The RPR FOM (Real-time Platform Reference FOM), produced by SISO, is the most widely used HLA Federation Object Model for defense and security simulation. The new version 3 is planned to go to balloting during the first half of 2023. This paper provides an overview of the proposed new and updated features, as well as some advice for users wishing to migrate to the new version.
Many updates originate from DIS version 7. One major update is the support for additional IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) modes, where Mode 5 and Mode S are now supported, including interactive mode. Another major update is the support for additional appearance and capabilities for platforms. Directed energy weapons are now supported, with stateful directed energy fire. A new FOM module for Information Operations, such as electronic warfare (EW), computer network operations (CNO), psychological operations (PSYOP), military deception (MILDEC), and operations security (OPSEC), has also been added.
A new time representation is proposed, using a 64-bit integer indicating microseconds since January 1, 1970. This is in line with the proposed time representation of DIS 8, and enables the use of HLA Time Management services. A new appendix with proposed solutions for initialization of shared data across a federation is also included.
The RPR FOM benefits from the efforts of the SISO-REF-010 group, where enumerations are continuously being extended. These are included in a continuously updated version of the Enumerations FOM module.
A dedicated section of the RPR FOM 3 GRIM standard provides information for migration of federates and federations. Some updates, in particular of data types, will impact all users. The IFF module has been restructured and requires all federates using IFF to be updated. Lists of updated classes and attributes and parameters will be provided. In addition to this, the Product Development Group plans to provide additional migration tools, comparing RPR FOM version 2 and 3, separately, to avoid overloading the standard.
We believe that the RPR FOM 3 will be a valuable update for the distributed simulation community, providing new and refreshed capabilities.