The re-use of computer code has caused tactical headaches for
Australia's armed forces.
With virtual reality simulators assuming larger roles in helicopter
combat training, programmers are going to great lengths to increase the
realism of their scenarios, which was evident during Operation Phoenix
in the Northern Territory.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation's Land Operations
Simulation Division instructed developers to simulate mobs of kangaroos
and to model their movements and reaction to helicopters.
Being efficient programmers, they just reappropriated some code
originally used to model the reactions of infantry detachments under the
same stimuli, changed the icon from a soldier to a kangaroo, and
increased the figures' speed of movement.
Eager to show their flying skills for some visiting American pilots, the
hotshot Aussies "buzzed" the virtual 'roos in low flight during a
simulation. The kangaroos scattered, as predicted, and the Americans
nodded appreciatively...then did a double-take as the kangaroos
reappeared from behind a hill and launched a barrage of Stinger SAM
missiles at the hapless helicopter. Apparently the programmers had
forgotten to remove that part of the infantry coding.
The Yanks left with the utmost respect for Australia's wildlife.
Australia's armed forces.
With virtual reality simulators assuming larger roles in helicopter
combat training, programmers are going to great lengths to increase the
realism of their scenarios, which was evident during Operation Phoenix
in the Northern Territory.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation's Land Operations
Simulation Division instructed developers to simulate mobs of kangaroos
and to model their movements and reaction to helicopters.
Being efficient programmers, they just reappropriated some code
originally used to model the reactions of infantry detachments under the
same stimuli, changed the icon from a soldier to a kangaroo, and
increased the figures' speed of movement.
Eager to show their flying skills for some visiting American pilots, the
hotshot Aussies "buzzed" the virtual 'roos in low flight during a
simulation. The kangaroos scattered, as predicted, and the Americans
nodded appreciatively...then did a double-take as the kangaroos
reappeared from behind a hill and launched a barrage of Stinger SAM
missiles at the hapless helicopter. Apparently the programmers had
forgotten to remove that part of the infantry coding.
The Yanks left with the utmost respect for Australia's wildlife.