Team training is an important element of the Defence training landscape. It is often one of the more difficult forms of training to deliver in an effective and cost-efficient way because of the need to train multiple individuals at the same time whilst also identifying and addressing the needs of each individual without impacting the rest of the team.

SimCentric, is a veteran-run technology company focused on transforming training, safety, and operational decision making through innovation. In 2020, DASA awarded the company £300,000 through the Open Call for Innovation (Rapid Impact), to improve training for personnel, making it more realistic, intuitive and immersive, while lowering the costs.

The simulator, which can be used by over 30 personnel at once, uses intuitive gesture control designed to match real actions on the battlefield. HD surround sound and highly realistic visuals bring to life training scenarios tailored for VR interaction. The gaming tech is from Epic Games – the developers of the popular online video game, Fortnite.

Rather than click a mouse while sitting at a desk, personnel hold a ‘gun’ and crouch and crawl when necessary, just as they would on a real-life exercise. They can practice this virtual exercise as many times as needed before going into the field for real, preparing them more effectively for operational deployments.

Trials have taken place with the Parachute Regiment, the RAF Regiment, and the Royal Marines. These tests have proven that Immersive reality technologies have the potential to transform training within the UK MOD, providing affordable and effective capability that bridges the gap between synthetic and live training.

The trials with the RAF Regiment were featured on BBC Click in February 2021.