New Arms Simulator for UK Armed Forces Hits the Target

The Interim Combined Arms Virtual Simulation (Deployable) (ICAVS(D)) device for combined arms training reached full operational capability (FOC) during the British Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ 25th training event. The FOC event at Tidworth, Salisbury Plain, was attended by representatives from DE&S as well as staff from Army HQ and the Land Warfare Centre.

Designed as a pathfinder project for the Army’s Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP), ICAVS(D) was procured by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and is developed and delivered by Elbit Systems UK.

Using the latest high-specification hardware and defence virtual simulation software, it delivers immersive, tactical training for the UK Army’s Battlecraft Syllabus, enabling units to get the most out of their live field-training exercises. Used by both regular and reserve soldiers, it provides the ability to conduct combined arms collective training, mission rehearsal and experimentation in complex environments at a time and place of the units’ choosing.

“ICAVS(D) is easily deployed to the point of need, with minimal planning and usage constraints, and encourages tactical innovation by immersing the training audience in an adjustable, rich, challenging and complex environment,” said Nick Taylor, DE&S soldier, Training and Special Projects Team Leader.

ICAVS(D) is used by all arms and services in the British Army as well as the Royal Marines and members of Joint Helicopter Command. It replaced the Unit Based Virtual Trainer in April and is the bridge to the full CAVS(D) capability, which will be delivered by CTTP’s Project Synthetics.

There are currently four ICAVS(D) units available at any time and the system is easily deployable around the UK and overseas. It complements unit delivered E Platform Crew Training to Battle Group level training and is contributing to the Army’s modernisation and transformation plan, Future Soldier.