The Mini TSFO (Training Set, Fire Observation) was the first artillery call-for-fire simulation designed for a personal computer. It was started in 1985 as an outgrowth of a Field Artillery Officer Advanced Course battlefield research project at the U.S. Army Field Artillery School (USAFAS) to develop a concept for incorporating PCs into artillery training and completed in 1986. It replaced summer artillery live fire training for cadets at West Point in 1986 and 1987.
One of the USAFAS students involved in the battlefield research project, Captain (later Colonel) Bill Erwin, volunteered to continue to develop the concept into an actual application during his follow-on assignment to the USAFAS Directorate of Training and Doctrine.
Versions:
MINITSFO - Original version using a Digital Message Device (DMD), virtual map, and CGA graphics.
VTSFO - Replaced the DMD with keyboard interface for use at West Point.
NGFTSFO - Naval Gunfire version using EGA graphics, actual scenes from San Clemente Island training area, and incorporating effects of dispersion between rounds.
Read more about Mini TSFO: Evolution of A Military Video Game, MiniTSFO (Classic Edition), Trainer Edition, Naval Gunfire Edition, Unfinished Work, The MiniTSFO's Legacy