DEFENSE INNOVATION
Company Brings Virtual Army Aviation Training to Life
An Army soldier uses Mass Virtual’s extended reality training system
Mass Virtual photo
ARLINGTON, Virginia — Orlando, Florida-based software company Mass Virtual recently delivered an immersive technology to an Army training classroom at Fort Bliss, Texas, that enables hands-on training in real-life scenarios aboard a virtual aircraft.
The classroom possesses five extended reality, or XR, headsets — one for an instructor and four for students. Once participants don the goggles, they find themselves together in a virtual space, able to see each other and interact aboard an airplane or in a hangar.
“The cost savings and the capability that you create in an immersive environment is the way of the future,” said Billy Webb, senior director of business development at Mass Virtual. “There’s that saying, ‘If you don’t have an XR strategy, you’re behind.’”
The project came to life under the Army’s Virtual Aerial Systems Trainer program, executed in partnership with Project Director Sensors– Aerial Intelligence, according to a company statement.
The physical aircraft that appears in the extended reality system is the Bombardier Global 6500. The service chose the platform for its High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System program, which is still in development. But with the new virtual option, the Army can get a jumpstart on training, as soldiers practice in the role of pilot, crew member or technician.
“They’re gaining that consistent proficiency and confidence while they wait on the assets,” said Webb.
The extended reality technology can continue to help reduce costs even after the physical aircraft is available, he noted. When an airplane is not flown for instructional purposes, “thousands and thousands of dollars” are ultimately saved in fuel and other consumables.
“I can continue multiple reps and sets to increase my proficiency in a task, and I’m saving money while doing that,” Webb said.
And with the new system, a greater number of planes can remain “mission ready” — instead of being temporarily excluded from the flight portfolio for training exercises, he added.
Topics: Army News, Emerging Technologies