RANGE CONTROL AND DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM (RCDCS)

Decilog designed, built, and installed three Hardware and Software Systems to raise and lower targets, control moving targets and collect hit data on rifle/machine gun test ranges. System capacity accommodates 224 targets placed 25 to 2000 meters from the shooter. The system enables the user to create simulated battle scenarios in which certain targets or groups of targets appear for user-specified times and disappear either when hit or after the specified time. The system scores hits as they occur and attaches a time tag and other I.D. to the hit record. The system was successfully integrated with the range to operationally control the targets on the range and collect data on shooter performance.

The hardware design is modular, each containing 32 input and output target channels. Seven slide-in modules and a power supply are housed in a rugged transit case at the central station. One board is set as the master timer and the others are slaved to it. All boards however, are identical and any one can be configured as the master. All range activity can be monitored on a front panel LED display and a color CRT range status display.

System software provides a user-friendly menu driven interface to the operator for scenario generation, data collection, range testing and utilities. Capability for end-to-end testing of the RCDCS is built in.

The system prototype was fielded for operational use in seven months, including training of military operators. Extensive reliability testing has been successfully completed under field conditions at Ft. Benning, GA.