Varjo selected as headset technology provider for U.S. Army Mixed Reality training project

In Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality News

August 29, 2023 – Varjo, a provider of professional-grade extended reality (XR) hardware and software, has today announced that it has been selected to provide head-mounted display (HMD) technology for the U.S. Army’s Reconfigurable Virtual Collective Trainer (RVCT) Air Program.

According to Varjo, the Air program is centered around providing a portable training capability for three different Helicopters: Apache, Chinook & Blackhawk, and is part of the U.S. Army’s efforts to create a synthetic training environment (STE) that can be utilized regardless of location.

RVCT is an adaptable hardware system that connects to the STE to activate collective, mixed-reality training scenarios. Varjo stated that the RVCT will now include a special variant of the company’s XR-3 Focal Edition headsets that will enable squads to navigate exercises using actual and computer-generated movements.

With the enhanced Varjo XR-3 Focal Edition capabilities, U.S. Army pilots will be able to leverage Varjo’s human-eye resolution displays augmented with video pass-through technology to experience a fully immersive training environment where they can interact with physical controls in real-time. Varjo noted that the headset has advanced video pass-through capabilities, performs well in dark and light environments, allows for deep immersion for long periods of time and also can simulate night-flying scenarios. On the security side of things, Varjo highlighted that RVCT also offers a high level of security, as the headsets are Finland manufactured TAA-certified products and do not have radio frequency.

“We’re proud to work with the U.S. Army in creating the world’s first video pass-through mixed reality-based air training in this quality and scale,” said Seppo Aaltonen, Chief Commercial Officer of Varjo. “Mixed reality technologies can lower overall defense training costs, increase training flexibility, and improve adaptability to any operational environment.”

Varjo added that it will be working closely with the integrator partner Cole Engineering to further improve the core technologies and implement solutions into mission rehearsal.

“We’re thrilled to work with Varjo to scale the level of training immersion based on specific user needs and requirements without impacting the hardware design of the training systems,” said Eric Carr, Program Director at Cole Engineering Services Inc.

The RVCT program is one of the over 70+ immersive defense training programs featuring Varjo’s hardware and software solutions worldwide, according to the company. Varjo did not disclose the value of the contract award. For more information on Varjo and its XR solutions, please visit the company’s website.

Image credit: Varjo

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.