The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced on the 7th that they have completed the performance enhancements for the K1 series tank tactical simulation training equipment (TMPS) currently operated by the Army and Marine Corps. This project was pursued as part of the existing power performance maximization initiative.
The K1 series tanks include the K1, K1E1, K1A1, and K1A2 tanks, and the TMPS is a simulator for mock operational training of these tanks. It is structured to prepare for various tactical situations, such as tank engagements, inclement weather, and failure responses, by replicating the real operational environment with three-dimensional stereoscopic visuals. It has high effectiveness in terms of safety and cost efficiency compared to actual tank maneuver training.
The existing TMPS has been contributing to the improvement of operators’ driving and gunnery skills since it was put into service in 2010. However, due to equipment aging and discrepancies with new tank components, there has been a continuous need for performance enhancement.
The recent performance enhancement addressed screen freezing by completely replacing the computer and upgrading the operating system, reducing the initial boot time from 15 minutes to 1 minute. Additionally, a mock sight with the same structure as the actual tank was applied to enhance the immersion of the training.
The main gun caliber was modified from 105mm to 120mm, aligning with changes to the tanks, and related programs and components for the main gun firing function were also replaced. As a result, a tactical environment similar to actual combat has been established.
Jeong-eun Park, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s foundational power business support division, stated, “This TMPS performance enhancement will contribute to improving the mission execution capabilities of the crew by creating a training environment akin to real combat.” She added, “We will promptly respond to military requirements to enhance perceived satisfaction.”