Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation, and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2006
2006 Paper No 2900_Rev. 1, Page 1 of 10
Achieving Standardized Live-Virtual Constructive Test and Training
Interactions via TENA
DRS Training & Control Systems, Inc
jtesta@drs-tcs.com mike.aldinger@ngc.com
DRS Training & Control Systems, Inc.
kwilson@drs-tcs.com caruana@faac.com
ABSTRACT
Various implementations of Live, Virtual, and Constructive (L-V-C) interactions have been demonstrated across
numerous test and training ranges over the past few years. However, the virtual world remains largely disconnected
from everyday live test and training activities. The Test and Training Enabling Architecture (TENA) standard being
adopted by the soon to be fielded P5 Combat Training System and the next generation Enhanced Range Application
Program presents a host of possibilities for standardized live virtual interactions. The Air Forces Combat Air Force
(CAF) Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) Office, responsible for a distributed, interoperable, high fidelity,
global training solution for virtual-constructive Mission Training Systems, is currently implementing a TENA
interface as part of their DIS-HLA Portal solution. This TENA Portal has the potential to link the P5 CTS, EnRAP
and DMT systems via a standard TENA interface.
This paper identifies, reviews, and analyzes the current DMO L-V-C effort and near term opportunities to provide
live virtual interfaces between live P5 CTS and EnRAP systems and virtual CAF DMO systems utilizing the TENA
standard. These interactions’ would allow real-time live entities to be brought into the DMO virtual domain, and
likewise, DMO entities brought into the live test and training domain. The interactions of live and virtual entities via
TENA would be initially limited to audio, positional data, and weapons engagements; however, this level of
interoperability represents a first step in realizing a standardized and affordable approach to achieving L-V-C test
and training operations. This paper will also describe several efforts that would increase the fidelity of Live-Virtual
interactions via a TENA standard interface.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Joseph J. Testa is the DRS Training and Control Systems principle engineer assigned to Strategic Plans and
Programs. He has 20 years of systems engineering experience of which the last 13 years are specific to range
systems. He also has 20 years of USMC tactical flying experience. Mr. Testa holds a B.A. in Physics from Glassboro
State College and in an active member of NDIA/NTSA.
Mike Aldinger is the Chief Engineer for Northrop Grumman Mission Systems on the Combat Air Force (CAF)
Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) program. He holds a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the
University of Florida and an M.S. in Simulation Modeling and Analysis from the University of Central Florida. His
current roles include DMO Standards Development Lead, DMO-Space Chief Architect, and DMO L-V-C Task
Lead.
Kris N. Wilson is the DRS Training and Control Systems Principle Engineer for Advanced Programs. He has over
20 years engineering experience with Test and Training range systems. Mr. Wilson holds a triple Major Bachelor of
Individualized Study at the George Mason University colleges of Computer Science (Software Engineering),
Electrical Engineering (Digital Design) and Business (Management).
Christopher J. Caruana is a Senior Engineer at FAAC Incorporated in Ann Arbor, MI. He is the Program Lead for
all training range weapon and electronic warfare simulation products produced by FAAC. Mr. Caruana holds a
B.S.E. and M.S.E. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan.
