IFACTS Forward Observer (FO) Station
The Forward Observer (FO) station
is an IFACTS application providing a synthetic environment within which the Forward Observer (FO) can train and practise 'Call for Fire' procedures using simulated communications and simulated equipment. The FO Station operates seamlessly with other IFACTS applications, e.g. the FAC and Pilot station, to offer joint training; and with IFACTS' Recording&Playback for After Action Review (AAR).
FO Instructor
In addition, the FO station operates with IFADs newly released FO Instructor solution. With FO Instructor the instructors can generate training scenarios based on 2D military maps and control scenarios during a training session. More about the FO Instructor here.
Fire Direction Center (FDC)
FO Instructor also acts as Fire Direction Center (FDC) enabling the instructor to respond to one or more observers' 'Request for Fire', e.g. 'Adjust Fire' and 'Fire or Effect'. Voice communication between Forward Observers (FO) and the FDC is handled by IFADs simulated radio communication solution (IRAS Comm).
FO Instructor (the FDC) can operate with many Forward Observers and handle several Fire Missions simultaneously.
Interoperability
FO Instructor is also used in more complex training scenarios involving Forward Observers as well as Forward Air Controllers (FACs), UAVs and pilots. In addition, the solution is interoperable with IFADs INTS solution, and 3rd Party systems such as JCATS, or VRForces (CGFs), Steelbeasts (armoured vehicle simulator), and Sitaware battle management system (BMS).
In operation
Several licenses of FO station and FO Instructor were delivered to the Danish Army Artillery Regiment in September 2013 where they in combination with already delivered IFACTS solutions are used for training of forward observers. Each license is integrated with a battle management system from Systematic (Sitaware).
Classroom training with IFACTS FO Station and FO Instructor.
