Maneuver training system using global positioning satellites, RF transceiver, and laser-based rangefinder and warning receiver

A shooter platform for use during a combat maneuver training exercise, comprising:

• a location determination system;
• a wireless transceiver;
• a weapon controlled by a fire control system;
• and
• a controller having inputs coupled to outputs of said location determination system and said fire control system, said controller computing an impact point and a time of impact on the target platform of a simulated ordinance fired from said weapon, and for transmitting said computed impact point and time of impact, along with at least a current location of and time at the shooter platform, to the target platform using said wireless transceiver.

A target platform for use during a combat maneuver training exercise, comprising:

• a location determination system;
• a laser radiation detector;
• a wireless transceiver;
• and
• a controller having inputs coupled to outputs of said location determination system and said laser radiation detector, said controller being responsive to a reception of a laser signal from a shooter platform for transmitting at least a current location of the target platform to the shooter platform using said wireless transceiver.

A method for operating a combat maneuver training system of a type that includes a shooter platform and a target platform, comprising steps of:

• at the shooter platform, transmitting energy towards the target platform;
• at the target platform, detecting the transmitted energy;
• transmitting a current location of the target platform to the shooter platform in response to detecting the transmitted energy;
• at the shooter platform, calculating at least an impact point of a simulated ordinance on the target platform and an impact time;
• transmitting information to the target platform, the transmitted information comprising the calculated impact point and impact time;
• maneuvering the target platform at least until a time that corresponds to the calculated impact time;
• transmitting an updated current location of the target platform to the shooter platform;
• and
• based at least in part on the updated current location and on a type of shooter platform weapon, determining a status of the target platform.