FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apache Collective TSTT Training (ACTT)?

ACTT is a system (software and hardware) that allows AH-64A CPG collective training using networked TADS Selected Task Trainers (TSTT's).  ACTT was developed at private expense by Realtime Digital, Inc., Anaheim, California.

Who is the assumed audience for this CD?

This CD presentation assumes that you are familiar with the AH64A Apache helicopter and its weapons systems, the Target Acquisition Designation Sight (TADS), and CPG gunnery tactics, techniques, and procedures.  In addition, we assume that you are generally familiar with the TSTT.   If not, it is still possible to get an appreciation of ACTT by reviewing this CD.  There are eighteen video clips covering a total training time of about 30 minutes.  You can view these clips in 30 minutes or you can do it over several hours depending on your interest in ACTT, and more important, your interest in collective gunnery training.

Is ACTT compatible with the Army's TSTT's?

ACTT is 100 percent compatible with the production configuration TSTT's now owned by the US Army.  Additional software is loaded onto each TSTT to provide ACTT compatibility.  The ACTT Instructor Station uses a TSTT as its processor.  The Instructor Station joystick/keypad control unit interfaces to the TSTT Training Console IOP.  A 19-inch monitor is also connected to this TSTT, acting as the Instructor Station display.  A PC connected to the Instructor Station TSTT runs the DECtalk® speech synthesizer.  DECtalk is used to monitor CPG switchology.  Finally, a standalone multi-channel voice communications system is included as part of the ACTT system.  Note that the communications system is flight helmet compatible.

Does ACTT simulate today's AH-64A?

ACTT uses the existing TSTT simulation.  However, as part of the ACTT software package, we modified the TSTT simulation to extend the local world around each aircraft by about 1 km radius.  We also added several new target types - mostly stationary.  We do not simulate EGI, but EGI simulation is possible with a software-only modification upgrade to the TSTT simulation.  Realtime Digital retains the TSTT software source code and is the only practical supplier of TSTT software modifications and enhancements.

What's different about the ACTT simulation from the TSTT simulation?

The TSTT and ACTT simulations remain "TSTT-like".  The local world around each helicopter, however, has been increased by approximately 1 km.  In addition, several new target types are provided.

The key feature provided by ACTT is realtime situation overview.  You can observe the training session from anywhere in 3D space that you want.  You can have split-screen (multiple window) views on the Instructor Station monitor, allowing realtime views from several viewing positions at once.  You can remotely view and monitor individual CPG TADS views using the ACTT Instructor Station.  You can monitor both collective and individual CPG behavior at the same time.

ACTT records (to hard disk) the entire training session for subsequent AAR playback.  CPG voice communications is also recorded to disk, making it possible to play back training sessions at random while maintaining synchronization with all communications.  And, most important, during AAR playback, you can select totally different viewing points than were used during the actual training session.

ACTT also includes DECtalk spoken switchology.  This has proved to be very beneficial in analyzing and isolating team problems caused by switchology errors.

DECtalk seems like a distraction.  Is it?

DECtalk is not a distraction.  Those who have trained with ACTT using DECtalk feedback have found that it greatly enhances self-review.  It lets CPG's observe what they did while listening to their own switchology.  During team overview, it gives commanders and leaders another way to isolate errors.  It may be embarrassing to some, but ultimately it leads to improved performance.  When making this CD, we used DECtalk switchology feedback in several instances to determine what went wrong.

What about Longbow compatibility?

ACTT does not simulate the AH-64D cockpit, but could with a TSTT upgrade.  In fact, we've already given it a name - the Longbow Cockpit Switchology Trainer (LCST).  And since we have a proven collective TSTT training capability, collective Longbow "switchology" training is a natural derivative of a TSTT Longbow upgrade. 

Does ACTT require an operator/instructor?

ACTT is operated like the TSTT, using menu selections.  To date, ACTT has always been run using an operator/instructor but that is not necessary.  Gun-1 can select the ACTT training exercises using standard DEK menu selections on his TSTT.

The advantage of using an instructor, besides the obvious, is that the instructor has several more options available at the ACTT Instructor Station.  For example, he can be the pilot for each TSTT/Apache, he can support call for fires, he can reload weapons, he can act as scout, etc.  An operator/instructor enhances the simulated collective training experience by being a smart participant in the training.  This is demonstrated on this CD.

More important, ACTT allows collective training session overview in real time - very useful for platoon leaders and company commanders.  What you see is what you have.  The Instructor Station can be used as an observation-only tool for anyone interested in training session monitoring.  Additional graphics stations can be added to ACTT to allow training session monitoring, independent of the ACTT Instructor.

How much training is required to be an ACTT operator/instructor?

All of the ACTT Instructor Station features and capabilities can be learned in a day.  Becoming comfortable using the joystick/keyboard control unit should take about a week.  "Regular" users of ACTT can easily become ACTT Instructor Station operators, but a dedicated operator is recommended.

What's the maximum number of TSTT's that can be used in an ACTT network?

At present, the limitation is eight (8) networked TSTT's, but the practical limiting factor is the number of simultaneous targets that each TSTT generates.  The TSTT simulation provides a maximum of four simultaneous targets.  Since ACTT uses the TSTT simulation, the limit remains at four targets.  To overcome this limitation, ACTT automatically regenerates targets so that there are usually four active targets at all times during a typical training session.  To date, this target limitation has not been a problem with four CPG's training.  If lack of threats was a real problem, the video clips on this CD showing CPG and team overload wouldn't exist.  That being said, the maximum number of simultaneous targets simulated on the TSTT should be increased to allow more realistic training situations, and to allow more CPG's (TSTT's) to be included in collective training sessions.

Can ACTT network TSTT's over the internet?

ACTT can work over the internet, but this has not yet been done for actual Army training.  In 1994, using a dial-up modem connection originating from Anaheim, we participated as the fifth TSTT in a training session being conducted at Ft. Hood.  In addition to being CPG Gun-5, we also remotely observed training session overview (in realtime) using our ACTT Instructor Station.

Can ACTT simulate pilot stations?

All pilot functions are performed by the built-in TSTT scenario-controlled autopilot and by the free-flight capability included as part of ACTT.  All free-flight maneuvers are done at the ACTT Instructor Station using the joystick controls.  ACTT, however, is designed to accommodate standalone pilot stations.  It has not been implemented only because of an apparent lack of interest in such a capability.

Is the tractor-trailer on the Home page part of ACTT?

The tractor-trailer shown on the Home page was owned and used by the 21st Cavalry Brigade (formally CATB) at Ft. Hood.  Five TSTT's running ACTT were transported throughout the US between 1996 and 1998 to support AH-64A Unit sustainment training.

Does ACTT require a tractor-trailer (or other special environment) to make it portable?

That's how the US Army did it, but it is not necessary.  Another way is to move individual TSTT's to a site and co-locate the equipment.  ACTT interconnects the TSTT's using standard LAN technology.  There are no special requirements for moving and setting up ACTT.  Setup time is equivalent to moving a network of PC's from one location to another.  All that's needed is sufficient AC power and a office-like controlled temperature environment.

How long has ACTT existed and who has used it?

ACTT was first demonstrated to the US Army in November 1992 at Ft Eustis.  It remained in operation at Ft. Eustis for six (6) months.  ACTT was used by the 21st CAV at Ft. Hood from 1994 through 1998.  During the last two years that ACTT was used by the 21st CAV, it was set up in the tractor-trailer (shown on the CD Home page), providing portable collective training.  The tractor-trailer was operated and maintained by Dyncorp for the 21st CAV.  ACTT was used primarily to support CONUS gunnery training.

Why isn't ACTT being used today?

Although there are 100's of AH-64A aircraft in operation, Army training emphasis today is primarily in support of AH-64D Longbow.  In addition, ACTT has been a hard sell because it can only be completely understood and appreciated by live demonstration (difficult to do because it requires co-located TSTT's).  In addition, the "low fidelity" reputation of the TSTT tends to prejudice any serious evaluation of ACTT.  This CD, however, should provide some idea of what ACTT is and what it does.  The training benefit should be obvious.  If it isn't, you're probably the wrong person to be reviewing this CD.

How did we make the CD?

All training that you see on this CD was done using five networked TSTT's, ACTT software, ACTT networking and Instructor Station hardware, and a modified commercial multi-channel intercom system.  Actual US Army training sessions were "recorded" (by ACTT), and played back using the After-Action-Review (AAR) playback mode of ACTT.  Training session segments were then selected, viewpoints were selected, and the AAR playback was then (camera) video taped off the ACTT Instructor Station display.  These raw video clips (Windows AVI files) were then edited and converted to Apple Quicktime format (MOV files).  Editing consisted mostly of window sizing, changing frame rates, compressing the video, etc., primarily to reduce file size and required bandwidth for playback on a Windows PC.  In several clips, we did add visual markers to help the viewer correlate the CPG communications with the various displays.  So not to misrepresent ACTT, most of the clips are "raw" views of the ACTT Instructor Station Monitor.  Edited clips are marked with a "*" after the clip title.  The final CD presentation was created using Microsoft Frontpage®.

What didn't we see on this CD?

Although we tried to present a complete overview of ACTT, the fixed format of the CD has its limits.  Just keep in mind that ACTT provides two things.  First, ACTT provides useful AH-64A CPG collective training, available "24/7" if needed.  Second, ACTT provides unique overview capabilities not available on any other training system.  ACTT can satisfy the needs of both CPG's and Unit Commanders.