US university to enhance army tactical vehicle training
The Rowan University team has created a virtual environment with photo-realistic visuals, including a tactical vehicle and multiple terrain options. (Photo: US DoD)
The US DoD has awarded New Jersey-based Rowan University a $3 million contract to create VR and MR combat simulations augmented by AI to help train soldiers.
The project is a continuation of a $5.5 million partnership between the university and the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Armaments Center.
The Rowan team has created a virtual environment with photo-realistic visuals, including a tactical vehicle and multiple terrain options.
UAVs and sensors on tactical vehicles and AI can work together to protect exposed crew members and gunners operating in combat vehicle turrets.
'We are developing secure, immersive and autonomous mixed-reality environments that can enhance the operational evaluation of next-generation gunner turret systems and accelerate their development,' the project’s principal investigator Dr Nidhal Bouaynaya said in a 6 January statement.
The university’s team is creating VR, AR and MR environments featuring armoured and tactical vehicles, gunner protection kits, threats and engagement scenarios to simulate, test and refine the newly developed technologies.
Other team members will work with current or former military personnel to develop realistic combat scenarios.
The team is also building situational awareness systems to alert military personnel to threats using secure, high-speed wireless communication between the vehicle and the crew members, the University said.
A sensor suite will capture data collected from sensors mounted inside and outside the tactical vehicles, as well as physiological data from the gunner and information about the weapon, such as its position and misfeeds.
More from Training
-
Textron to develop new US Navy training aircraft
The new T-54A Multi-Engine Training System turboprops will replace the ageing fleet of T-44 Pegasus (King Air 90) aircraft and provide students with advanced instrument and asymmetric engine handling training.
-
Aeralis and AirTanker partner to explore fast jet pilot training
The MoU signed between Aeralis and AirTanker will assess upcoming contracts in military flying training and also defence operational training and combat air support roles.
-
CAE to build F-16 Block 70 sims for Taiwan
CAE will provide hardware and software development, integration, testing and delivery of F-16 Block 70 training devices for the Republic of China Air Force.