Challenges
SCIPIO (aka Simulation de combat interarmes pour la préparation interactive des opérations) is a next-generation training system for brigade-level and divisional Command Posts (CP). Developed in cooperation with Thales Land & Joint for the benefit of the French Army, SCIPIO replaces the legacy BBS (Brigade Battalion Battle Simulation) system for training the French Headquarters. Based on its advanced simulation technology, it makes it possible to reduce the size of the personnel required for computer-assisted exercises (CAX) by more than 50%, while making these exercises more realistic and matching the complexity of current conflicts.
Solution
SCIPIO provides a complete integrated set of tools covering the entire training cycle from preparation to final debriefing.
Automated simulation control with enhanced realism. Simulation entities are controlled by autonomous command agents so that you can train as you fight. SCIPIO has indeed been designed to enhance the operational realism (time, losses) of simulated operations and to enable a great reduction of the controllers needed to animate an exercise. This reduction is obtained by the use of automated simulation control which is a key feature of this next generation simulation system.
SCIPIO reduces sensibly the number of training staff needed (~60%), as it introduces decisional and command agents driven by MASA DirectIA technology. These agents cover most of the operational domains and missions encountered by land forces (more than 600 missions from TTA906 have been implemented). Depending on the capability of controllers, one to three controllers are required to control the units of a battalion.
Full coverage of army units and missions. Compared with other legacy simulations which claim to be new, the SCIPIO system is the only one that can actually display automatic behaviors consistent with the French Army’s doctrine, and autonomous commanding entities, ensuring unmatched realism. More than 240 units/missions are represented, with up to 10 000 simulated agents operating simultaneously on the battlefield.
SCIPIO models are fully customizable. A tool to edit (create, modify) simulation entities is also provided. Major representations taken into account in SCIPIO models are:
- Armored and Infantry (from light to heavy tank units; offensive maneuver; mobile & positional defense; surveillance and control; dismounted infantry; smoke; biological and chemical defense)
- Army Air (air to air combat; ground support; helitransport)
- Field and Air Defense Artillery (firing units with guns, MLRS, mortars, smoke, illumination; radars, short and medium range missile units)
- Engineering (counter mobility and mobility support; bridging; deployment support)
Intelligence, COM & EW capabilities (HUMINT, UAV, Surveillance radars; transmissions; ELINT, COMINT)- Personal and Logistic support (supply chain, supply bases, stores; medical system; maintenance chain; convoys; human factors, casualties)
- Peace keeping operations (several sides can be simulated; refugees; prisoners; militia, terrorism)
- Joint (air strikes; off-shore operations)
A unique and intuitive C4I man-machine interface. To prepare for C4I integration, reports can be formatted by the system and sent to the HQ command post, orders are decoded and their usable elements are transmitted to the command agents under controllers checking. SCIPIO is therefore truly a command post training simulation ensuring combat readiness and seamless transition to battlefield digitization.
The integration of MASA Group's Adaptive Intelligence technologies within Thales' command and control systems opens new ways for training, decision support and simulation.
Pierre Suslenschi, C4ISR Manager, Thales Land & Joint
Simulation (on a simulation server) is accessed through a front end server (MOS server) in charge of dispatching information on relevant posts or servers. The simulation can be linked to external simulation resources by an HLA link. This coupling capability permits for example to play a joint exercise with Air Force or Navy by connecting SCIPIO to their own simulation.
In addition, SCIPIO uses the HLA standard and allows distributed exercise, enlarging its scope of action to inter-arms and international missions. An operational version of SCIPIO is also running for Simulation and Operational Research Division of the Force Uses’ Doctrine Center.
SCIPIO is fully interoperable with operational information systems and seamlessly compliant with the HLA standard (which allows connecting several simulation-based systems). It therefore provides French Army with the most advanced tool for CP training.
SCIPIO is currently deployed and used operationally since Q4 2005 in the French CP Training Center located at Mailly-le-Camp, near Paris, France.
Key benefits
Compared with legacy simulations, SCIPIO provides:
- Drastic reduction of human operators requirements, especially regarding the low-level controllers.
- Enhanced realism corresponding to operational reality, especially regarding time management, engagement and attrition.
- Strong connection with the operational military expertise (military experts can participate to the development of the models, from the start).
- Multi-sided exercises, with a large variety of possible scenarios (asymmetric, non-conventional doctrines, etc.)
Downloads
Issuing an order in SCIPIO video