Vrgineers' new carbon fibre, lightweight XTAL 3 CAVU mixed reality HMD utilises a streamlined architecture to improve performance. ( Vrgineers)

Vrgineers has developed a new version of its mixed reality (MR) XTAL head-mounted display (HMD) and displayed it for the first time at the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC 2023) in Orlando.

Marek Polčák, the company's CEO and co-founder, told Janes that while there was little room for improvement in virtual reality (VR) HMD technology, there was still scope for improvement in MR but this required a new architecture because the standard image processing pipeline used in MR HMDs had reached its maximum capability. The new architecture is based on removing parts of the pipeline to lower latency and improve performance.

Polčák explained that currently in a standard MR HMD image, data from the headset image sensor undergoes some initial image processing in the headset, which downgrades the image before it is processed through a central processing unit (CPU) and random-access memory (RAM), and then by an image graphics processing unit (GPU) before finally being combined with VR imagery in another GPU.

The UAE has requested to purchase SRC's tripod-mounted AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar, currently operated by the British Army and US Army. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested to purchase 18 manportable AN/TPQ-50 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radars (LCMRs) from the United States (US).

The proposed sale is estimated to be valued at USD85 million and will include, in addition to the AN/TPQ-50 radars, 107 mm high-explosive rockets (for contiguous US testing only); computer digital military laptop radar control displays; 5 kW Advanced Medium Mobile Power Source (AMMPS) trailer-mounted, diesel engine-driven power units; spares; mission equipment; communication and navigation equipment; support equipment and repair parts; US government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services; and other related elements of logistics and programme support, according to a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announcement on 4 December.

SRC Inc will be the primary contractor.

Together, the equipment is intended to support the protection of critical infrastructure, military installations, and forces from rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) fire including “unmanned aerial system threats”, the announcement detailed.

Cubic has overcome the challenge of simulating the use of combustible charges and the recoil-assisted breech in its M777 155 mm howitzer simulator solution. An M777 is shown here in action with US forces. (US Army)

Cubic Defence is expecting a low rate initial production (LRIP) contract for its 81 mm mortar solution from the US Army, and has secured an interim 105 mm Light Gun simulator contract from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). The company has also made progress in developing its indirect fire simulation solutions, according to representatives.

Speaking to Janes at Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC) 2023 in Orlando, Florida, Alastair Parkinson, director training delivery portfolio at Cubic Defence UK, said that the company has taken a “product line approach” to the development of indirect fire simulators, which offer an “instrumented capability for mortars and howitzers that provides a collective capability as well as crew and individual training”.