In a groundbreaking step forward for military readiness, Florida-based XR Training has successfully fielded its Amphibious Combat Vehicle Driver Training System (ACV-DTS) for the US Marine Corps.
This recent achievement not only highlights the transformative potential of extended reality (XR) technologies in defense but also sets a new benchmark for rapid development and deployment in military training systems.
The ACV-DTS: A New Era of Tactical Training
The ACV-DTS, known as the “Wave Warrior,” is a portable, XR-based training platform that simulates complex amphibious vehicle operations across diverse terrains, including land, surf zones, and open water.
Equipped with 2 degrees of freedom (2DOF) motion technology, the system provides a realistic training environment to prepare Marines for the unique challenges of operating amphibious vehicles.
This advanced simulator includes specialized hardware to replicate the Amphibious Combat Vehicle’s controls and a virtual environment developed in collaboration with Talon Simulations, Theory Studios, and Enludio. Together, these features enable a fully immersive experience that ensures drivers gain confidence and skill in navigating real-world scenarios.
Development History: From Concept to Global Deployment
The journey from concept to global deployment of the ACV-DTS is a testament to the effectiveness of modern acquisition and prototyping processes.
XR Training collaborated closely with Marine Corps leadership under an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), which allowed for streamlined development.
Within just 107 days, the company produced a working prototype. This rapid progress secured a production contract in less than a year, and within 18 months, 81 simulators were deployed to Marine Corps locations worldwide.
In a groundbreaking step forward for military readiness, Florida-based XR Training has successfully fielded its Amphibious Combat Vehicle Driver Training System (ACV-DTS) for the US Marine Corps.
This recent achievement not only highlights the transformative potential of extended reality (XR) technologies in defense but also sets a new benchmark for rapid development and deployment in military training systems.
The ACV-DTS: A New Era of Tactical Training
The ACV-DTS, known as the “Wave Warrior,” is a portable, XR-based training platform that simulates complex amphibious vehicle operations across diverse terrains, including land, surf zones, and open water.
Equipped with 2 degrees of freedom (2DOF) motion technology, the system provides a realistic training environment to prepare Marines for the unique challenges of operating amphibious vehicles.
This advanced simulator includes specialized hardware to replicate the Amphibious Combat Vehicle’s controls and a virtual environment developed in collaboration with Talon Simulations, Theory Studios, and Enludio. Together, these features enable a fully immersive experience that ensures drivers gain confidence and skill in navigating real-world scenarios.
Development History: From Concept to Global Deployment
The journey from concept to global deployment of the ACV-DTS is a testament to the effectiveness of modern acquisition and prototyping processes.
XR Training collaborated closely with Marine Corps leadership under an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), which allowed for streamlined development.
Within just 107 days, the company produced a working prototype. This rapid progress secured a production contract in less than a year, and within 18 months, 81 simulators were deployed to Marine Corps locations worldwide.
The six-month fielding phase involved comprehensive installation and instructor training, ensuring the simulators were ready for immediate use. This accelerated timeline reflects the Marine Corps’ commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address evolving training requirements efficiently.
Technical Specifications: A Deep Dive
The Wave Warrior simulators incorporate advanced XR technology and motion systems to deliver unparalleled realism. Key specifications include:
- 2DOF Motion Technology: The system emulates the physical forces experienced during amphibious operations, enhancing muscle memory and situational awareness.
- Immersive Virtual Environment: Developed in partnership with Orlando-based tech innovators, the software replicates a wide range of driving scenarios, from rough terrain to turbulent waters.
- Portable Design: Despite its advanced capabilities, the simulator is lightweight and portable, allowing for deployment across multiple training locations.
These features make the ACV-DTS a versatile and cost-effective solution for volume-based training, enabling more Marines to train simultaneously without requiring access to physical vehicles.
A Future-Proof Training Solution
As the Marine Corps integrates the ACV-DTS into its training curriculum, XR Training will continue to provide two years of maintenance, data capture, and engagement tracking to monitor the system’s performance and effectiveness. These insights will guide future updates to ensure the simulators remain aligned with the Corps’ evolving operational needs.
Moreover, the success of the ACV-DTS has inspired XR Training to develop the XR-VDT, a reconfigurable immersive training platform that uses Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards. This new platform is designed to adapt to diverse vehicles and scenarios, further expanding the potential applications of XR technology in military training.
Transforming Marine Corps Readiness
The deployment of the ACV-DTS underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to innovation and its partnership with small businesses like XR Training. By embracing XR-based solutions, the Corps is not only enhancing the readiness of its warfighters but also setting a precedent for the broader adoption of immersive technologies in defense training.
As Neil Levin, CEO of XR Training, aptly stated,
“We are honored to continue supporting the US Marine Corps in their pursuit of offering top caliber training for their Warfighters. As we advance into the next phase of the Wave Warrior ACV-DTS program, we will continue pushing the boundaries of what XR-based training can help them achieve for mission-critical readiness now and in the future.”
An Upgrade in Military Training
The ACV-DTS represents a monumental step forward in military training, blending technological innovation with practical utility. From its rapid development timeline to its advanced features and global deployment, the ACV-DTS is redefining how the Marine Corps prepares its personnel for the challenges of modern amphibious warfare.
With ongoing support and the development of future platforms, XR Training is poised to remain at the forefront of military training innovation, ensuring that US warfighters are equipped to face any mission with confidence and skill.