14 DAY TRIAL // The United States Army has announced that it will be using the CryEngine 3 video game engine from developer Crytek to create a simulation called Dismounted Soldier, that will be used to train soldiers on the realities of combat in a virtual manner.
CryEngine 3 will be used by Intelligent Decisions, a systems integrator, and all those who use it to train will be wearing a specially designed virtual reality helmet that can track the movement of their heads and also incorporates stereo speakers and a microphone.
The system also includes sensors placed on the body of the soldiers and mock weapons.
The CryEngine 3-powered system will be able to register a number of actions and translate them into the simulation.
Dismounted Soldier will offer a number of scenarios, from big regular battles to peace keeping operations, irregular warfare and limited intervention.
It will focus on allowing soldiers to put to use theoretical skills and see how they would behave in direct contact with reality.
The project is worth more than 57 million dollars and the CryEngine 3 technology has probably been chosen because it allows the Dismounted Soldier creator to deliver graphics and an experience that is as close as possible to real life.
Harry Martin, who is the chief executive officer and the president of Intelligent Decisions, has stated, “The goal of Dismounted Soldier is to provide our deploying soldiers with the best available training to ensure that they maintain the military advantage.”
He added, “Intelligent Decisions is uniquely qualified to respond to the constantly evolving needs of our armed forces through virtual simulation and training and we look forward to working closely with the Army to achieve their strategic vision. Without question, the Army will be the ultimate influencer and decision maker for the system so that we can realize their long-term goals.”