XR Training Lays Groundwork for a Reconfigurable Driver Training Platform
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By Neil Levin, CEO & Founder at XR Training
The global defense land vehicle sector is at a pivotal moment.
Recent conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war and the shift in focus to the Western Pacific have increased the demand for more advanced tactical vehicles. At the same time, the support structure for ground vehicle fleets is evolving, driven by the arrival of younger, more tech-savvy individuals – digital natives. These new operators and maintenance crews are pushing for modernized training strategies that leverage the latest in learning technology.
XR Training (XRT) is meeting this challenge head-on with our innovative training platform – the XR-VDT (Vehicle Digital Twin). The first major implementation, our Wave Warrior Driver Training System (DTS) developed for the US Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV), has been a significant success. This accomplishment lays the groundwork for the use of the XR-VDT in future projects, where reconfigurable vehicle training platforms can be built for various other military ground vehicles and applications in less time and at lower cost.
Enhanced Training for the Future
XRT’s leadership in the Wave Warrior DTS contract is supported by a team of small businesses – Talon Simulations (hardware), Enludio (software), and Theory Studios (modeling and simulation). Together, we demonstrate how small businesses can deliver big results for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Notably, the DTS was developed under an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contract, enabling rapid development and exceptional cost-effectiveness.
Under this OTA, XRT developed a working prototype in 107 days (3.5 months), progressing from concept to production contract for 81 simulators in just one year. User evaluations garnered positive feedback from the 60+ drivers and senior leadership involved – with the digital twin ocean receiving special praise for its realism.
To date, we’ve delivered all 81 ACV simulators on contract and on time. The simulators train ACV operators how to safely and effectively maneuver both the Personnel Carrier and the Command & Control variants of this 35-ton vehicle on land, surf zone and sea. These variants are already deployed, enhancing amphibious warfighting capabilities today. With XRT’s training simulators in place, ACV drivers can now practice their skills before live missions and at the point of need.
Technological Foundations
The Wave Warrior DTS incorporates the latest technologies to enhance ACV operator
training. Our digital twin ocean, based on real-world physics, provides highly realistic scenarios for ship-to-shore operations. A motion chair replicates land and water forces, while real-time monitoring and data-enabled after-action reviews improve training quality.
These advancements are part of a larger acquisition strategy that emphasizes commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and flexible software. XRT’s innovative system enables seamless updates, scalable training environments, and a reduced footprint. The entire DTS can be packed into two Pelican cases for rapid deployment, weighing less than 300 pounds and requiring minimal setup. This offers exceptional returns on investment, drastically improving trainee throughput and accelerating training timelines.
A Future-Ready Reconfigurable Platform
In addition to serving the specific needs of the ACV contract, XRT’s immersive training platform and progressive development methodologies align with key force training initiatives such as the Army’s Force 2025 and Beyond, and the USMC’s Training and Education 2030. Like the rigorous standards in aviation, ground operators are now demanding higher training quality to improve safety, consistency, and readiness.
The XRT’s XR-VDT training platform delivers on this demand by introducing state-of-the-art learning technologies through rapid prototyping – and with an infrastructure designed for adaptation and future evolution.
XRT’s expertise in ACV training is fueling the development of a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle simulator, which will debut at I/ITSEC 2024 (Booth #332), as well as a reconfigurable expansion of our current XR-VDT training platform, offering improved flexibility, broader applications, and faster configuration for various vehicle types. As vehicle programs become more complex, a reconfigurable training system like this will provide significant value, ensuring thorough and adaptive training through real-time performance tracking and integration with existing learning management systems.
One future program on XRT’s radar is the USMC’s Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV), a next-generation armored vehicle that will replace the Light Armored Vehicle. As vehicles like the ARV become more sophisticated, training demands will increase – and XRT is poised to meet them. We’re also exploring new methods to bring maintenance training into the XR environment, further expanding our capabilities.
Expanding horizons
In 2025, XRT will begin showcasing the XR-VDT training platform at international events, starting with IT2EC in Oslo, Norway (Booth A30). This evolving training solution, paired with cutting-edge technologies, will be adaptable to vehicles worldwide, opening new opportunities in both direct commercial and foreign military sales.
With a proven portfolio and an eye on the future, XRT is ready to lead the charge in delivering world-class training for the next generation of vehicle operators and maintainers.
Visit XRTraining.io to learn more.
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