Virtual reality windows for DARPA

Honeywell has been selected to provide a virtual reality (VR) instrument panel to the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for its Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) programme, it announced on 11 February.

The GXV-T programme aims to explore new vehicle technologies to improve mobility, agility and survivability of next-generation military ground vehicles.

The VR instrument panel could replace ground vehicle glass windows with Honeywell’s display technology. The display system will enable the operator to see allies and adversaries, track optimal routes over difficult terrain and review infrared and terrain classification views by projecting a high-definition, wide-angle view of external conditions.

Carey Smith, president, defence and space, Honeywell Aerospace, said: ‘The development of virtual window technology is a significant shift in the concept of design for military ground vehicles.

'No longer would drivers of these ground vehicles need to rely on the view through the windows alone; this technology would provide them with improved awareness that could impact the survivability of a new, more agile ground vehicle solution.’