Close Air Solutions, an SME based in Bristol, has demonstrated an innovative method to train UK joint fires soldiers using simulation software combined with augmented-reality headsets and advanced head-tracking techniques.

The project, funded through the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE), projected synthetic entities into a soldier’s field of view so that their perception of reality becomes blurred. The soldier is able to train in a live environment with virtual objects such as aircraft, enemy personnel and vehicles.

Close Air Solutions demonstrated the technology with military users on the Salisbury Plain training area, receiving positive feedback.

In the future, this technology could reduce the amount of live flying hours required to support this type of training. Training could be more comprehensive and effective without the safety and resource constraints of doing it all in a fully live environment.

Mike Squires, Business Director, Close Air Solutions says:

The funding and support we have received from CDE has helped us develop industry-leading technology that has enormous potential to save money and increase the effectiveness of the British armed forces.

Close Air Solutions was founded in 2012 and has 6 employees.

About CDE

CDE funds novel, high-risk, high-potential-benefit research. We work with the broadest possible range of science and technology providers, including academia and small companies, to develop cost-effective capabilities for UK armed forces and national security.

CDE is part of Dstl.