FLAMES Simulation Framework
Build custom constructive and virtual simulations on a proven framework.
FLAMES is a family of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software products that provide a framework for developing custom constructive and virtual simulations, as well as interfaces between live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) simulations.
FLAMES dramatically reduces the time and money required to create extremely capable, easy-to-use simulations that satisfy your specific requirements and to modify your simulations as your requirements change.
How Does FLAMES Work?
A true simulation framework
FLAMES provides the common infrastructure required by virtually every simulation, including scenario creation and execution tools, database management, visualization capabilities, development tools, and interfaces to external systems.
As a true framework, FLAMES programs do not contain any software that simulates the behavior of real-world systems. Instead, all software that simulates real-world systems is implemented in separate software components called component plugins.
FLAMES applications dynamically load component plugins when they start. Different combinations of component plugins can be used to create different FLAMES-based simulations while using the same FLAMES software.
Why Use FLAMES?
Focus development on your requirements
Rather than developing simulation infrastructure from scratch, organizations use FLAMES as the foundation for simulation development and focus on developing the software that simulates the real-world systems required by their program.
Reduces development time
The majority of software required by a FLAMES-based simulation is provided by the FLAMES framework. This software does not need to be developed, tested, or maintained by the simulation developer.
FLAMES also includes repositories of complete source code for component classes that simulate real-world systems, reducing the amount of software that must be developed for a new simulation.
Enables true software reuse
Properly developed component plugins can be reused to create different FLAMES-based simulations with the same FLAMES software foundation, multiplying the value of every FLAMES-based development effort.
Reduces program risk
Building large simulations from scratch is complex and expensive, and often fails to produce the intended results. FLAMES reduces program risk by providing a mature, well-tested framework with a defined execution model and decades of successful operational use.
Provides more capability on day one
FLAMES provides more capabilities than any other simulation framework, all of which are available on day one to any simulation developed using FLAMES. FLAMES has been used by Ternion and other organizations for over 35 years to develop more than 100 simulations. This varied and extensive use of FLAMES has provided Ternion with a wealth of requirements, use cases, and feedback during its development. The cumulative benefit of these decades of development is enjoyed by every FLAMES user right off the shelf.
Building a Simulation From Scratch vs. Using FLAMES
| Building From Scratch | Using FLAMES |
|---|---|
| Develop simulation infrastructure | Start with a full-featured, working framework |
| Develop scenario creation and execution applications | Use FLAMES Engine applications |
| Develop common infrastructure, APIs, and developer tools | Use infrastructure, APIs, base classes, and tools provided by FLAMES |
| Implement software that simulates real-world systems within the application | Implement software that simulates real-world systems in separate component plugins |
| Create unique simulation-specific software | Reuse properly developed plugins across FLAMES-based simulations |
| Develop, test, and maintain framework and modeling software | Focus on developing the software that simulates the real-world systems required by the program |
What Can You Build with FLAMES?
One framework for many simulation applications
FLAMES has been used as the foundation for simulations supporting training, mission planning and rehearsal, command and control, systems engineering, operational analysis, test and evaluation, and wargaming.
C4I Training Simulations
Develop simulations that support command, control, communications, and intelligence (C4I) system operator training. FLAMES-based simulations can model communications networks, large-scale air, land, and sea operations, and interfaces to real-world systems.
Systems and Engineering Analysis
Tailor simulations for performance and effectiveness analysis, from high-resolution time-step simulation to aggregated, long-duration analysis. FLAMES supports parametric trade studies and multiple-run Monte Carlo-type analysis.
Mission planning and rehearsal
Generate scenarios using imported data and use them to support interactive mission rehearsal shortly after plans are created.
Training
Place entities under interactive human control. FLAMES-based simulations can connect to virtual simulators and real-world systems to generate synthetic environments for individual, collective, and distributed training.
Test and Evaluation
Execute controlled, repeatable scenarios before or during testing enabled by FLAMES-based simulations to support direct interfaces with real-world systems. FLAMES-based simulations can also be integrated with live test range systems to augment the range’s capabilities.
Wargaming
Develop simulations for high-level wargaming, examination of complex operational situations, and decision support. Land, air, and sea operations can be incorporated according to specific requirements.
FLAMES Products
The software for developing and executing custom simulations
FLAMES Developer
Develop custom component plugins
The FLAMES Developer is the software development kit (SDK) and the tools needed to develop component plugins containing classes that simulate the behavior of real-world systems in accordance with your exact requirements. The classes in a plugin can also extend the functionality of the FLAMES Engine.
FLAMES Developer licenses are available at no cost. The FLAMES Developer also includes a Free Trial Version of the FLAMES Engine for evaluation and software development.
FLAMES Engine
Create, execute, visualize, and control scenarios
The FLAMES Engine is a set of applications that allow you to create, execute, visualize, and control FLAMES scenarios. These applications dynamically load the specified FLAMES component plugins to allow you to simulate almost any system in almost any scenario imaginable.
FLAMES Options
Extend FLAMES for specialized requirements
FLAMES Options are optional products that extend the capabilities of the FLAMES Engine to address specialized simulation requirements.
FLAMES Content
Become productive using FLAMES quickly and easily
FLAMES Content allows you to become productive using FLAMES quickly and easily without having to do any software development.
Content items often include component plugins, example scenarios that use the components in the plugins, and documentation for the components and scenarios. The source code for the component classes included in content plugins is usually available, allowing you to modify existing component classes or create new classes using the FLAMES Component Copier.
FLAMES and Unreal Engine
Create the ultimate synthetic environment
The FLAMES Unreal Engine Option allows games developed using Unreal Engine to be directly integrated into simulations developed using FLAMES. Data is automatically shared between the simulation and the game to create a single, shared synthetic environment. This near-seamless integration of FLAMES and Unreal Engine makes all the features of FLAMES and Unreal Engine available simultaneously in a single application.
The FLAMES Unreal Engine Option supports FLAMES Autonomous Units, FLAMES Hybrid Units, and FLAMES Surrogate Units, allowing FLAMES and Unreal Engine to work together to simulate movement, behaviors, sensors, weapon systems, command and control, and other aspects of a simulation according to the requirements of the scenario.
Start developing with FLAMES
Install the FLAMES Launcher, obtain the free FLAMES Developer and Trial Version of the FLAMES Engine, and select the FLAMES Content that best matches your requirements.
Use the included example scenarios, documentation, and free online training to learn the FLAMES applications, create and execute scenarios, and begin developing custom software that models real-world systems.