TSFO

The TSFO (Training Set, Fire Observation) was designed to permit realistic instruction to forward observers in the observation and adjustment of artillery fire and fire planning. The TSFO simulated the visual and sound effects that an FO could expect to experience at an Observation Post when overlooking a typical battlefield. The TSFO could also be used for exercise planning, basic and advanced map reading, and terrain recognition training. The TSFO could simulate the effects of four 8-gun batteries, each equipped with 155mm howitzers with a variety of ammunition types including HE/Q, HE/VT, HE/ti, smoke, and illum. A variety of targets could also be simulated. These included machine guns, wheeled and tracked vehicles, and helicopters. The entire system could be operated by one person.

The TSFO consisted of the following main units:

Projection screen.

Projector stand.

Operator's console.

Observer facilities.

The TSFO simulated the visual and sound effects of artillery fire on terrain views projected on a classroom screen. A series of computer-controlled slide projectors provided the following:

Terrain views as seen from a variety of OPs.

Burst simulation of the number, type, location, and pattern of rounds called for in the call for fire.

Target simulation as selected through the remote target control (RTC) box.

The sound system was controlled by the computer. It was programed to realistically portray the sounds typically generated by artillery rounds in flight and at the moment of impact. The sound level could be controlled by the operator to realistically tailor the sound to the size of the classroom and number of observers being instructed.

The TSFO could simulate day and night battlefield operations as well as visual characteristics of smoke and illuminating ammunition, including the effects of drift caused by wind speed and direction.

As better computer technology became available, the TSFO was superseded by later generations of simulations geared for personal computers. Some of the replacements included the MiniTSFO and later the Guardfist II.