Such fully virtual ‘smart bandits’ are also known as Computer Generated Forces (CGFs). The NLR will develop these CGFs to demonstrate them in simulators such as the Fighter 4-Ship, where mission training in formation can be investigated. Ultimately, ‘smart bandits’ will also be used in simulators for tactical flight training at the Ministry of Defence, the client for this research. In the longer term, the virtual opponents can also be used in combination with real platforms in Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) exercises. The ‘smart bandits’ will be software-integrated into a scenario management package, which regulates the behaviour of all CGFs (enemies, supporting units, ground threats, etc.). This makes the ‘smart bandits’ part of larger simulation scenarios.
The ‘Smart Bandits’ project started this year, and the NLR will receive €1.5 million from the Ministry of Defence for the next four years. The Vrije Universiteit (VU) is also involved in the project with researchers from the ‘Agent System Group’. For additional in-depth research into modelling the human aspects of the ‘Smart Bandits’, the NLR has hired a PhD student who is researching human behaviour in agents. Furthermore, there is a collaboration with the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), where a USAF specialist will join the NLR to delve into this topic and contribute to knowledge sharing between the two laboratories. This will enable the (under development) CGFs to ‘tactically reason’ about an opponent, as well as ‘display emotions’ and ‘be tired or have prejudices’.
The NLR’s work focuses particularly on the required functionality of the smart bandits and their integration into mission simulation. How do these virtual opponents appear on the various cockpit displays? How do they set up their defence or attack? What intelligence is needed? For the first year, a working prototype with limited functionality is on the agenda. This prototype will run on the Fighter 4-Ship.
