Updating Technology Without Upping the Price.

• Author: Foster, Sharon
• Position: Boston Dynamics completes first phase of catapult trainer upgrade - Brief Article

Boston Dynamics, located in Cambridge, Mass., announced that it has completed the first phase of its work on a joint project to upgrade the U.S. Navy's catapult launch systems trainer. Boston Dynamics and American Systems Corporation (ASC)--under contract with the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD)--are replacing the existing video-based training system, in use since 1988, with interactive 3D computer simulation. The new system uses Boston Dynamics' PeopleShop software to depict flight-deck crew and aircraft during simulated carrier launch operations.

The existing training device relies on branched-video technology to train aviation boatswain's mate equipment (ABE) personnel and catapult officers in aircraft launch operations aboard carriers. By replacing branched video with real-time 3D graphics and PeopleShop scenario generation, the system will enable NAWCTSD to modify...