Background
INSTA is a company based in Finland providing very precise and detailed visual simulation systems and applications
to the Finnish armed forces. Yet, considering that the visual simulation lacks of representativeness of modern
battlefields, INSTA wants to acquire infrared simulation capabilities. Indeed, modern battlefields are characterized
by the strong presence of sensors. As an example, more and more weapon systems use infrared sensors in their operation,
with strong requirements on their associated system. Then, the use of infrared simulation technology represents a very
discriminative skill, whose only a few companies own the know-how.
INSTA was particularly interested by SE-Workbench-IR tools of OKTAL-SE, due to the cover of the full IR band, which
enables both military and civilian use.
In the frame of the modernization program of the Crotale NG Missile (infrared weapon system sold by Thales to Finland),
the INSTA project consists in the integration of the SE-Workbench-IR functions dedicated to infrared simulation
(SE-FAST-IR) in the real-time rendering loop of INSTA: the internal product SimCore.
In a middle term perspective, the injected IR simulation tools could be re-used in different ways, such as the
maintenance or further evolution of the Crotale NG training system, specific INSTA application such as F18 aircraft
simulators, upgrade of existing simulators in service, performance analysis of FLIR systems or Missile IR homing head
(for example to support Finnish Defense Forces in a purchase decision).
Projects objectives
In this frame, the global objective is to bring INSTA to the edge of the knowledge in using the SE-Workbench-IR
simulation tools by close cooperation with OKTAL-SE. This will allow INSTA to integrate the software and therefore
get a simulation with an excellent infrared realism answering the current and future needs of highly demanding customers.
From the OKTAL-SE point of view, the benefit of this project is the creation of a robust and ergonomic API
(Application Programming Interface) easing the use of SE-Workbench-IR infrared simulation functions in various
visual contexts. Such integration is already operational with the OpenSceneGraph vizualization loop. The INSTA
project integrates with a proprietary loop.
To complete these general objectives, the project has to achieve specific objectives:
Physical characterization of INSTA database, in order to
enable an infrared simulation, with a relevant validation.
Integration of IR simulation functions from OKTAL-SE with
INSTA internal visual system: SimCore.
Achievements
Physical Characterization of INSTA Database.
Integration of the two technologies (SimCore and SE-FAST-IR from OKTAL-SE).
Training session for INSTA members concerning courses
on physical models in the domains of thermal and atmospheric propagation.
Technical assistance related to the use of OKTAL-SE
infrared simulation tools.
