Army seeks kits to integrate weapons with synthetic training environment

摘要

The Army seeks prototype kits that can integrate current and future rifles with synthetic training environments without significantly changing the way the weapon looks or feels, according to a notice released Sept. 22. "The [Weapon Skills Development] solution must simulate or enable the functional characteristics of the current and future family of individual and crew-served weapons," the request for information states. "Soldiers must be able to move unencumbered (without wires and cables, i.e., tetherless), to rapidly assume different firing positions within the physical domain." Soldiers will use the kits while they are in synthetic training environments, and they will allow the Army to provide more immersive training scenarios, according to the RFI. Up to five soldiers with their own weapons, or up to six crew-served weapon teams, could use the system at a time. Kits should not alter the "form, fit, and function" of weapons, although the service is interested in a capability that would prevent guns from firing real bullets with the kits installed, according to the RFI. The kits should not place "undue wear and tear" on the weapons.