"Making It Real” with the Future Simulation Engine

When it comes to military simulation software, the graphics have struggled to achieve a level of realism comparable to the real world, or even to the same level of fidelity found in today's video games, making the training experience less engaging and effective for Soldiers.  

But a photorealistic military simulation means nothing if it doesn’t act and behave like it does in the physical world.

To address both issues, Lockheed Martin is developing the Future Simulation Engine (FSE), a next-generation visualization and sim capability that combines the leader in military simulation with the best in gaming tech, Epic Games. By leveraging the strengths of both, FSE delivers a cutting-edge technology that significantly improves the realism of the training experience.

By immersing Soldiers in realistic, 3D environments with virtual entities that act like their real-world equivalent, the FSE aims to radically improve how service members train and prepare for real-world missions. More truer-to-life visuals and engagements lead to more realistic responses during training, enhancing Soldiers’ preparedness for the challenges they may face on the battlefield.

The FSE is comprised of two primary components: the Image Generator (IG) and the Intelligent Ground Semi-Automated Forces (SAF).

The IG creates the virtual world for Soldiers to train in, leveraging the advanced technology of Epic Games’ Unreal Engine to provide a detailed, global-scale simulation.

The SAF is what runs “under the hood” and serves as the brains, enabling the simulation of complex military scenarios.

The IG, for all intents and purposes, produces what Soldiers see, and is responsible for creating the virtual world that they interact with during training.

To date, simulation visuals have lacked the realistic detail observed in computer-generated imagery found in Hollywood blockbusters or the graphics in modern video games.

But the FSE's capabilities as provided by the IG are similar to the leap from older gaming systems to the latest, most advanced consoles, representing a significant upgrade in visual realism and immersion.

The IG's capabilities can be exemplified by its ability to simulate dynamic lighting and weather effects; realistic terrain and environmental interactions; and accurate replication of complex systems such as vehicle dynamics and projectile trajectories. This enables interactive training sessions that allow users to naturally engage with the virtual environment as they might a real one.

The Image Generator (IG) creates highly detailed, lifelike virtual environments, allowing for more effective and engaging military training experiences.

The SAF is the other key component of the FSE, providing a significant advancement in virtual and constructive simulation with highly realistic digital forces that are trained on accurate and validated military doctrine.

Think of the SAF as an AI-powered simulation engine that can emulate the decisions and actions of multiple units in real-time, allowing for the training of complex military operations in a highly realistic and immersive environment.

For example, the SAF can simulate the behavior of a combat brigade, including the interactions between different units, such as infantry, armor and artillery, and the effects of different tactics and strategies on the battlefield. 

A simulated military operation courtesy of the Intelligent Ground Semi-Automated Forces (SAF). The SAF enables the simulation of complex military scenarios and behaviors to deliver realistic, immersive training experiences.

With a range of benefits, including the creation of realistic, immersive 3D environments; unified live and virtual command and control; and complex scenario interactions, the FSE is poised to set a new standard for military training and readiness.

It is a prime example of Lockheed Martin’s commitment to innovating with urgency as part of its 21^st Century Security vision, addressing the rapidly evolving security landscape and helping customers stay ahead of emerging threats.

The FSE is expected to roll out in 2025, with plans for integration into existing military training systems.