Research Overview

Traditionally, small arms and heavy weapons training (heavy machine guns, mortars, and anti-tank/anti-air systems) takes place in specialized outdoor ranges using live ammunition and physical targets. However, it is inherently expensive to supply and use live ammunition and places logistical strain on getting trainees to and from these locations. These factors have driven a slow shift to alternative ways to maintain small arms and weapon system proficiency, such as adopting blended live/virtual or fully virtual small arms/weapons trainers. A blended range is a blend of traditional live ranges and virtual elements such as the projection of targets and environments. The system utilizes live ammunition in conjunction with virtual targets that either is purely visual or interact with the ammunition by replicating ballistics.

Additionally, some systems may have a level of trainee feedback in the form of marksman scores to add an extra layer of user benefits. On the other hand, a fully virtual range utilizes lasers and blank ammunition in conjunction with virtual screens or virtual reality (VR) headsets. The system’s virtual element can allow for more complex scenarios and environments to be replicated for trainees to get more accurate and realistic training. The system will replicate ballistics following pre-determined scenario conditions. Due to the systems being virtual, the ranges can facilitate the use of heavy weapons and anti-tank/anti-air systems in the range.