Kratos Defense introduces new immersive holodeck-style Mixed Reality training for Aircrews

In Mixed Reality News

November 16, 2020 – Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc., a national security solutions provider, has today introduced its Aircrew Combat Mission Training (ACMT) system that utilizes advanced immersive training technology to allow teams to train together in highly realistic, mixed reality combat scenarios. Offered as a turn-key solution, the system includes a mixed reality Multi-Position – Aircrew Virtual Environment Trainer (MP-AVET) integrated with a mixed reality Ground Party Simulator (GPS).  

The system is based on the Kratos Immersive Technology Platform that unites commercial products with immersive technologies. The platform enables Kratos to create realistic training environments that combine real and virtual components in immersive environment scenarios that the company states “go beyond augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) experiences in actual mission fidelity”. 

The MP-AVET consists of an actual helicopter fuselage that is surrounded by a Kratos immersive holodeck. Aircrews can perform assigned duties in the physical aircraft, which is outfitted with seat-shaker technology, weapon recoil and windloading to mimic vibration and forces of aerial weapons employment during flight. Whilst using the MP-AVET, aircrews can perform realistic virtual air interdiction, air assault and close air support mission scenarios. 

Simultaneously, helicopter flight engineers work physical weapons while firing at virtual air and ground targets. According to Kratos, its MP-AVET works in tandem with the company’s Ground Party Simulator allowing ground personnel to collectively train with aircrews as they would engage with them in live fire situations. In this mixed reality environment, aircrews and ground parties can train together, experiencing the sights, sounds and haptics of simulated combat missions, while saving the cost of flight time, fuel, ammunition and more.

Wade Koch, Vice President of Business Development, Kratos Training Solutions, commented: “For the first time, helicopter aircrews can train together in a completely immersive, collective, training environment. The immersive environment supports initial, continuation and mission rehearsal training using a real aircraft fuselage, flight deck, flight controls, cabin and simulated weapons. Depending on customer requirements, the turn-key service includes logistics support, courseware development support and ground-based academics/mission instruction.”

Currently offered as a turn-key service, Kratos’ ACMT can accommodate different aircraft platforms, including the H-1 and the H-60 helicopters among others. When configured for the H-1 it can simultaneously train up to two pilots and two flight engineers at their crew positions in the same immersive environment. When coupled with the physical aircraft and weapons, Kratos states that its system helps to increase combat mission training effectiveness and enhances the ability of aircrews to anticipate, recognize and react to threats in a fully immersive, simulated tactical environment. 

Kratos develops advanced training solutions for US and allied forces to enhance warfighter readiness by blending the latest immersive technologies with its Common Open Architecture content development process and advanced simulation systems for air, ground, maritime and soon space domains.

For more information about Kratos’ aircrew training solutions visit the company’s website.

Image /video credit: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. / YouTube

About the author

Sam Sprigg

Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.