Could Fortnite-Style Virtual Reality Benefit The Armed Forces? – Forces Network

The UK Armed Forces are set to begin trials for a new virtual reality training platform, built on the same gaming engine as video game Fortnite.

The new platform will look to use the latest technology in gaming to provide personnel with realistic and immersive training, while lowering the costs, according to the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

A virtual simulator will be part of the Armed Forces' wider training programme to support and enhance real-life training exercises.

SimCentric, a veteran-run software company, has been awarded 300,000 by the Defence and Security Acceleratorto develop and trial the simulator.

Ex-Army officer Tom Constable,now Director of Innovation at SimCentric, said: "I joined the British Army in 2006 and later served in Afghanistan.

"This gave me a passion for building technology that will reduce the risk to our Armed Forces and improve the quality of training, with the ultimate aim of saving lives."

The simulator, which can be used by more than 30 personnel at the same time, uses intuitive gesture control designed to match real actions on the battlefield.

HD surround sound and realistic visuals aim to bring virtual reality training scenarios to life.

Personnel will be able to hold a gun,crouch and even crawl, just as they would on a real-life exercise.

Professor Dame Angela McLean, chief scientific advisor to the MOD, said: This new simulator is just one way we are bringing training into the next generation, using technology drawn from the world of gaming to support our troops in training.

After initial successful trials with the Parachute Regiment and officers at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, further tests with the British Army, RAF and Royal Marines will take place later this year.

Cover Image:Service personnel trial the new virtual reality equipment (Picture: MOD).

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Could Fortnite-Style Virtual Reality Benefit The Armed Forces? - Forces Network