battlespace 2) is the successor of the battlefield simulation system VBS1. It was developed by Bohemia Interactive in close cooperation with the United States Marine Corps, Australian Defence Force and other military customers of VBS1. VBS2 is based on the Real Virtuality 2 engine, also used in the video game Arma 2. It was officially launched on 17 April 2007. It was later replaced by VBS3.
Information
VBS2 was developed by Bohemia Interactive Australia (now known as Bohemia Interactive Simulations, a spin-off company of former Bohemia Interactive Studio (Bohemia Interactive). VBS2 since version 1.40 are under development by Bohemia Interactive Simulations (abbrev BISIM), which is separate company to/from Bohemia Interactive (abbrev. BI).
In 2001, Bohemia Interactive Australia (BIA) was formed to take Operation Flashpoint and develop a militarised version suitable for Tactical training. By late 2001, the U.S. Marine Corps was provided an alpha version of VBS1 and from their feedback, the after actions review (AAR) tool was added. The Australian Army used VBS1 for experimentation in 2003 and training trials in 2004 with the software being accepted, in 2005, as an Infantry and combined arms operations training tool.
In 2006, Calytrix Technologies developed LVCGame as a HLA and DIS gateway for VBS to allow constructive simulation entities and VBS entities to interact in wider exercises. VBS2 was released in beta in early 2007 and trialed as part of the ADF's Combined Arms Tactical Training (CATT) events. BIA then used feedback from both the ADF and USMC to finalize VBS2 throughout 2007 with the Virtual Tool Kit addition being released in 2008.
In January 2009, the United States Army announced a new training program of record called Games for Training (GFT). VBS2 was selected as the first person simulation flagship for the GFT program. This announcement replaced a DARPA initiative known as which was subsequently retired as a training tool. Games for Training is currently managed by the TRADOC Capability Manager Gaming, located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Technology and features
The simulation engine driving VBS2 is Real Virtuality 2, developed by Bohemia Interactive. VBS2 allows a user to develop large terrain areas, over in size (at any terrain resolution) and populate the terrain area with millions of objects in accordance with VMAP shape data, and then texture-map the entire representation with high-resolution satellite imagery or aerial photography. Once the terrain representation is exported into VBS2, the simulation engine will provide a simulation of the real world, incorporating moving trees and grass, ground clutter, ambient animal life, shadows, dynamic lighting, weather and time of day.
VBS2 offers realistic battlefield simulations and the ability to operate land, sea, and air vehicles. Instructors may create new scenarios and then engage the simulation from multiple viewpoints. The squad-management system enables participants to issue orders to squad members.
A new streaming capability provides an efficient means of loading complex terrain areas as object and texture data is processed only when required. View distances are now typically five times greater than in VBS1 (depending on processor speed) - level of detail culling has been improved to allow attack helicopters and armoured vehicles to engage at realistic ranges, and forward observers to call artillery fire from greater distances.
VBS2 supports large multiplayer network sessions allowing join-in-progress and improved administrator functionality. VBS2 provides improved simulation of complex urban areas, including destructible buildings, round penetration through walls and operable and destructible doors. Weapon platforms are capable of thermal imaging, simulation of fire control systems and turret override. Multiple vehicle turrets are possible.
The After-Action-Review module allows detailed review of a completed training mission, with every player, AI, vehicle movement being recorded, as well as any bullet path and any destruction to objects or terrain.
The VBS2 terrain editing tool, Visitor 3, will support direct import of terrain and shape data to recreate any area of operation in the simulation. VBS2 also includes real-time command and control functionality for large numbers of AI or human participants.
The VBS1 HLA/DIS gateway is updated and improved for VBS2 to meet HLA and DIS compliance.
Customers
*Australian Defence Force
*Canadian Forces
*Finnish Defence Forces
*French Armed Forces
*NATO members
*New Zealand Defence Force
*Parallel & Distributed Computing Center, Nanyang Technological University
*Singapore Armed Forces
*United Kingdom Ministry of Defence Also released as JCOVE Lite with UK units and distributed as a recruitment tool.
*United States Army
*United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School
*United States Marine Corps
*United States Secret Service
*United States Military Academy, West Point

Main Menu

See Also

Main Menu