US Army selects new 'Game for Training' solution
A team headed by Calytrix Technologies will supply the US Army with a next-generation game-based training technology called the Virtual Battlespace 3 (VBS3) simulation product. The five year contract was awarded under the army’s ‘Games for Training’ (GFT) programme.
The team includes Calytrix, Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), SimCentric and Alelo.
VBS2 was originally delivered for the US Army’s Game After Ambush (GAA) contract in 2009. Since then, the product has been continuously improved with new enhancements, and new game engine features included in the new VBS3.
With an emphasis on re-use and open standards, VBS3 is a further step towards a common virtual environment for use across all aspects of military simulation. VBS3 is backwards compatible to facilitate re-use of VBS2 scenarios and content, and will run on hardware compatible with VBS2.
In addition to VBS3 being delivered to the US Army, it will also be provided as a normal software update to the US Marine Corps, both the Australian and New Zealand defence forces, the Canadian armed forces, the Netherlands Ministry of Defence and the Swedish armed forces. VBS3 will also be provided to industry partners with a valid Virtual Battlespace Developer Network (VBSDN) subscription at the time VBS3 is released worldwide, which is expected to be in early 2014.
Peter Morrison, CEO, BISim, said: ‘BISim is committed to serving the US military, and we are confident that the new capability in VBS3 will serve the US Army superbly. We are very excited and honoured to be part of the Calytrix Team, delivering the VBS3 platform to the US Army as its new flagship game-based training tool.’
More from Land Warfare
-
CV90 revels in northern exposure while looking for new customers (updated April 2025)
The BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 IFV has been around for decades but continual refreshing to maintain power and relevance, along with a healthy market at home in Sweden and neighbouring countries, has led to more than 1,700 vehicle orders with 10 countries.
-
Oshkosh notches JLTV win with Dutch order
The order further extends the Oshkosh Defense production line as AM General, selected for US orders, pushes to get vehicles out the door with no room for export orders.
-
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.