Leading National Security Solutions provider, Kratos Defense & Security, recently introduced its latest “ACMT” software. The Aircrew Combat Mission training solution uses immersive technology and MR to guide people through helicopter combat scenarios.
The system, built on the Kratos Immersive Technology platform, enables users to create realistic training environments that combine virtual and real components. Users can experiment with best-in-class commercial products, like the Valve Index, to go beyond standard AR or VR experiences. Because the technology is built on industry standards, it’s highly cost-effective and flexible.
The Kratos ACMT solution, for instance, comes with the shell of a helicopter, as well as all of the knobs and switches typically found in the vehicle. There are Valve Index VR headsets available for everyone in the crew, and multi-position training sessions for everyone involved.
Transforming the Training Environment
With a mixture of real and virtual elements, the Kratos technology can teach aircrews how to perform their duties in a realistic aircraft, outfitted with technology that replicates things like weapon recoil, seat-shaking, and wind loading too. Using the software, the aircrew performs virtual air assault and support mission scenarios, while flight engineers use physical weapons to virtually fire at targets.
The new solution works alongside the Kratos Ground simulator which allows personnel on the ground to train in collaboration with their air crew, just as they would in a real-life situation. Everyone gets an immersive training session without the costs of flights, fuel, and ammunition to consider.
Providing a true mixed-reality experience that’s mapped according to the hardware of your helicopters, this solution has it all. Kratos bundles the whole package, including the hardware required to give trainees force feedback, into a turnkey solution. Everything is built within a shipping container for easy transport, and Kratos can accommodate different kinds of helicopters and aircraft platforms too. For instance, when configured for H1, the service can train up to 2 flight engineers and pilots at the same time.
Making Combat Training Safer
Coupled with physical weapons and aircraft environments, the Kratos service increases combat mission effectiveness, and enhances the ability of the aircrew to anticipate, react to and recognise threats in a tactical landscape.
VP of Business Development for Kratos, Wade Kock said that finally, helicopter crews can train as full teams in an immersive environment. The landscape supports continuation, initial, and mission rehearsal environments for training. Plus, with so many features to make everything feel as real as possible, people in the training sessions can develop crucial muscle memories that will help them to perform better in real-world scenarios.
The cost-effective and advanced solutions from Kratos, including the MP-AVET as well as the GPS (ground training) platform help combat forces to develop readiness and survivability in their teams. Kratos is currently on the cutting edge of military simulation and training programs thanks to its immersive mixed reality environments.
