INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: NGRAIN
Interview with Gabe Batstone
Vice President, Sales & Business Development
NGRAIN
Q: How does NGRAIN’s technology work?
A: NGRAIN’s commercial off-the-shelf [COTS] software allows instructors and other subject matter experts to embed lightweight 3-D equipment simulations into training materials and technical documentation. With NGRAIN, personnel can learn how to operate and maintain complex equipment through hands-on interaction with realistic 3-D simulations.
Q: How does the technology allow for more efficient training and communication?
A: NGRAIN allows personnel to practice maintenance and repair tasks using a 3-D equipment simulation in the classroom, at home, or in the field—allowing military organizations to train personnel faster. NGRAIN provides an engaging visual and interactive alternative to the standard PowerPoints or textbooks, and is proven to improve comprehension and training results.
Q: What kind of benefits/return on investment are your customers realizing?
A: Our customers are able to train more personnel in a shorter period of time and cut down on costs. Using NGRAIN, training organizations within the U.S. and Canadian militaries have been able to train personnel to a higher standard, reduce part breakage and replacement, and reduce training time by as much as 60 percent, without impacting results.
Q: Please describe any recent developments in this technology and your solutions?
A: In late 2007 NGRAIN released version 4.0 of its tools, which included new features to enhance the realism of simulations, simplify the creation of 3-D animations and enable the creation of advanced maintenance task simulations and tests.
Q: Who are your key customers? What significant contracts have been signed recently?
A: NGRAIN’s customers include all branches of the United States military and the Canadian Forces, and leading defense manufacturers and system integrators, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and CAE. Lockheed Martin recently selected NGRAIN to provide a customized version of the software for its F-35 Lightning II Autonomic Logistics Information Systems [ALIS] program, which is part of the Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft Program. Aircraft maintainers will use NGRAIN to record damage and repair details faster and more accurately using a virtual 3-D model of the aircraft. The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) named NGRAIN as the sole supplier of interactive 3-D equipment simulations in April 2008. Under this multi-million dollar contract, DND will use NGRAIN for performance support, training and maintenance. NGRAIN was also subcontracted to develop interactive simulations of the F108 Engine for the U.S. Air Combat Command’s aircraft maintenance training program, which will be used to reduce training time and enhance the learning in formal classroom, on-the-job and standalone training programs.
Q: Describe your products that are used in current military operations?
A: NGRAIN virtual task trainers are being used by U.S. and Canadian militaries to deliver virtual hands-on training in the schoolhouse and in the field. For example, in the schoolhouse, the U.S. Army Engineering School at Fort Leonard Wood is using NGRAIN as part of its Brake Systems Maintenance Training program to provide soldiers with increased opportunities to practice tasks and learn troubleshooting procedures, while keeping costs to a minimum. And, in the field, the U.S. Army, is using NGRAIN as part of a computer-based 3kW TQG Operator Training Course to provide soldiers in the field with just-intime training on electric power equipment. The Canadian Forces are deploying NGRAIN on a ruggedized PDA [R-PDA]. With links to approximately 200 NGRAIN interactive 3-D landmine objects, soldiers in the field can turn to their R-PDA devices to neutralize the threat of mines. NGRAIN is working with Standard Aero to deliver a 3-D-enabled Advanced Interactive Electronic Training Manual [IETM] for the T56 Engine used on Lockheed Martin’s Hercules C-130. This solution is enhanced with NGRAIN 3-D equipment simulations to help the Canadian Forces reduce the time to locate and comprehend information, improve speed and quality of job performance, and decrease repair turnaround time and equipment downtime.
Q: Do you see any recent trends or shifts in the industry?
A: Simulations were at one time primarily used for flight training, but now we are seeing a greater emphasis on simulations used for maintenance training. We’re also seeing, as a result of resource pressures, military organizations reducing training time in traditional classroom settings, while increasing delivery of just-in-time training to personnel in the field.
Q: What does the future hold for your company?
A: We are committed to continuing to provide the best 3-D maintenance training solutions to the military. You will see us continually evolving our solutions based on market requirements, and working closely with partners to deliver integrated solutions. ♦