RGB Spectrum, a provider of real-time audio-visual solutions, continues its partnership with Lockheed Martin to globally equip F-35 flight simulators with its latest video processing technology. The Zio video-over-IP platform provides distribution, recording and video display, allowing streaming live and recorded video content between each of the F-35's main simulator components, pilot cockpits, instructor operator stations (IOS) and after-action-review (AAR) debrief rooms.

Lockheed's F-35 full-mission simulators (FMS) address air-to-air, air-to-ground and electronic warfare missions. Beyond preparing fighter pilots for combat, the FMS also provides synchronous aircraft missions for squadron training. With RGB Spectrum, Lockheed Martin is upgrading FMS simulators with the Zio networked video platform including H.264/H.265 encoders, decoders, multi-viewers and recorders.

Lockheed's FMS upgrade objectives were to achieve greater system interoperability with H.264 video-over-IP support, improve simulation efficacy and reduce overall system costs. The new Zio platform met these objectives. The simulators stream content in real time to the instructor's operator station (IOS) to enable instructors to view actions by pilots. Instructors can use full playback controls, including frame-by-frame jog/shuttle and variable speed forward/reverse playback for a thorough review. The Zio platform includes an array of components, all managed through an intuitive user interface featuring video thumbnail previews and drag-and-drop simplicity. 

“The Zio platform is a new and different approach to video-over-IP,” said Bob Marcus, president, RGB Spectrum. “It sets a new standard for IP video distribution and display in terms of features and simplicity of design. Its superior performance and scalability make the Zio platform ideal for use in simulation and command-and-control. The F-35 FMS is one of the most sophisticated simulators in the world, supporting one of the most advanced planes in the world. We are proud to be a part of this effort.”

RGB Spectrum’s Zio platform and other video solutions are deployed in military applications worldwide, including P-8 Poseidon trainers, simulators for the Global Hawk/Triton UAV, F-16 and F-22 aircraft, Apache, Kiowa, Chinook helicopters, at the NASA/Kennedy Space Center, U.S. Army Operational Test Command, on ships of the U.S., Japanese and Canadian navies, and in the THAAD, MEADS, CRAM and BAMS missile defense systems.

For more information, visit rgb.com/solutions/defense-aerospace.