SEA researches assisted engagement
SEA has reported the findings of its four-year research programme into assisted engagement technologies for the future battlefield.
Under the Delivering Dismounted Effect research programme, SEA worked with the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to investigate how technologies such as augmented reality (AR) can be used to enhance the effectiveness of future soldiers in detecting, acquiring and engaging targets.
The research focussed on a range of technology concepts which may help soldiers to defeat a target more effectively, acting either as an individual or as a team. ‘Assisted’ and ‘collaborative’ engagement concepts involved provision of AR overlays onto the sight picture and/or head-up display.
The aim was to help cue the soldier onto targets more effectively, and to provide support for identification and acquisition of targets. Support for the engage task was investigated using a technology known as ‘coincident firing’, which suppresses shot release until the soldier’s weapon system is on target.
These technology concepts have the potential to significantly enhance engagement performance, but challenges remain.
SEA’s human factors lead, Russell Bond, said: ‘Ensuring that information presentation is optimally aligned with the needs of the soldier at any given time within a highly dynamic operational situation is a significant challenge. It is essential that the user retains a degree of control over what is presented and when, and that they understand any technical limitations the system may have.’
‘Our conclusion was that utilising these kind of technologies could be a potential game changer but there are still a range of outstanding questions. These can only be addressed by exploring the use of these technology concepts under more representative conditions.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Polaris displays new all-terrain vehicle with Alakran mortar system]()
DSEI 2025: Polaris displays new all-terrain vehicle with Alakran mortar system
The Polaris Government and Defense’s Military RZR (MRZR) Alpha 1KW was displayed at the Modern Day Marine exposition in the US earlier this year and with the Alakran mobile mortar weapon system at DSEI. The company outlined recent firing trials with the Alakran mobile mortar weapon system (MMWS) which was weeks after the company announced a major NATO deal.
-
![The first of 663 BvS10s delivered to Germany, Sweden and the UK]()
The first of 663 BvS10s delivered to Germany, Sweden and the UK
The vehicles are based on the latest version of the BvS10 All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and include variants for troop transport, logistics, medical evacuation, recovery, and command and control. An unarmoured version is being delivered to the US and offered to Canada.
-
![DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer]()
DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer
Thales launched Storm-H in 2012 as an EW system equipping individual dismounted troops, and a decade later revealed details to develop the improved and more powerful Storm 2.
-
![The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating]()
The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
Drones and military ground vehicles are increasingly being designed to operate together as a single platform or even to convert crewed systems to automated ones.
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
