04 Dec 24. UK defence tech disruptor, Hadean, has signed a commercialisation agreement with BAE Systems to increase the scale of Project OdySSEY deployments.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for the project, combining Hadean’s AI and synthetic capabilities with BAE Systems’ deep expertise in defence to enhance operational readiness for NATO and allied nations.
Project OdySSEy surpasses traditional synthetic training by providing users with a real-time synthetic environment directly reflecting real-world operations. The programme empowers near-limitless training scenarios across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains simultaneously, allowing for more realistic and accurate training planning and decision-making across all domains.
Hadean will be providing the cognitive layer, using its machine learning to develop real-time pattern-of-life simulations. Being able to anticipate, prepare for, and train against realistic human actions, and evolving threats, will give allied nations a competitive advantage in the facing or new and emerging threats.
Both BAE Systems and Hadean will be exhibiting at I/ITSEC in Orlando, Florida between 2nd and 6th December. The businesses will be undertaking demonstrations to show attendees the future of synthetic training at this year’s event which is focussing on assuring deterrence through integrated training and readiness.
CEO Hadean, Craig Beddis said: “Our close relationship with BAE Systems highlights the role that tech startups are playing in the transformation of the defence industry. As we see the synthetic environment become the operating environment, having access to highly realistic, accurate representations and simulations of the live environment will prove paramount to our national defence and security”.
Head of Training at BAE Systems, Lucy Walton said: “We are working with Hadean to provide the most realistic synthetic environment which can support armed forces across the world to better train and prepare. Hadean is a vital partner to Project OdySSEy, the cognitive layer they are providing will ensure the platform will provide the next generation of synthetic training”.
04 Dec 24. Elbit Systems UK (ESUK), a defence technology business, has completed the System Acceptance Trials (SAT) for the mobile component of the Joint Fires Synthetic Trainer (Mobile) (JFST(M)). JFST delivers high-fidelity immersive training for troops who direct fires from artillery, combat aircraft, helicopters, or Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles – known as Joint Fires Operators. With the completion of these final trials, ESUK has delivered its sixth and final JFST training platform type to Front-Line Commands.
This milestone means that ESUK has delivered all six capabilities of the JFST platform to the British Armed Forces. ESUK previously delivered five of the six different variants of JSFT systems to bases across the UK including at the Royal School of Artillery, Larkhill, and the Air Ground Operations School at RAF Leeming. The systems fielded include a 285-degree dome for JTAC training, versions to provide mounted and dismounted training as well as the capabilities to provide the training needed for personnel to conduct battle group level exercises. To date, JFST has delivered over 12,000 hours of training to British Armed Forces and NATO allies.
The inaugural deployment of JFST(M) training has been delivered to 3 Commando Brigade Fires Personnel in Scotland. With further training exercises planned, the family of JFST training solutions offers users a fully immersive experience, allowing users to sense, decide and control joint effects without the need for expensive military assets – bearing cost efficiencies for all branches of the Armed Forces and boosting training capacity.
The JFST training system is part of ESUK’s solutions-based approach to working with the British Armed Forces. With a wide selection of training on offer, the business’ innovative approach provides full training solutions without the need to combine live air, land, and sea assets – saving Armed Forces time and money.
The 285-degree dome system has also passed US and NATO accreditation meaning that it can be used by allied nations to provide JTAC and joint fires training to deliver better prepared Armed Forces Personnel.
Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK said: “JFST is a highly capable and technologically advanced training system which has demonstrated the benefits synthetic training can provide to the British Armed Forces. We will continue to support this training for all branches of the Armed Forces”.
02 Dec 24. Rheinmetall and Hologate sign strategic cooperation agreement for XR and VR simulation solutions. Düsseldorf-based Rheinmetall AG, a leading company in the field of defence and security technologies, and Hologate, the world’s leading provider of advanced Extended Reality (XR) solutions in the fields of simulation and entertainment, plan to cooperate closely in the development of innovative simulation solutions in the future. The strategic cooperation aims to advance developments that are crucial for modern military training.
In a world where the requirements for training systems and methods for educating drivers are becoming increasingly complex, realistic and highly advanced simulation technologies are essential. By combining Rheinmetall’s extensive expertise in the field of military training systems and Hologate’s expertise in the development of XR simulation technologies, a new level of simulation capabilities is created.
“This partnership is an important step for Rheinmetall in further expanding our portfolio of VR/XR training and simulation solutions,” explained Hanno Tabeling, Head of System Technology for Driving Simulation at Rheinmetall. “With Hologate’s state-of-the-art software, we will be able to offer our customers even more realistic and flexible training options. The development of a VR driving simulator for training military drivers is the first tangible result of our collaboration”.
Hologate brings in extensive expertise from projects with the German armed forces and police, where XR technologies meet the highest training standards. The AI- and trainer-controlled solutions enable a holistic and realistic training experience.
The mobile XR motion simulator HGXR SIM enables a wide range of applications, including helicopter, truck and boat simulations. Thanks to its open system architecture and virtual control panels, it is possible to switch quickly between different vehicle models simply by pushing a button. This flexibility saves resources, increases efficiency and reduces costs.
The advanced motion tracking technology minimizes latency and simulates dynamic G-forces of up to 2g. A motion range of one meter lift and tilts up to 30 degrees offers a precise and realistic training environment. The combination of quality, flexibility and cost efficiency makes the simulator ideal for a wide range of training scenarios and locations.
“The partnership with Rheinmetall is an important step forward for us,” explains Leif Petersen, CEO of HOLOGATE. “By combining our expertise in XR technologies with Rheinmetall’s extensive know-how, we can develop innovative simulation solutions that set new standards”.
The strategic partnership underlines the joint efforts of both companies to optimize the effectiveness of modern technologies. Adapted to the present and future challenges in military (basic) training for military drivers and other crew members, innovative solutions for the specific requirements of customers worldwide can be offered in the future.
About Hologate / HGXR:
Hologate is a market-leading immersive media company specializing in innovative extended reality (XR) solutions for entertainment and enterprise. With the world’s largest location-based VR network, HOLOGATE’s unforgettable virtual experiences and solutions are revolutionizing the way the world experiences entertainment, training and simulation. As a pioneer and innovation driver with a recognized track record in the industry, Hologate is well positioned with its products in the age of spatial computing.
The HGXR division offers innovative high-end Extended Reality (XR) solutions for training and simulation. HGXR’s end-to-end solutions provide maximum flexibility in terms of space and usability. With HGXR systems, any real-world situation can be simulated, visualized and trained flexibly and efficiently in virtual space. Our customers include, among others, police and military.
About Rheinmetall:
Based in Düsseldorf, Rheinmetall AG is an internationally operating technology corporation. Founded in 1889, the company is a leading systems supplier for the defence industry and, at the same time, a driver of forward-looking technological and industrial innovations in civil markets. With around 30,000 employees at 174 sites worldwide, the company, listed on the DAX40 since March 2023, generated sales of €7.2bn in the 2023 business year.
Rheinmetall Electronics GmbH supplies mission equipment as well as training solutions to armed forces, government agencies and civil customers. The company offers a comprehensive range of products and services for armed forces, civil security forces and industry partners. In close cooperation with the customer, Rheinmetall Electronics designs, develops and produces high-end products and integrates complex system solutions.
As systems become ever more complex, the armed forces expect cost-effective training solutions throughout the entire lifecycle of the original systems. Rheinmetall offers tailored solutions for the target-oriented training of soldiers, ranging from fundamental e-learning to sophisticated simulators and complex training centres.
As one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and equipment for all branches of the military, Rheinmetall is a competent partner for the innovative use of advanced training technology in the field of live, constructive and virtual simulation.
02 Dec 24. I/ITSEC: Saab reveals UAV live training developments. During the I/ITSEC event in Orlando, Florida, Saab has revealed a UAV training capability which can act both as an asset or threat during military exercises. Saab has also recently received an order from an undisclosed customer to deliver a number of prototype UAV live training systems. Saab’s new UAV trainer is used as an add-on within live training. It connects to Saab’s exercise control software EXCON and it can be equipped with sensors and simulated weapons as desired by the customer. It also has a laser target system, meaning it can both virtually engage participants as well as simulate getting shot down by ground forces, thereby enabling evaluation of soldier skills and tactical behaviour.
“We see the increased use of military UAVs on the battlefield. The need for a solution that makes soldiers ready to detect, engage and hide from these is crucial. Saab’s UAV live training capability has already received a huge interest from the existing live training customers. It was initially offered to the UK Armed Forces, who became our first customer using Saab’s instrumented UAV service for live training scenarios,” said Joakim Alhbin, head of Saab’s business unit Training and Simulation.
Designed to replicate aerial threats from opposing forces, the Saab UAV trainer, utilising an ‘off-the-shelf’ UAV platform, can be engaged and defeated whilst capturing troop activity on video and is able to drop ‘virtual munitions’ on soldiers on the ground. All data is recorded and used to support objective measurement and feedback to improve counter-UAV survivability.
Saab’s military UAV trainer is initially offered as a service, where Saab supports drone operation during training scenarios. In addition, a large number of customer trials have been ordered and delivered, further confirming the strong interest for this capability.