SSI

Stationary Armor Target (SAT)

jreagan — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:34:38 +0000

SSI’s Stationary Armored Target (SAT) is a heavy silhouette target lifter that is designed to meet the Army Targetry System (ATS) Segment 1 and 2 standards. The mechanism can lift up to 250lb targets in about 6 seconds. The SAT offers the same hit sensing capabilities as our standard Heavy Lifting Device (HLD). The SAT is FASIT compliant, and can be driven with either 120VAC or 24 VDC.

Heavy Lifting Device (HLD)

jreagan — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:21:38 +0000

SSI’s Wireless Heavy Lifting Device (HLD) is designed to lift tank and vehicle frontal and side silhouettes for tank and artillery training. The HLD is capable of lifting up to 400 lb plywood targets in about 3 seconds. The unit runs on a pair of 12VDC marine-grade batteries and is controlled using SSI’s Wireless Range Control software. The unit has the same hit sensing capabilities as the RIAB target lifter, and has an auxiliary output to trigger pyrotechnics and other accessories.

The lifter can be used to lift many types of silhouettes including a T-72 full-scale flank or frontal target, multiple infantry silhouettes, passenger vehicle “friend” silhouettes, thermal images and many more. The unit can be used as part of a RIAB training system and can trigger and be triggered by our standard TLD unit. The HLD can be carried into position, or rolled into position with an optional hand truck (dolly wheels).

Stationary Infantry Lifter (SIT)

jreagan — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:23:13 +0000

SSI’s Stationary Infantry Lifter is a Fully Enclosed and Submersible version of our standard RIAB target lifter(TLD). The SIT can lift up to 20 lb target infantry silhouettes. The SIT has all the same hit sensing and accessory options as our standard TLD. The SIT has undergone extensive IP67 submersion testing. The unit can be ordered as either a hardwired (120VAC) or wireless (12VDC). The unit is designed to meet TACOM ATS contract specifications and a FASIT compliant version is available. The units can be controlled either with SSI’s Range Control software, or with the FASIT compliant TRACR software. Please see our RIAB training system page for more details.

IED Trigger

jreagan — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:43:09 +0000

SSI’s IED device is a wireless, battery-operated device used to trigger pyrotechnics and other field devices. The unit gives Range Control 3 switching 12 VDC outputs that can be interfaced with existing systems suchas the pneumatic .50 cal simulator, the IEDES system, the Omega 36 and Omega 60 BES, and other devices that simulate artillery, explosions, smoke and gun fire. In addition, the unit can trigger 12V relays, so that other voltage devices, such as lights, sirens, door locks, smoke generators and other training aids can be used. The device has inputs for motion sensing, beam-break and other proximity sensors that can be used to trigger events.

The IED is controlled using SSI’s RIAB Control System. The IED unit shows up as it’s own icon in the RIAB software. It can be sold as an accessory to a RIAB system, or as it’s own IED system. The unit can be set to trigger off timing, off motion events, as part of a RIAB training scenario, and so on. The unit is used in convoy training, in urban assault courses, in shoot-houses, and in open ranges.

Pepper Popper (Pneumatic Target)

jreagan — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:35:46 +0000

SSI’s Pepper Popper is a fast, cost-effective target solution for simple pneumatic shooting ranges. The Pepper Popper uses compressed air to lift, and is knocked down when shot. The target plate is a head and torso made of 1/2″ thick AR500 Ballistic Steel.

These targets require an air compressor, with airlines run to each target. Air can be switched on and off using manual valves or with electronic solenoid valves. The lift speed of the target is adjustable, and is typically set of a lift time of about 1 second.

The target can be mounted to either a concrete pad, or can be anchored directly into the ground using our anchor stand.

Rogers Range (Pneumatic Shooting Range)

jreagan — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:11:39 +0000

SSI’s Rogers Range is a Reactive Steel Target range for live-fire training. The system uses compressed air to raise and lower AR500 steel head-plate targets. The system is controlled using a control room computer and an industrial control system. The system detects live-fire hits using the same hit-sensing technology that is used on the RIAB system. The system gives Range Supervisors great flexibility in training by allowing them to change the position, timing and other training aspects very quickly.

System Features:

Target positions can be moved up and down the lane, shifted left or right, and raised or lowered by making fast mechanical adjustments.

Targets can be raised or lowered using hit counts (example: lower target #7 after 3 bullet hits).

Targets can be raised or lowered using timers (example: raise target #12 after 6 seconds).

Targets can be triggered by other targets (example: raise target #9 when target #3 is killed).

Quick “Random” feature allows users to train with targets randomly popping up and down.

Hit count data is collected and stored for scoring and grading purposes.

Training scenarios can be programmed by the operator at a user panel, or by the Range Supervisor at the control computer.

The system is easy to maintain with off-the-shelf components used throughout.

Rotating Target System

jreagan — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:45:57 +0000

SSI’s Rotating Target Device (RTD) is a hit-sensitive indoor target silhouette turner that gives users the ability to setup a number of different live-fire training scenarios. The RTD’s are controlled using computer commands over an IP network. The unit is ceiling-mounted. The spinning shaft and clamp are shielded with AR500 ballistic steel.

The RTD rotates the target as the user gets ready. Depending on the scenario, the RTD then stops the target in one of three positions: Friend, Foe or Neutral. The targets use the same hit-sensing technology as our RIAB system. Hits can be detected using SSI’s 10mm corrugated plastic silhouettes. The hits are recorded in the Control Computer.

The first system installed by SSI was for the US Border Patrol in Nogales, AZ. The Nogales Quick Range employs 16 RTD units that are controlled by a single Control Computer. The commands from the Control Computer are sent to the RTD’s via a CAT5e Ethernet IP Network. The RTD’s receive commands from the Control Computer and send back positioning and hit sensing data on the same IP network. In addition to the hard-wired IP network, the system also employs a wireless network so that some manual commands can be carried out with a wireless hand-held Personal Data Assistant (PDA).

RIAB In Use

jreagan — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 21:39:01 +0000

These are soldiers at Ft. Shafter in Hawaii training with our RIAB System.

Strategic Systems: ATS contract Award

dhawkins — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:04:28 +0000

SSI has recently been awarded a share of the Army Targetry Systems (ATS) Program. This is, to date, the largest contract that we have won without a teaming agreement with a larger company. We are proud of this as it shows that; both the training community and DoD have taken notice in our quality product and dedication to training support. We will meet this challenge and show that a small business, staffed by patriots who care about saving lives, is just as capable of delivering vital training systems to our Military.

- Thank you.

How RIAB works

dhawkins — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:23:07 +0000

This Series will teach you everything you need to know about the Deployment/Operation/Preventive Maintenance of your RIAB system:

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Wireless Network Theory:

The wireless system by the RIAB uses 2.4Ghz (and/or 5.8Ghz for some systems) WiFi technology. This is similar to the residential hardware you may use for wireless laptops or devices at home….The difference is, the RIAB wireless network is a MUCH stronger, Industrial strength [but license-free] network.

With any wifi network, there are parameters which can affect signal strength and coverage area:

– LINE OF SIGHT: Almost universally, you will have better connectivity when devices have no obstructions between them. Consequently, the more; leaves, walls, dirt mounds, and automobiles there are between devices, the poorer the signal will be. Also, these materials affect the signal differently, i.e. – a tree will not block the signal as much as a solid steel wall. In the photo below the vehicles and connex bldgs are roughly 400m away from Router Antenna in foreground, but because of the open terrain the signal was usable for target devices in that area , EXCEPT for inside the steel bldg when doors windows were closed. Had the router and devices been setup deep in the woods to the right or left, we could have expected maybe 150-200m effective range. Something to consider…
– HEIGHT: This works along the same principal as Line of Sight, the rule Being 1) The Higher you can place the Router Antenna, the farther your LoS and the better signal/coverage area, at least to the effective range of the router. In the above photo example the effective distance of 400m would have increased if the antenna was elevated 5-10′ or more. The standard recommendation is; 1) place Antenna(s) in the highest Out-of-Play area adjacent to the training area for maximum coverage.

- ANTENNA TYPE: The RIAB ships with Omni-direction antennas as standard, but other types may be used for certain applications. Keep in mind that the antenna in the photo above was radiating signal in every direction, including the Out-of-Play area. On a Qualification Range for example, a Panel type Antenna would be advisable, as it directs all of it’s signal forward, and signal is not “wasted”. Another concern is the Antenna “deployment pattern”…for example: a trainer would setup Antennas in a straight line with overlapping coverage to get a longer distance on a long range, or along a road for convoy-ops training. Whereas, in a Urban training area, the Antennas would likely be setup in a triangular array to maximize coverage around obstacles.

RIAB Deployment:

- ORDER of OPERATIONS: When setting up the RIAB always setup the Antenna first, it will typically take approx. 3 minutes for the router(s) to fully come online. While the Router(s) are booting it is safe to start the Laptop controller, once Windows is loaded wait for laptop to auto connect to “wireless_11g’ or “RIAB” network. Only after Laptop controller is connected to network is it ready to turn on Target Devices. (The Router/Laptop must be on in order to hand out ID numbers to the devices as they are turned on…)

RIAB Operation: Now that you’ve turned on the Router (waited approx. 3 minutes…), turned on Laptop HHC (and waited to auto-connect to “wireless_11g” -OR- “RIAB” network), then finally turned on TLD tgt devices….now what?

For basic testing and operation of RIAB tgts, find the RIAB or Range Control application icon on desktop and run it (double-click), the app main screen should populate with icons for each tgt that is turned ON:

Each icon on the screen represents (1) tgt in the training area, if you deploy 6 tgts, then you should have 6 icons…(if you do not, then follow the “troubleshooting” section below)

- Each icon will show the device’s current UP/DOWN status and a name/ID number

- Bottom screen section shows detailed info about target/scenario parameters

- For basic device operation testing simply highlight the chosen tgt(s) (check that device is clear of personnel hands!), and then hit the UP/DOWN arrows at top of screen for Manual tgt toggle.

This is for general testing/maintenance of tgts, the RIAB can be used in training this way BUT it will NOT register hits (drop) unless “Scenario” is turned on.

There are (2) distinct software versions for use with the RIAB; one is for standard training use (UAC/MOUT/IED Lane, …) while the other is geared towards Qualification Range Scoring.

BOTH WILL WORK WITH SAME TLD HARDWARE/SOFTWARE

***If you purchase the “LANE” qualification option, BOTH versions will work with your tgts.***

…more on Standard -vs- Lane to follow

- Standard

– Lane

Preventive Maintenance:

Battery -

The only “consumable” item in the RIAB system is the internal 12VDC battery and generally they will last 2-3 years before required replacement. Battery life will be affected by it’s environment and amount of use. Extreme heat/cold will adversely affect battery, as will improper charging. Batteries should be checked at least quarterly for voltage AND amperage (depth of charge) ***Older RIAB systems (pre-2010) that suffer from battery “brown-out” or excessive discharge may find that wifi hardware has to be reprogrammed (end user can do this , but it’s about a 15 min delay)*** OLD SYSTEMS=KEEP BATTERIES CHARGED

The POST-2009 systems DO NOT suffer from this but, in order to maximize training time, keep the batteries properly charged…

Chain -

Chain should be checked quarterly for tightness and lubrication. For lubrication, any light chain oil may be used to prevent rust. Chain tension should allow for no more than 1/4″ play, if adjustment is required then loosen (NOT REMOVE) the 4 Allen-head screws on the top of the tld, then use a 7/16″ socket to adjust bolt on the top-center section of the rear faceplate to the proper tension.

What YOU can fix/replace: