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WASHINGTON - Oct. 21, 2002
- With the latest 3D visualization technology in development by
TRW Inc. (NYSE: TRW) and Quantum3D, battlefield commanders will
not only be able to see their surrounding terrain and vehicles
in a photo realistic, three-dimensional perspective but will also
be able to rehearse their missions on their computers while on
the move. This new tactical planning tool will be demonstrated
during the Association of U.S. Army (AUSA) tradeshow, Washington,
D.C., Oct. 21-23, in the TRW Booth #1106 (Marriott Wardman Hotel),
and in the Quantum3D Booth #729 (Omni Shoreham Hotel).
Utilizing geo-specific imagery data transmitted
from satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles, this system will
provide users with a three-dimensional graphical representation
of the surrounding terrain and vehicles that will give the user
the unique ability to "see" through solid objects to
gain increased situation awareness.
In the past, these types of visualization capabilities
would have taken a refrigerator-sized computer to generate. Now
these capabilities can be deployed on tactical systems used on
the battlefield.
The tactical 3D graphics system utilizes Quantum3D's
NVIDIA-based Sentiris PCI Mezzanine video graphics card and OpenGVS
software, integrated with customized software developed by TRW.
The system runs on a PC using either Windows or Linux operating
systems and is designed to function as a modular, graphics subsystem
that can be adapted for use on most command and control systems.
The initial version of this tactical tool has
been developed for use on the U.S. Army's FBCB2 (Force XXI Battle
Command Brigade and Below), a graphical mapping computer system
that allows soldiers and commanders to see the locations of friendly
and enemy forces onscreen.
"This tactical planning tool gives battlefield
commanders another look at the data from a perspective they didn't
have before," said Dave Bixler, TRW Tactical Systems. "The
main benefit, however, is that for the first time a battalion
or company commander will be able to plan a supply route, rehearse
a mission, and establish lines of sight, weapon ranges, and similar
planning and tracking operations while on the move in a ground
vehicle," added Bixler.
"Our efforts with TRW to enable deployable,
real-time 3D visualization capabilities represent a major milestone
in battlefield preparedness, by providing commanders with a considerable
strategic advantage in battlefield operations." said Quantum3D
co-founder Ross Q. Smith.
Quantum3D develops and markets enabling products
and solutions for the real-time visual computing marketplace.
For more information, see www.quantum3d.com.
TRW Inc. provides advanced technology products
and services for the aerospace, information systems, and automotive
markets. For more information, see www.trw.com.
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