Farnborough 2022: Inzpire reveals value of DASA prototype gunnery simulator project

A total of 22 CSWIs to receive prototype gunnery simulator to meet currency training requirements. (Inzpire)

Inzpire was awarded a GBP346,024 (USD414,049) contract from the UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) in June to develop a prototype mixed-reality deployable simulator.

Speaking to Janes at Farnborough Airshow on 20 July, Steven Pook, head of Mission Training Devices for Inzpire, said that the company was awarded a GBP346,024 contract from DASA in June – funded via Defence and Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) – to deliver a gunnery simulator.

The project, known as the ‘Synthetic Aviation Gunnery Equipment' (SAGE), will involve the design, build, test, evaluation, and development of a prototype that will support 22 Squadron's Crew Served Weapons Instructors (CSWIs) requirements for a live-training alternative, meeting the Joint Helicopter Command's (JHC) Operational Shooting Policy, the company said in a separate announcement.

Pook noted that the need to develop a new deployable gunnery simulator came out of a requirement from 22 CSWIs for a virtual trainer that is capable of delivering currency training – a capability, which the current 22 CSWIs simulators lack.

The training objectives, as defined by 22 CSWIs, include conducting basic weapons handling, weapon emergencies and drills, as well as judgemental training and tactical profiles.

Pook said that the company intends to conduct a trial of the system by the end of this year, with the project and prototype simulator to be completed by February 2023.

He noted that the simulator would comprise a variety of mixed-reality headsets, to determine the most suitable device. These include the Varjo XR-3 and the Vrgineers XTAL 3 MR. In terms of software, the company plans to use BISIM VBS 4, he added.