Navy simulators upgraded in successful partnership

Three leading companies in the USA Simulation industry – Q4 Services, 3D perception, and RPA Electronic Solutions – have joined forces to upgrade the US Navy P-3C Orion Simulators with cutting-edge technology capable of one arc minute of accuracy. Orlando-based Q4 Services were awarded the contract following their successful completion of the 2011 SBIR program. Q4 was supported by 3D perception and RPA  to integrate RPA’s automated alignment scanner with 3D perception’s renowned image processing solutions to provide, StarScan, a world class complete visual alignment solution, for the US Navy’s current Simulator contract. Using their technical expertise and well-established resources Q4 assisted RPA and 3D perception to develop StarScan through the successful SBIR program. StarScan uses high-resolution optical sensors to perform 360-degree, three-dimensional screen measurements resulting in a precise 3D map of the screen surface. This is live-linked to 3DP’s UTM display processor, where the measurement data is processed, and geometric warping and blending is applied to raw source visuals. Tiffany Stewart, Project Manager for the P-3C NAVAIR program of Q4 Services LLC said: “The upgrading of multiple P-3C Orion Simulators has proved to be highly successful, and a welcome improvement for the Navy pilots and maintenance staff. Working closely with RPA and 3DP has resulted in a significant life extension for these elderly simulators.” Rick Pray, President of RPA said: “It is fitting that our laser scanner, developed under a US Navy R&D initiative, has been used in a US Navy program at this early stage as part of the 3D perception and RPA support for Q4.” Knut Krogstad, CEO of 3D perception said: “The 3D perception and RPA systems merge perfectly with one another, playing upon the strengths of both designs, providing the most accurate automated alignment system available for critical applications where absolute placement of visual imagery is required. We are delighted to have been able to support Q4 Services in this successful program.” A spokesman for NAVAIR said: “The collaborative work undertaken by the team has been deemed a success. The result will significantly reduce the time and labor required for maintenance of NAVAIR’s collimated display flight trainers.”