Boeing Selects Quantum3D Independence IG Solution for AH-64D Apache Longbow Helicopter Block III Engineering Development Simulator

Quantum3D®, Inc., a leading provider of COTS,
open-architecture, realtime visual computing solutions for the Visual and
Sensor Simulation Training (VSST) and Embedded Visual Computing (EVC)
markets, announced today at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation
and Education Conference (I/ITSEC booth No. 1873) that Boeing Mesa selected
the Quantum3D Independence® IDX 2500S ER Image Generator (IG) for the
Apache Block III Engineering Development Simulator (EDS).

The Apache EDS is the primary man-in-the-loop engineering simulator for the
AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter. The EDS has two full-scale cockpits
mounted in stationary 20-foot domes and consists of actual Apache flight
software and hardware. The EDS is used to test and validate technologies
and techniques under high-fidelity simulated combat conditions.

Quantum3D has delivered an initial IDX 2500S ER IG Solution to Boeing
equipped with multiple high-resolution Out-the-Window (OTW) visual channels
and QUEST™ enabled sensor simulation channels. QUEST is Quantum3D's
Enhanced Sensor Simulation Technology -- a novel combination of software
and hardware technologies that provides physics-based at-aperture and
post-aperture high-fidelity sensor simulation with an end-to-end pipeline
that maintains 16-bits of dynamic range, which is the highest fidelity
available in the realtime visual computing marketplace today. QUEST
includes Quantum3D's viXsen™ plug-in to Mantis™, which provides
radiometrically correct rendering of the material classified synthetic
environment including cultural features and moving models within the
appropriate waveband of the sensors being simulated. QUEST also includes
parallel rendering and low-latency pixel composition functions for enhanced
performance, full scene anti-aliasing and high availability, combined with
programmable high-fidelity sensor effects and OpenGL® based reticles and
symbology. With QUEST-enabled channels, Independence IDX 2500S ER IGs can
support simulated sensor channels with up to two megapixel resolutions at
60 Hz sustained update rates while providing an industry-leading 16-bit
dynamic range throughout the scene generation and post-processing stages.
QUEST also provides host-selectable hardware-accelerated sensor system
effects such as blur, noise, and AC Coupling, as well as near zero-latency
reticle and symbology mixing.











Highlighted Links




HomepagePress Releases









For the Apache EDS, the IDX 2500S also features a customer-specific timing
format used to drive the actual Apache aircraft sensor displays that
feature 875-line interlaced timings. Quantum3D has also enhanced select IDX
2500S sensor simulation features for Boeing to address the unique
requirements of the Modernized Target Acquisition and Designation System
(M-TADS) and the Modernized Pilot Night Visioning System (M-PNVS).
Examples of these enhancements include modified A/C Coupling capabilities
and Continuous Zoom functionalities for narrow field-of-view sensor
applications. Independence IDX 2500S ER IG Solutions for correlated sensor
simulation and OTW training applications are on display at the Quantum3D
I/ITSEC booth No. 1873 and in select partner booths.

"Independence provides key technologies that allow aircraft software to be
tested in the EDS prior to actual aircraft flight testing," said Dale
Macpherson, Boeing manager of Rotorcraft Operations Analysis.

"The Block III upgrades to the AH-64D Apache Longbow represent significant
enhancements to the platform's capabilities, which will provide the air
crew with greatly improved mission effectiveness, but which also provide a
unique challenge from a simulation standpoint because of the overall
fidelity that's required," said Ross Q. Smith, Quantum3D co-founder and
president. "All of us at Quantum3D are pleased that Boeing has again
selected Independence for such an important system and we look forward to
working with the Boeing team to deliver this mission-critical capability."

About AH-64D Apache Longbow

Manufactured by Boeing, the AH-64D Apache Longbow is one of the most
advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. The Apache is in
service with the U.S. Army and is flown by nearly a dozen international
armed forces. For more information on the Apache, please visit
www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/military/ah64d.

About Quantum3D

Quantum3D develops and markets COTS, realtime, open-architecture IG
solutions, embedded visual computing systems and subsystems, development
software and support services for the VSST and EVC markets and is the
exclusive supplier of NVIDIA® graphics technology for the embedded
military and aerospace visual computing market. Quantum3D is a privately
held company headquartered in San Jose, California, with development
centers located in Phoenix, AZ, Huntsville, AL, and Orlando, FL. For more
information about Quantum3D and the Quantum3D family of open-architecture
visual computing solutions, please see www.quantum3d.com.

Quantum3D and Independence are registered trademarks of Quantum3D. QUEST,
Mantis, and viXsen are trademarks of Quantum3D, Inc. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owners. Quantum3D viXsen features the
SigSim™ library from JRM Technology. Independence IDX 2500S ER, QUEST,
and viXsen contain technology that is subject to U.S. Export Control and
which requires authorization by the U.S. Government for export to foreign
countries. For more information, contact Quantum3D.











Quantum3D Press Contact
Barbara Kohn
+1 (650) 342-9853
Email Contact
Quantum3D Sales Contact
Brie Shiflett
+1 (407) 737-8800 x 100
Email Contact
SOURCE: Quantum3D, Inc.

Author:  

Email:    

Topic:    

Content: