Secapem - Live Fire Training Evaluation Software

French-based company Secapem develop and manufacture live fire training software for the the air and ground defence sectors. Their latest fire training system, the acoustic shot position indicator (ASPI), allows for the accurate evaluation of shot grouping and accuracy, enabling weapons trainers to quickly identify and correct discrepancies in a subject’s targeting ability.

ASPI acoustic scoring system for live fire training

The ASPI scoring system has been developed to assist military users in obtaining higher levels of gunnery proficiency by providing a more meaningful scoring format.

The scoring system equipment is integrated into the aerial or ground target, and automatically detects and measures the passage of supersonic projectiles. This information is then transmitted in real-time by radio link to the Secapem scoring station.

The detection technology used for the Secapem Scoring System is acoustic and takes advantage of the latest developments in computational hardware, software, and advanced sensors to offer many advantages including:

• Low initial cost and low total operating cost
• Relative simplicity of integration to aerial and ground targets
• Reduced training time for scoring system operators
• Real-time capabilities which allow scoring results to be displayed immediately
• Easy tailoring of display modes to meet customer requirements
• Small size and highly portable scoring ground station equipment
• Can be used with any caliber gun, even at very high rates of fire, and also for missiles
• Reliable scoring accuracy

Lightweight fire training data transmitter

The transmitter is a lightweight and small volume unit which is connected to the sensors, a GPS antenna, and a radio antenna. The main technical specifications of the transmitter are:

• RF power: 100mW (up to 5W, depending on the required range)
• Frequency Modulation: frequency changing by a frequency selector (16 frequencies are available for one airborne configuration, but more frequencies are available by software download to the transmitter), VHF or UHF band
• Bandwidth: 25 KHz; baud rate: 19200
• Used under 12V; 500mAh
• Weight: 390g
• Dimensions: Length 14cm; Width 5 cm; Height 4.5 cm

Accurate target analysis

The new generation Secapem sensors are from the miniature Skin Sensor family. These high performance sensors are flush mounting, lightweight, robust, and very reliable.

The sensor suite detects a disturbance in air pressure caused by supersonic projectiles passing in the vicinity of the target. The amplitude of this disturbance depends on the atmospheric pressure, the distance at which the projectile passes relative to the target, and the characteristics of the projectile. All variables are fully compensated for in the proprietary Secapem scoring algorithms, and each individual shot position is calculated instantaneously.

Integrated fire training scoring stations

Secapem offers two new integrated scoring stations; one with a full size tactile screen and another with a smaller 5in tactile screen which is handheld. The handheld configuration can be employed by the training officer to display score and target range data, or by the flight technicians to display the flight path and flight parameters of the target.

The Secapem scoring station provides a real-time display of the position of each shot around the target. The maximum detection distance depends on the caliber of the projectile, but is generally from 7m to 9m.

GPS information is also displayed to the scoring system operator, including a precise target range indicator derived from differential calculations.

All of the information is saved in the scoring station memory, and can be displayed or replayed later. All the results of a mission (shot detection, shot position, and GPS data) can be exported to an Excel file for post mission analysis or for distribution at the end of the training event. The display system software, developed in JAVA, can be easily tailored to meet customer requirements.

About Secapem

For more than 50 years, Secapem has been a worldwide leading company in the field of live firing training with unique expertise and knowledge

Within this context Secapem work in close collaboration with defence ministries, test centres and major aircraft manufacturers throughout the world. We provide the Armed Forces with a "one-stop" tailored solution and full logistic support.

Secapem has increased its product range and area of expertise since 2002 into embedded display equipment with processing capability, target range indication and position through GPS capability.