Moving targets that return fire among features at new, realistic high-tech SAF battle circuits
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The Instrumented Battle Circuits will be built into existing SAF training areas.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
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SINGAPORE – The days of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers shouting “bang bang bang bang” to simulate gunfire while training, as recounted by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in Parliament on Feb 28, are over.
New technology will far overtake it, with the Singapore Army set to start training on three highly realistic simulated battlefields later in 2024.
The Instrumented Battle Circuits (iBACs) will be built into existing SAF training areas.
The first, the Murai Urban Battle Circuit inside the Murai Urban Training Facility, will start training soldiers some time between April and June, while two others, one in Ama Keng Training Area and the other in Pasir Laba Training Area, will begin doing so later in 2024.
Separately, the new complex urban training environment in Safti City Phase 1, which will open progressively in 2024, will be similarly instrumented, said Lieutenant-Colonel Lim Zhifeng, the head of the SAF’s training capability development branch at the Headquarters, Training and Doctrine Command, during a visit by The Straits Times to the Murai battle circuit in late February.
Here are features of the new iBACs:
Interactive target system
(EMBARGOED TILL EITHER 28 FEB 2024 2000HRS OR 29 FEB AM) An interactive 2D target system in the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), which is one of three instrumented battle circuits (iBACs) equipped with realistic battlefield effects, at Mural Urban Training Facility on Feb 27, 2024. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM mymurai
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Static 2D human targets: Represent enemies in various positions and have target boards that move quickly to simulate human movements – for example, folding down when hit;
Static 3D mannequin targets: Pose in various ways to simulate human fighting positions, such as squatting and kneeling;
Both target types can simulate shooting back using a laser-based system.
(EMBARGOED TILL EITHER 28 FEB 2024 2000HRS OR 29 FEB AM) A 3D static mannequin target in the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), which is one of three instrumented battle circuits (iBACs) equipped with realistic battlefield effects, at Mural Urban Training Facility on Feb 27, 2024. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM mymurai
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Virtual avatar system
(EMBARGOED TILL EITHER 28 FEB 2024 2000HRS OR 29 FEB AM) A demonstration by Major Samuel Yee engaging in a hostage situation on the virtual avatar system in the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), which is one of three instrumented battle circuits (iBACs) equipped with realistic battlefield effects, at Mural Urban Training Facility on Feb 27, 2024. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM mymurai
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Can be configured to project complex and realistic training scenarios onto a video screen, such as hostage rescue situations, and adjusted based on the response of trainees;
Enemies in video can shoot back using a laser-based system.
Exercise control (Excon)
mymurai - BCON Source and copyright: MINDEF
PHOTO: MINDEF
Used to plan, monitor and control training activities;
Battle Circuit Excon: A desktop-based system for planning and monitoring of missions;
Instructor Excon: A tablet-based system for remote monitoring and control of targets and simulators.
(EMBARGOED TILL EITHER 28 FEB 2024 2000HRS OR 29 FEB AM) An officer using the Instructor EXCON (I-CON) in the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), which is one of three instrumented battle circuits (iBACs) equipped with realistic battlefield effects, at Mural Urban Training Facility on Feb 27, 2024. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM mymurai
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Mobile interactive targets
(EMBARGOED TILL EITHER 28 FEB 2024 2000HRS OR 29 FEB AM) A 3D mobile mannequin target in the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), which is one of three instrumented battle circuits (iBACs) equipped with realistic battlefield effects, at Mural Urban Training Facility on Feb 27, 2024. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM mymurai
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Mounted on wheels to simulate moving enemies at speeds of up to 10kmh;
Move according to pre-planned routes to simulate soldiers on patrol;
Can shoot back using a laser-based system.
Battlefield effects system
(EMBARGOED TILL EITHER 28 FEB 2024 2000HRS OR 29 FEB AM) A ground burst simulator in the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), which is one of three instrumented battle circuits (iBACs) equipped with realistic battlefield effects, at Mural Urban Training Facility on Feb 27, 2024. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM mymurai
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
Ground burst simulator: Simulates bullets hitting the ground;
Blast simulator: Replicates sounds and shockwaves of explosions;
Smoke generator: Creates water-based, non-toxic smoke effects;
Weapon signature simulator: Generates sounds and muzzle flash of gunfire.
(EMBARGOED TILL EITHER 28 FEB 2024 2000HRS OR 29 FEB AM) A blast simulator in the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), which is one of three instrumented battle circuits (iBACs) equipped with realistic battlefield effects, at Mural Urban Training Facility on Feb 27, 2024. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM mymurai
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM
