history

Firearms Training Systems (FATS®)

1984
FATS® is founded
Firearms Training Systems, Inc. (FATS®) was established in Atlanta, Georgia by Formula One World Champion Jody Scheckter. FATS is the first company in the world to produce interactive firearms training simulators for law enforcement and military markets.
1985
Video scenarios
FATS produces the world’s first stand-alone firearm that interacts with a video scenario.

FATS delivers the first virtual training system to the US Postal Inspection Service.
1988
Video branching
The FATS II with video branching is introduced, allowing multiple outcomes of a scenario based on the trainees’ actions.

In addition to marksmanship training, FATS enables military squads to train in tactical mode with Squad Engagement Training System (SETS) video.
1989
Night vision training
FATS introduces the first virtual night-vision training, allowing trainees to use night-vision devices without modification to engage scenarios on the simulator.
1990
US Marine Corps
FATS makes first delivery of virtual training systems to the US Marine Corps.

FATS is the first company to deliver the MK-19 simulator.
1991
Live-fire system
FATS introduces the live-fire screen, a self-sealing screen that determines shot position through microphones.
1992
Simulated trace
FATS develops the world’s first simulated trace mode; the firearms movement throughout a scenario is tracked and reviewed during the replay of the scenario.
1993
Lanes marksmanship
The FATS III introduces the world’s first simulated lanes marksmanship. The system allows multiple students to train in the marksmanship mode and provides complete after-action review of their performance.
1994
Indirect fire trainer
FATS introduces the world’s first Indirect Fire Trainer (IFT), allowing students to train on calling for and adjusting fire on a simulator.
Simulated mortar
FATS introduces the world’s first indoor simulated mortar.
1995
Listed on NASDAQ.
FATS is listed on NASDAQ.
1996
3D CGI environments
The FATS IV introduces 3D CGI environments, digital video scenarios and integrated motion platforms, providing motion for shipboard and vehicle training.
1997
Singapore Coast Guard
FATS delivers a Motion Integrated Training System to the Singapore Coast Guard.

FATS introduces MPEG digital video for multiple branching within one scenario.

Fortune Magazine lists FATS as “A Company to Watch.”
1998
3D sound & graphics
FATS introduces 3D sound and graphics for realistic training and movement on geo-specific terrain.
2000
HLA compliance
FATS earns HLA compliance.
2002
Indirect Fire-Forward
FATS delivers the world’s first Indirect Fire-Forward Air Control (I-FACT) trainer and world’s first indoor simulator to train Forward Air Controllers (FACs), providing integrated direct/indirect fire capability and close air support.

2003
ISO 9000 certified.
FATS becomes ISO 9000 certified.
2004
BlueFire®
FATS introduces BlueFire®, the world’s first wireless weapon simulator with the form, fit and function of a live weapon.
Virtual convoy trainer
FATS partners with Lockheed Martin to develop and introduce the Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer.
FATS® L7
The FATS L7 virtual training system for law enforcement is introduced.
2008
Meggitt PLC
Meggitt PLC acquires FATS. It merges FATS and Caswell International to form Meggitt Training Systems.
2010
Singapore trainers
Meggitt delivers the second generation of maritime gunnery trainers to Singapore.
2012
FATS® M100
The FATS M100 is introduced: an open-architecture system for military virtual training, using multiple simulation and training modes with the flexible architecture, integrating third-party simulation, training and gaming products.
2014
EST II
Meggitt wins the US Army and US Marine Corps small-arms training contracts.
2015
FATS® 100e
The FATS® 100e is launched, providing advanced marksmanship, judgmental and collective training modes for armed forces.
2016
FATS® 100LE
The FATS® 100LE debuts, developed for the military but customized for law enforcement virtual training.
Program of Record
Meggitt receives certification as the Program of Record for the US Army’s small-arms training, delivering the Engagement Skills Trainer (EST II) system to active US Army, US Army National Guard and US Army Reserve units worldwide.
2017
FATS® 100MIL
The FATS® 100MIL is introduced, featuring 3D marksmanship, automatic coaching with wireless tablet control and virtual after-action review. Allows shot assessment with correct target perspectives and detailed diagnostics for skill reinforcement and correction.
ISMT
Meggitt is awarded certification as the small arms training Program of Record for the US Marine Corps Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT).
FATS® 100P
The FATS® 100P portable virtual trainer is launched, providing use of force training in a lightweight, easy to transport system.
2018
FATS® 300LE and FATS® 180LE
Debut of the FATS® 300LE and 180LE multi-screen systems: 300° and 180° fields of view for immersive 3D marksmanship and judgmental training.
2019
FATS® 180MIL
Introduction of the FATS® 180MIL, 180°, 3-screen immersive training system with high-definition and 5.1 surround sound.
2020
Pine Island Capital Partners acquires Meggitt Training Systems
Pine Island Capital Partners acquires Meggitt Training Systems and debuts the new company as InVeris Training Solutions.
2021
VR-DT–Virtual Reality-Decisions and Tactics Launch
The new VR-DT system is InVeris’ first foray into virtual reality training. Launch customer CA POST put VR-DT into 70 facilities throughout the state of California.

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