GPS Transponder Systems for New Dimensions in Real Time Vehicle Simulation

Peter Bergljung, Johan Risberg

Abstract:	This paper presents a new approach to real time simulation of scenarios containing a mix of real and simulated vehicles. Applications span from simulation of missile firings to the control of vehicle fleets in a cost efficient way. The hardware consists of a so called STDMA GPS Transponder. The Transponder consists of a GPS receiver, a STDMA (Self-organizing Time Division Multiple Access) communication computer, a simulation computer and a digital radio (VHF or UHF bands are currently used). The STDMA GPS Transponder was originally designed for Air Traffic Control applications and several systems are today in evaluation tests around the world [l]. In this paper we have enhanced the concept further - to handle simulated vehicles, which could be transmitted in the STDMA network together with real vehicles. A six degree of freedom simulation model controls the simulated vehicles. Suitable applications are found in areas where some of the vehicles in the scenario are too costly or too dangerous to use in conjunction with real vehicles. Missiles, mortar rounds, bombs and flares are typical simulation objects. In addition, these real time simulation techniques and their simulation protocols are also suitable for in- flight, high dynamic, collision alarm and avoidance, between real aircrafts. One example of an application is : A fighter aircraft “launches” an intercept missile which means that a simulation model starts in the fighter aircraft’s GPS Transponder. All other actors in the scenario instantaneously receive a “missile message” from their GPS Transponder. When the “simulated missile” is approaching a target - that target’s Transponder gives the pilot and warning systems information, in real time, about missile activities (trajectory, velocity, homing activities etc.). The target aircraft could then act accordingly with evasive maneuvers and/or ejection of simulated flares etc. These closed loop simulations between real vehicles and simulated vehicles (i.e. interactions between real and simulated objects) provide a new dimension in real time vehicle simulation. This paper describes the objectives including the STDMA concept, simulation concept, processing power requirements, and overall simulation procedures. In addition some data from a demonstration system is presented.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1996) September 17 - 20, 1996 Kansas City, MO
Pages:	1581 - 1586
Cite this article:	Bergljung, Peter, Risberg, Johan, "GPS Transponder Systems for New Dimensions in Real Time Vehicle Simulation," Proceedings of the 9th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 1996), Kansas City, MO, September 1996, pp. 1581-1586.
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