Military complex
Many people associate augmented reality with online games and creative performances. This technology may seem useful only for the entertainment industry, if you gloss over the history of its origin. In fact, AR, as well as VR, enabling deeper immersion in the digital world, is the result of the work of scientists from the military industrial complex.
Today, augmented and virtual reality are gradually becoming part of the daily training of the military. New apps and devices make it more accessible and convenient, which means that computer simulation in the military complex has a great future.
The prototype of augmented reality modern helmets
The Super Cockpit helmet invented by the army was developed for pilots of warplanes in 1989. Information on positioning data, speed, plane condition and other important technical parameters was displayed on the earphone helmet. Technological helmet was needed because the Boeing pilot needed the maximum concentration. When all the important information is in front of you, the pilot will not be distracted by looking at the control panel. This invention has played a key role in the history of AR and VR.
AR glasses for the US military
Tactical Augmented Reality is an entire system consisting of sensors, special glasses and a laser aiming device. With its help, the US military can easily determine the distance to the target; they can track the movement of the enemy and get tips. Information appears in the upper left corner and does not interfere with the view. On the contrary, with the use of TAR the military has a much greater chance of hitting the target.
Virtual reality training by ONR TechSolutions
The TRACER virtual military training kit consists of a VR headset, a backpack and an imitation of modern weapons, the development of which took into account the real recoil. With its help, sailors and marines can train shooting skills in various conditions. The program allows you to work with a large number of unique scenarios created for security professionals. Its use will save on ammunition consumed during regular training in large quantities.
Virtual training for the police
The New York City Police Department is testing new staff training methods. The use of virtual reality in this case provides new opportunities for the police. Not all situations that arise during their daily work can be modeled outside of a computer simulation. But it’s easy to create a scenario that is close to real events in VR. For example, hostage taking by a group of armed enemies. Moreover, this method of training is completely safe and, as in the case of the military, contributes to budget savings.
Virtual weapon with real recoil
Striker VR focused on producing a weapon that imitates the real one in use. The main task of the developers was to bring the behavior of fire weapon closer to real weapon in virtual reality. This means that in the process of training, soldiers will feel the weight, recoil and vibrations. Such realistic trainings will help soldiers better prepare for real military actions.
VR glasses for the US Army
The US military is turning to a more profitable way of training for the country’s economy. In order to reduce costs and reduce injuries during the trainings, the leadership is introducing virtual reality technologies to train footsoldiers. Wearing special glasses, soldiers practice the technique of hitting a target in a special program. The simulation is realistic enough so that the acquired knowledge and skills can easily be applied in real life.
Virtual reality parachute jumping
In February 2017, the Russian MoD announced a new discipline that would be introduced in the training program for the Airborne Forces: parachuting training in VR. For these purposes, a special “UTK AF” app, which was developed for the Russian army, will be used. Having fixed several tens of sensors on the body and wearing VR glasses, the paratroopers will be able to train in flight for 50 minutes. Smart electronics will track how correct the movements were during the training.
Conclusion
Having originated as a result of scientific experiments in the defense industry, virtual and augmented reality technologies have been developed as part of the military complex. Today, with their help, it is possible to simplify the training of soldiers and equip the army with an equipment that increases its effectiveness. The use of modern AR and VR devices does not require deep knowledge in computer technologies, which makes them easy to learn. Therefore, more and more countries are actively introducing augmented and virtual reality technologies in military training programs.
