Raytheon to Build Virtual Synthetic Training Tool for Warfighters

Raytheon intends to develop a warfighter training platform that uses gaming and virtual reality systems to create operational synthetic environments, enabling increased training in standard scenarios as well as specific situations too dangerous to replicate in real life.

Referred by the U.S. Army as Synthetic Training Environment, the tool will work to provide land, sea, space and cyber warfare training and live exercises to warfighters, the company said Thursday.

The planned system will use an integrated visual augmentation tool equipped with the Microsoft-built HoloLens goggles for dismounted soldier training.

Additionally, the service branch plans to develop a virtual armored vehicle training tool that will simulate the M2 Bradley, M1 Abrams and Next-Generation Combat Vehicle systems. The platform may also include an air configuration to simulate various aircraft systems.

“The virtual or synthetic environments will need to link the live environment for high-consequence training,” said Harry Buhl, STE lead investigator for Raytheon.

“You can’t replace being out in the dirt and mud, sweating, and lacking sleep,” Buhl added.