Christie And Quantadyn Deliver First BOSS For US Air National Guard

Christie Digital was selected by the Air National Guard (ANG) and the Air Education Training Command (AETC) to design and power the military's first 3D Stereo Boom Operator Simulation System (BOSS).
The groundbreaking trainer recreates the immersive environment of a KC-135 aircraft, in which refuelling boom operators perform complex aerial maneuvers.
The Christie solution adds the stunning realism of 3D stereo to provide an exceptional depth-of-field experience. Military professionals have hailed the trainer's visual system as the ultimate in realism and depth perception, surpassing any 2D experience.
The 3D BOSS is the first to use active stereoscopic technology developed by Christie that specifically addresses a veteran boom operator's critical need for precision, mobility and hi-fidelity depth of field.
It heralds a new age of realism in trainers, made possible through the use of Christie Mirage HD3 projectors' full 1920x1080 HD resolution and enhanced with 3D active stereo. Featuring ChristieTWISTT image warping and edge-blending capabilities, the projectors generate the brightest and most accurate 3D images on the market.
Ron Kornreich, Trainer Development Program Manager for the Air National Guard, said: "We needed a more compact version of the very capable Boom Operator Weapons Systems Trainer (BOWST) that Christie and QuantaDyn developed for Altus Air Force Base. The moment we experienced first-hand Christie's stereoscopic 3D technology, we were absolutely convinced it represented the breakthrough we were looking for.
"This innovative solution exceeded our expectation for a high fidelity simulator that could also fit in the limited space of our facilities."
Kornreich added: "Christie's 3D solution delivers a precise, highly realistic experience that allows our skilled boom operators to experience the highest level of realism. The simulator's unique sense of depth is the key, helping deliver a rigorous testing and validation program that may soon prove superior to the standard 2D experience."
Zoran Veselic, Vice-President, Visual Environments at Christie, noted that reliability was another critical issue.
He said: "Since technicians won't always be on-hand, it's necessary to make the 3D BOSS extremely rugged and easy to maintain. We used Christie AutoCalT for the greatest ease of set-up and operation.
"It automatically calibrates arrayed projection displays of almost any number, minimising the need for constant adjustments."
QuantaDyn Corporation, a privately held engineering firm that specialises in training simulation, is providing integration and testing. The company is widely recognised for its expertise in system upgrades, rehosts and conversions.
"It partnered with Christie to help develop the 3D visual solution and the trainer's unique, compact design that establishes a new level of mobility and installation flexibility.
William Dunn, President of QuantaDyn Corporation, said: "Christie is a leader in stereoscopic projection, offering first-rate solutions, a strong engineering group and a proven history of innovation.
"While the QuantaDyn brings the integration, Christie brings the design expertise and industry know-how to meet the ATEC's rigorous demands for trainer realism and efficiency. Christie consistently exceeds the highest standards of excellence we set for all of our partners."
Dunn added: "With the 3D BOSS, QuantaDyn and Christie have blazed a trail for 3D stereo technology in the simulation market that sets them miles ahead of their closest competitors."
The BOSS features a state-of-the-art Image Generator from Quantum3D, a leading provider of Commercial OFF-the-Shelf (COTS) real-time visual computing. Quantum3D's Independence IDX 4000 ER provides such features as advanced weather effects, a 3D ocean with reflecions, lightng and dynamic shadows - all of which help make the operators' experiences more realistic for increased training effectiveness.
(KMcA/BMcC)