U.S. patent application number 11/283630 was filed with the patent office on 2007-05-24 for re-configurable armored tactical personnel and collective training facility.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael F. Warminsky.
Application Number | 20070113487 11/283630 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38052100 |
Filed Date | 2007-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070113487 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warminsky; Michael F. |
May 24, 2007 |
Re-configurable armored tactical personnel and collective training
facility
Abstract
The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable
armored unit for use in live fire training exercises. In one
aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The
reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit
having at least one subsystem and a second modular unit having at
least one subsystem. Each modular unit is constructed from a
standard structural footprint and each modular unit includes at
least one bullet containment wall. The reconfigurable training
facility further includes a control member, wherein the subsystem
in each modular unit is controlled by the control member. In
another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training
facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a
reconfigurable training facility is provided. In a further aspect,
a method of building a scenario in a graphical space is
provided.
Inventors: |
Warminsky; Michael F.;
(Ringoes, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
B. Todd Patterson;Patterson & Sheridan, LLP
Suite 1500
3040 Post Oak Blvd
Houston
TX
77056
US
|
Assignee: |
AMEC Earth & Environmental,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38052100 |
Appl. No.: |
11/283630 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 9/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/079.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 6/00 20060101
E04H006/00; E04H 1/00 20060101 E04H001/00 |
Claims
1. A reconfigurable training facility comprising: a first modular
unit having at least one subsystem; a second modular unit having at
least one subsystem, wherein each modular unit is constructed from
a standard structural footprint and each modular unit includes at
least one bullet containment wall; and a control member, wherein
the subsystem in each modular unit is controlled by the control
member.
2. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, wherein the
second modular unit is disposed next to the first modular unit in a
side by side configuration.
3. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, wherein the
second modular unit is disposed on top of the first modular unit in
a stacked configuration.
4. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, wherein the at
least one subsystem is an airflow ceiling ventilation system for
circulating air through the modular unit.
5. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, wherein each
modular unit is configured to be interconnectable with another
modular unit.
6. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, wherein each
modular unit is connectable to the control member by an umbilical
cord.
7. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, wherein each
modular unit is containerized.
8. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, wherein each
modular unit includes at least four walls, a floor member, and a
ceiling member.
9. The reconfigurable training facility of claim 1, further
including a third modular unit disposable adjacent the first and
the second modular unit.
10. A modular unit for use in a training facility, the modular unit
comprising: a portable structural member, the portable structural
member is configured to be interconnectable with another portable
structural member; at least one bullet containment wall inside the
portable structural member; and at least one subsystem for
providing a controlled environment inside the portable structural
member.
11. The modular unit of claim 10, further including a control
member for manipulating the at least one subsystem.
12. The modular unit of claim 11, further including an umbilical
cord for attaching the at least one subsystem to the control
member.
13. The modular unit of claim 10, wherein the at least one
subsystem is an airflow ceiling ventilation system for circulating
air through the portable structural member.
14. The modular unit of claim 10, further including at least one
breaching wall to gain entry into the portable structural
member.
15. A method of forming a training facility, the method comprising:
positioning a first modular unit at a predetermined location, the
first modular unit having at least one subsystem and at least one
bullet containment wall; positioning a second modular unit relative
to the first modular unit, the second modular unit having at least
one subsystem and at least one bullet containment wall; and
connecting the subsystems together and controlling each
subsystem.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second modular unit is
disposed next to the first modular unit in a side by side
configuration.
17. The method of claim 16, further including positioning a third
modular unit on top of the first modular unit.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the second modular unit is
disposed on top of the first modular unit in a stacked
configuration.
19. The method of claim 18, further including stacking a third
modular unit and a fourth modular unit on top of the second modular
unit to form a multistory training facility.
20. The method of claim 15, further including reconfiguring the
position of the first modular unit relative to the second modular
unit.
21. A method of building a scenario in a graphical space, the
method comprising: providing modules to construct the scenario;
transporting the modules to a location; and configuring the modules
in a predetermined configuration.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the graphical space is a
computer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a
training facility for military and law enforcement personnel. More
particularly, embodiments of the present invention pertain to a
reconfigurable armored unit for use in live fire training
exercises.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] To maintain proficiency in the use of firearms, typically
military and law enforcement personnel engage in target practice.
Traditionally, target practice has been conducted on a range in
which targets were placed a distance away from the shooter.
However, target practice on a range does not adequately train
military and law enforcement personnel for many real life
situations. Therefore, structures that include ballistic walls in
arrangements to resemble a house or other building were formed.
These structures, typically referred to as shoot houses, enable
military and law enforcement personnel to train in situations in
which the officer faces realistic threats to their safety.
[0005] Traditional shoot houses were originally constructed out of
concrete, gravel filled walls, or tire walls. While these shoot
houses provided a marked improvement over traditional training at a
target range, they still do not feel as realistic as conventional
looking walls.
[0006] As technology improved, the traditional shoot house became
more sophisticated. Today, as part of most military and law
enforcement training scenarios, dynamic encounters, while either
moving or against moving "Friend-Foe" targets in realistic
settings, are required. Currently, military and law enforcement
personnel use a variety of facilities including automated and
non-automated static ranges, convoy training structures, and shoot
houses to fulfill their training requirements.
[0007] Combat veterans and progressive training instructors have
acknowledged that the human body and mind have predictable,
instinctive responses to surprise and lethal threats. While the
basics of weapons handling and marksmanship are important skills
for all shooters, they are not the basis for success during most
lethal encounters involving the defensive use of a firearm.
Trainees are much more likely to be caught off-guard by an
aggressive attacker in close quarters and low light conditions than
when "confronted" by a simulated lethal threat in broad daylight
standing 25 yards in front of an earthen berm.
[0008] An environment that accurately recreates situational realism
is requisite to firearms/tactical training programs, especially
with the shift in doctrine to urban training to support the global
war on terror and to allow our war fighters to train as they fight.
As such, static (non-automated) outdoor ranges with permanent
target positions are least desirable to meet the changing mission
requirements for these training exercises. With regard to tactical
training, the traditional shoot house is also not fully adequate or
desirable because of life cycle costs. Further, the traditional
shoot house requires significant design time and construction
efforts to erect. Furthermore, the traditional shoot house lacks
flexibility in modifying training scenarios once erected.
Additionally, the traditional shoot house lacks realism for today's
training mission requirements. Also, the traditional shoot house
includes a large surface danger Zone (SDZ) footprint. In addition,
the traditional shoot house typically raises encroachment,
nuisance, and/or noise issues. Furthermore, traditional shoot
houses typically have an open top due to air quality issues among
other things. Therefore, there is a need for an improved shoot
house arrangement
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is generally directed to a
reconfigurable armored unit for use in live fire training
exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is
provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first
modular unit having at least one subsystem and a second modular
unit having at least one subsystem. Each modular unit is
constructed from a standard structural footprint and each modular
unit includes at least one bullet containment wall. The
reconfigurable training facility further includes a control member,
wherein the subsystem in each modular unit is controlled by the
control member.
[0010] In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a
reconfigurable training facility is provided. The modular unit
includes a portable structural member, wherein the portable
structural member is configured to be interconnectable with another
portable structural member. The modular unit further includes at
least one bullet containment wall inside the portable structural
member and at least one subsystem for providing a controlled
environment inside the portable structural member.
[0011] In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable
training facility is provided. The method includes positioning a
first modular unit at a predetermined location, wherein the first
modular unit has at least one subsystem and at least one bullet
containment wall. The method further includes positioning a second
modular unit relative to the first modular unit, wherein the second
modular unit has at least one subsystem and at least one bullet
containment wall. Additionally, the method includes connecting the
subsystems together and controlling each subsystem.
[0012] In a further aspect, a method of building a scenario in a
graphical space is provided. The method includes providing modules
to construct the scenario and transporting the modules to a
location. The method further includes configuring the modules in a
predetermined configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present invention can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above,
may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are
illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however,
that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of
this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating one embodiment of a
reconfigurable armored tactical personnel and collective training
facility (RATPAC) for live training exercises.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the first floor of the RATPAC
in FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the second floor of the RATPAC
in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present invention is generally directed to a modular
unit for use in live fire training exercises in order to train
fighters as they fight. Various terms as used herein are defined
below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below,
it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent
art have given that term, as reflected in printed publications and
issued patents. In the description that follows, like parts are
marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same
reference numerals. The drawings may be, but are not necessarily,
to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated
to better illustrate details and features described below. One of
normal skill in the art of shoot houses will appreciate that the
various embodiments of the invention can and may be used in all
types of shoot houses.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating one embodiment of a
reconfigurable armored tactical personnel and collective training
facility (RATPAC) 100 for live training exercises. As shown in FIG.
1, the RATPAC 100 includes three modular units 150 configured in a
cluster. It is to be understood, however, that the RATPAC 100 may
include any number of modular units without departing from
principles of the present invention. For ease of explanation, the
invention will be described generally as it relates to a single
building structure. It is to be understood, however, that the
invention may be employed in any number of building structures
without departing from principles of the present invention.
[0019] The modular units 150 in the RATPAC 100 are configured to
construct the tactical training facility. Each modular unit 150 is
portable, thereby allowing the RATPAC 100 to be reconfigured with
minimal effort. For illustrative purposes, the roof on each modular
unit 150 has been removed. As shown, the interior of each modular
unit 150 may be configured with various features, such as widows,
doors, stairwells, walls, and hallways but the overall structure of
each modular unit 150 is constructed to a predetermined standard
design or structural foot pattern. For instance, each modular unit
150 includes a standard width and a standard length. Additionally,
each modular unit 150 includes a support structure 160 at each
corner. The standard design allows each modular unit 150 to be
arranged in a side by side configuration or in a stacked
configuration without substantially modifying the modular unit 150.
Additionally, the standard design allows the modular unit 150 to be
prefabricated prior to assembly of the RATPAC 100, thereby reducing
the design and construction efforts. Another benefit of a standard
design is that the modular unit 150 may be disassembled and
reconfigured with minimal effort, thereby adding flexibility in
modifying training scenarios once erected. In one embodiment, the
modular unit is containerized. For instance, the modular unit is
built on ISO 9000 container concepts, with foldable frames for
flat-pack shipping. In addition, other features, such as an
exterior stairway 165 may be added to the RATPAC 100 to create the
realistic tactical training facility.
[0020] Generally, each modular unit 150 includes interior and
exterior panels that consist of standard dimension panels mounted
on a grid system, and includes solid panels (single and double
sided), window panels, door panels, with or without breach
capabilities. The interior of each modular unit 150 includes bullet
containment walls configured to allow live-fire within the modular
unit 150. More specifically, the walls in each modular unit 150
include armored panels and/or armored steel plates to maintain the
integrity of the walls when rounds of bullets are shot in the
modular unit 150. The exterior facades of each modular unit 150 can
also be mounted on the grid system to provide additional realism
when the RATPAC 100 training facility is used as part of a Military
Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) or Combined Arms Collective
Training Facility (CACTF) to simulate the desired objective.
Additionally, the exterior of each modular unit 150 may include
brick and mortar to create a realistic tactical training facility.
In another embodiment, the modular unit 150 may be configured for
simulated munitions, such as paintballs. In this embodiment, the
lightweight walls may be used in place of the bullet containment
walls.
[0021] Each modular unit 150 typically includes several subsystems
for providing a controlled environment within the modular unit 150.
For example, each modular unit 150 may have a subsystem 195, such
as closed circuit television (CCT), computer controlled targetry
arrangement, sound effects, power, and an airflow ceiling
ventilation system. Typically, each subsystem is integral to the
modular unit 150 and is connected via an umbilical cord 180 to a
central control module in a control room 175. In another
embodiment, each modular unit 150 is connected to the control room
175 through a wireless network. The subsystems may also be
connected to an after action review (AAR)/classroom space, as well
as mechanical/electrical units that are configured to meet each
application's requirements. The subsystem arrangement allows the
modular unit 150 to be mobile and affords the end-user a plug and
play product.
[0022] The RATPAC 100 may include the capability of integral
breaching walls 185 and doors 190 to gain entry to the modular unit
150 and/or individual rooms to add realism to the training session.
The interior and exterior "breach panels" simulating walls 185 and
doors 190 are substituted for the standard armor panels, at
predetermined entry points, allowing for demolition effects
simulator (DES) or mechanical breaching techniques without damaging
the modular unit 150. In addition, each modular unit 150 offers the
added realism of traditional height ceilings and an airflow ceiling
ventilation system, thereby reducing the Surface danger Zone (SDZ)
footprint and encroachment or noise issues. Further, each modular
unit 150 includes room sizes that can be configured to match the
required tactical scenario, as well as flexibility afforded by
portable target systems that are easily relocated/reprogrammed to
change training scenarios.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a view illustrating the first floor of the RATPAC
100 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 is a view illustrating the second floor of
the RATPAC 100 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the RATPAC 100
includes two modular units 150 side by side and as shown in FIG. 3
a single modular unit 150 on the second floor. As clearly shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3, each modular unit 150 has the same exterior
dimensions. In other words, each modular unit 150 has the same
structural footprint, thereby allowing the modular unit 150 to be
arranged in numerous configurations. As previously described, each
modular unit 150 includes a number of subsystems that are
interconnected with other modular units to form a single unit. The
single unit is connected to the control room 175 via the cord 180,
thereby allowing the single unit to be controlled at one
location.
[0024] Although the RATPAC 100 in FIGS. 1-3 illustrates a three
module unit arrangement, the RATPAC 100 is scaleable from a single
module arrangement to a multiple module arrangement with
practically limitless floor plan possibilities. Additionally, the
RATPAC 100 may be configured as a high rise building arrangement
with multiple stories, thereby allowing the integration of
rappelling and tactical training in a realistic setting using a
single facility. Furthermore, the RATPAC 100 may include
interior/exterior stairs and balconies, rappel points, and large
open rooms to create a realistic tactical training facility.
[0025] In one embodiment, multiple RATPAC 100 buildings may be
combined to create a live-fire Combined Arms Collective Training
Facility (CACTF) capable of providing culminating urban operations
training that was previously accomplished through an Urban Assault
Course, a Shoot House, and Breach Facilities separately. A CACTF
constructed using modular units 150 allows multiple units to train
simultaneously on the collective tasks of breaching, tactical
movement, target engagement and discrimination, building entry, and
room clearance in a live-fire environment, wherein each modular
unit 150 includes a bullet containment frame. Additionally, the
multi-story RATPAC buildings can be constructed with rooftop over
watch positions to allow the incorporation of elements such as
command and control and security into the aforementioned live-fire
training scenarios.
[0026] To develop an appropriate configuration to meet specific
mission/training scenario requirements, 3 dimensional (3-D)
computer simulations are conducted. Commercially available
engineering architectural software, enhanced with proprietary
programming, enables construction and viewing of the facility in a
virtual world from a site perspective. Walk-thoughs, fly-overs, and
rotational views through 3-D animation enable the trainer to review
the "completed" facility early in the design phase, to ensure
targetry location, functionaility, and training realism prior to
finalizing the site detail design and tendering construction.
[0027] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the
present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention
may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and
the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.
* * * * *