Frag Out! Magazine

HeRe we GO! We wouldn't be our pesky selves, if we wouldn't force ourselves into both simulators to have a go. We started by Equipment 101 – the computer listed and indicated position of all the compart- ment equipment and controls, then initiated a start-up and testing procedure. Then the first les- son evolved into a series of simple commands, as e.g. "Release the parking brake" – which were to obeyed and executed within a set time inter- val to pass. Upon passing the test, we were able to drive the vehicle. The testing procedure now proved handy – even though driving the Roso- mak is not rocket science – at least in the basic level, driving along the flat road. The challenge came with cross-country ride, and in simulated combat conditions. Of course if the lesson gets boring, the instructor can throw in any malfunc- tion he can think of – and then some – to stimu- late interest. We have had enough rides in a real thing (although as passengers only) to be able to judge the quality of the cross-country simulation – and believe me, it felt very real, even though we didn't cope with the really tough terrain. Despite that we were able to feel every bump and cranny we rode across, and each of us had a crash with other vehicles. Nope, not that WE have bumped into other drivers – the instructor rode other vehi- cles into us, so that we can see how it feels, when a 22-ton wheeled armored carrier bumps into you from behind. And it felt – very much so. The driver's view is quite realistic – and after sev- eral minutes the boundaries between the dis- plays tend to disappear, and the image blends in, when the driver starts to focus on the terrain. The electronics of the simulator takes care of the trainee-driver's senses during the simulated cross-country ride, and one can feel through the controls how their feedback changes whether the vehicle drives on a paved road or in the sand. After a short time the trainee starts to develop a state of constant vigilance and alternating focus between periscope and controls – which are situ- ated unlike any car any one of you ever driven. And you have to alternate your attention, as instructor takes a good care of you to avoid your boredom and throws-in sound alarms and blinking warn- ing lights, indicating e.g. rising temperature of the engine coolant. Some of the controls and aids are situated simply outlandish – for example the navigational display is situated to the left and aft. And the instructor has an unlimited control of the terrain you are to cross. In our short tours we were driving in urban conditions, through a forest, through Afghan wastelands, in driving rain, howl- ing blizzard, at sunrise and at sundown. The moni- toring instructor can prove your Nemezis, but also your savior. Trainee lost himself in the wilderness? ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

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