RTI International - News Release - 7.15.2009
RTI International Will Develop Simulation Technology to Train Army Soldiers
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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.—To improve Army soldiers' efficiency in repairing tanks, RTI International will provide simulation technology training to soldiers as part of a contract for the Abrams Maintenance Training System by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation in Orlando.
As part of this contract, valued at more than $70 million, RTI will develop, produce, and deliver the next generation of training devices and simulators to train soldiers who diagnose and repair problems with the Abrams family of tanks, including related spares and services.
RTI has provided maintenance trainers for the Army's ground vehicles since the early 1990s.
"RTI's approach to this requirement reflects the latest advances in desktop simulations using serious games technology as well as an unprecedented degree of integration with other members of the Abrams community," said Sam Field, vice president of RTI's training business. "For years, RTI has pioneered the application of virtual reality on low-cost desktops as a means of providing learning-by-doing in a cost-effective and safe environment. These new Abrams products will feature new technologies and everything we know about learning methods."
The RTI approach emphasizes learning-by-doing through high-fidelity, virtual-reality simulations designed to accomplish training goals on low-cost personal computers or over the Web. The simulation technology requires students to perform all of the steps they would in a real-world situation and then observe the outcomes of their actions.
Simulation Interior
"While we have been the industry leader in ground maintenance training systems for years, RTI will be breaking new ground with this contract through our partnership with Anniston Army Depot in reusing demilitarized tank parts to get the highest fidelity training possible," Field said. "The result will be better-trained soldiers at the lowest possible cost and a business model that can be applied to other training requirements."
RTI will subcontract significant portions of the Abrams effort to outside firms, including small and small disadvantaged businesses. Members of the RTI team include Anniston Army Depot in Alabama; DEI Services Corporation and TJ Incorporated of Orlando, Florida; and DRS Test and Energy Management of Huntsville, Alabama.
RTI provides education and training solutions for military, law enforcement, homeland security, and commercial markets using advanced technologies based on solid science and subject matter expertise. RTI's core competency is bridging the gap between research and practice within the training field. RTI offers experts in project management, instructional systems design, visual and functional simulation development, and subcontract management.
RTI is also a leader in designing and building high-fidelity physical mock-ups for maintenance training. These devices are full-scale, fully functional simulators that provide psychomotor training and share software with desktop devices.
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