We propose to study, formulate and assess the concept of a Virtual Test Range (VTR). A virtual test range, and its close relative the Virtual Training Range, allow live and simulated vehicles and troops to interoperate in the same exercise. Live vehicles and soldiers are instrumented to allow them to see into, and themselves to be seen in, a virtual battlefield which correlates to the actual terrain. VTR allows conventional vehicles to emulate experimental ones. VTR also allows a few live vehicles to be augmented with simulated forces to form complete BLUFOR and OPFOR units. Because of the expense of fidelity and concerns regarding validation, emulated live vehicles lower cost and allow better testing over that of simulator-only methods. Because of environmental damage restrictions, OPTEMPO reductions, and safety considerations, fewer live vehicles lower cost and allow increased training over that of field-only methods. Previous demonstrations have shown that VTR is possible, in principle. We propose here to establish the necessary system requirements, architecture, and technical basis for assessing the feasibility of the complete VTR concept based on actual user community needs. Newer technologies will be investigated to lower instrumentation cost and to allow simulated targets to be merged with real out-the-window views. Our ultimate goal for Phase I is to demonstrate the VTR concept in a functional mobile breadboard.
