Live, virtual, and constructive

Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) Simulation is a broadly used taxonomy for classifying Models and Simulation (M&S). However, categorizing a simulation as a live, virtual, or constructive environment is problematic since there is no clear division between these categories. The degree of human participation in a simulation is infinitely variable, as is the degree of equipment realism. The categorization of simulations also lacks a category for simulated people working real equipment.

The LVC categories as defined by the United States Depart of Defense in the Modeling and Simulation Glossary as follows:

Other associated terms are as follows:

LVC-IA bridges M&S technology to the people who need and use the information gained through simulation. To accomplish this a LVC-IA provides the following:

Other definitions used in LVC discussions (Websters dictionary)

Current and emerging technology to enable true LVC technology for Combat Air Forces (CAF) training require standardized definitions of CAF LVC events to be debated and developed. The dictionary terms used above provide a solid foundation of understanding of the fundamental structure of the LVC topic as applied universally to DoD activities. The terms and use cases described below are a guidepost for doctrine that uses these terms to eliminate any misunderstanding. The following paragraph uses these terms to layout the global view, and will be explained in detail throughout the rest of the document. In short:

Training and Operational Test are conducted through the combined use of three separate Constructs (Live, Simulator and Ancillary) which are in turn made up of several enabling Components to prepare, test and/or train warfighters in their respective disciplines. The LVC Enterprise, a component of the Live construct, is the totality of personnel, hardware and software that enables warfighters to combine three historically disparate Environments (Live, Virtual and Constructive) to improve performance in their combat role.

Central to a functionally accurate understanding of the paragraph above is a working knowledge of the Environment definitions, provided below for clarity:

(1) Live Environment (L): Warfighters operating their respective disciplines’ operational system in a real-world application

(2) Virtual Environment (V): Warfighters operating fielded simulators or trainers

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