VBS2Fires | Bohemia Interactive Simulations

VBS2Fires, developed in partnership with SimCentric Technologies, is a professional Call-For-Fire training application which combines the flexibility and stunning visuals of VBS2 with a highly sophisticated Call-For-Fire training and simulation system.

The system allows Offensive Support specialists to construct a Call-For-Fire which is then processed and actioned within VBS2. All of VBS2’s standard features are supported, such as After Action Review and the Real Time Editor.

The system simulates exterior and terminal ballistics to high levels of detail enabling gun to target visualization of artillery orders in VBS2. It supports a wide array of munitions, fuse types and firing platforms, allowing instructions to range from basic skills to decision making from individual to battalion level.

Do you want to conduct Call-For-Fire training from a helicopter?

Do you want to perform a Danger Close mission while Infantry participants conduct a mounted assault?

All of this is possible within VBS2Fires thanks to the underlying VBS2 framework. VBS2Fires is suitable for a wide range of uses; from training general officers in the All-Arms Call-For-Fire through to practicing experienced Forward Observers, or simply simulating AI-driven indirect fire in support of VBS2 exercises. The seamless integration of VBS2Fires with existing VBS2 training programs enables Call-For-Fire to be conducted simultaneously with other warfighter skills in the same virtual environment.

VBS2Fires Architecture

VBS2Fires is a separate Java based application that communicates to VBS2 via the C++ API, VBS2Fusion. Through VBS2Fusion it can direct AI units, ballistic trajectories, user interface messages, and many other elements. Advantages of having VBS2Fires as a separate application include:

The user interface for VBS2Fires can be changed independently of VBS2.
Training can be conducted in many different ways. A Forward Observer can train singularly on a single system, they can call in fire orders to another student, or can participate in a full scale FiST team arrangement.
The Java form based interface is more suitable to Call-For-Fire order building.

Highly detailed exterior ballistics model

Simulates gravity, drag, wind drift, pressure, temperature, spin drift and Coriolis effects. Additionally it models the change of these parameters at varying altitudes.

Wide selection of munitions and fuses

Munitions include: HE, WP, Smoke (multiple colours), DPICM, APICM, ILLUM (multiple colours), Excalibur, and Copperhead. Fuses include: Quick, VT, Time, Delay, and Laser guided.

Wide selection of fire distributions

Fire distributions include: Converging, Circular, Linear, Range and Lateral Spread, Parallel Lines of Fire, and user defined custom distributions.

High fidelity terminal ballistics models

Terminal Ballistics are modeled both visually and functionally to accurately reflect real-world effects. Functional damage models reflect side lobe patterns of explosive rounds defined by both round and explosive velocity.

Range of Call-For-Fire entry options

Trainees initiate Calls-For-Fire by manually entering plain text commands or by using a wizard-based GUI. These are automatically interpreted by the system. Additionally, human instructors and trainees can communicate verbally, with the instructor then able to manually enter Fire Control information into the system.

Artificial Intelligence engine

VBS2Fires will automatically respond to a Call-For-Fire that is entered by the trainee through a detailed Artificial Intelligence suite. Alternatively, the instructor can manually respond to a Call-For-Fire and inject errors as appropriate.

Rapid scenario design

VBS2Fires leverages the VBS2 scenario editor; building a VBS2Fires scenario is no more complex than building a standard VBS2 scenario. This saves you time and money.

After Action Review

VBS2Fires is completely integrated into the VBS2 AAR system. Bookmarks can be dynamically added and all projectile paths and effects are captured and replayed. Additionally, terrain and ballistics analysis tools are included.

Runs on COTS hardware

Calls-For-Fire may be entered either in a Windows-based interface (connected to a VBS2 instance by VBS2Fusion), or within VBS2 itself. The Windows-based interface can be run alongside VBS2 on a single PC with two video outputs, or on two networked PCs. If a PC can run VBS2, it can run VBS2Fires.

Flexible network based architecture

VBS2Fires is operable in Instructor, Trainee or Stand-Alone modes. It can be run on the same machine as VBS2 or on a separate machine connected over the network.

Seamlessly links with VBS2 COTS Desktop Trainer

VBSFires can be used as part of a larger training exercise. As the system leverages the VBS2 engine, Call-For-Fire training can be implemented as part of larger training scenarios with combined arms participants.

Thanks to the underlying VBS2 framework, VBS2Fires is suitable for a wide range of uses such as:

Individual or one-on-one training

Stand-Alone mode allows a trainee to practice Calling-For-Fire without an instructor or other participants. During one-on-one training a single instructor terminal can be dedicated to a single trainee terminal, allowing the instructor to monitor and control the trainee's exercise.
Instructor led or monitored group training

An instructor can monitor and control the exercise for a group of trainees participating in a single VBS2 scenario. These trainees can interact with each other, or can alternatively be located remotely in a scenario where fire is called for unrelated targets.
Instructor monitored group training

The Artificial Intelligence engine within VBS2 allows the system to automatically respond to Calls-For-Fire without the requirement for instructor interaction. The instructor can focus on monitoring or assessing trainees and highlighting learning points, rather than on operating the system.
Instructor led training during combined exercises

An instructor can manage a group of trainees who are conducting Call-For-Fire training in support of a maneuver force that consists of both human and computer controlled elements.
Enhanced Offensive Support simulation for VBS2 training exercises

VBS2Fires can increase the richness of a training exercise involving a maneuver force by providing a high fidelity hostile indirect fire simulation.
Combined in exercise with Call-For-Fire Trainer

VBS2 Fires can be used in conjunction with the Call-For-Fire Trainer to provide seamless interaction between the physical simulator and the VBS2 desktop trainer.
AI driven indirect fire in support of VBS2 exercises

VBS2 Fires can be used to easily generate sophisticated and sustained fire effects during other VBS2-based exercises.
Mission-based training
- Conducting Call-For-Fire training from a helicopter
- Performing a Danger Close mission while infantry participants conduct a mounted assault
- Executing an infiltration exercise that involves an artillery strike on key enemy targets
- Training FiST teams in deployment to and from Ops
- Assessing team communication during coordinated Joint Forces advancement

VBS2Fires is a Java based application that requires the Sun Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 6.0 and above. Additionally, the application is typically installed on a system running VBS2. If this is the case, the requirements for VBS2 would apply.

Generally we recommend using two monitors when running VBS2Fires on the same system as running VBS2. This allows easy toggling between the applications.

Resources for VBS2Fires:

VBS2Fires Wiki
VBS2Fires product page at SimCentric Technologies