August 23, 2019 – The Royal Netherlands Army Command has awarded Ravenswood Solutions (Ravenswood) a contract for a modular augmented reality tracking equipment for observers (MARTE-O) kit.
The MARTE-O kit includes a binocular module, head-mounted display, sensor and graphics modules, and a tablet to operate the system. According to Ravenswood, MARTE-O is the company’s solution to the challenge of training military forward observers in a safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable fashion. The augmented reality system was developed by Ravenswood, in partnership with SRI International and Lockheed Martin, for the Office of Naval Research on behalf of the US Marine Corps.
MARTE-O can be used anywhere and helps to lower training costs by simulating vehicles, aircraft and munitions. Augmented reality (AR) eliminates the boundaries of ranges, aircraft and munitions availability, and weather. With AR, troops are able to train wherever and whenever is most convenient and accessible. Ravenswood stated that the MARTE-O kit is particularly helpful for training Fires Observers and Tactical Air Controllers. Deployed to actual ranges in austere conditions, troops can develop their skills in calling for close air support, artillery, naval gunfire, and casualty evacuation when air assets, artillery, targets, or munitions are unavailable, or their use is cost-prohibitive. The training that the MARTE-O kit provides can be applied for use on non-traditional ranges, such as an actual urban metropolis or a no-fly zone, helping to bypass the training limitations of live-fire exercises.
Ravenswood stated that with multiple iterations, observers increase proficiency with each evolution. Troops who once trained annually can practice regularly, and troops who are not specialized Fires Observers or Controllers will be able to train for incidental fire support. Finally, the company added that MARTE-O helps to conserve financial and environmental resources while contributing to a safer, controlled training environment.
Video credit: Ravenswood Solutions/YouTube
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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.