Quantum3D ExpeditionDI virtual immersive combat training meets U.S. Joint Forces Command FITE Program expectations

Posted by Courtney E. Howard

SAN JOSE, Calif., 7 Oct. 2010. Quantum3D Inc., a provider of visual computing solutions for government and commercial applications, and its wholly-owned subsidiary CG2 Inc., announced its ExpeditionDI infantry training platform met or exceeded the goals of the U.S. Joint Forces Command (JFCOM) Future Immersive Training Environment (FITE) Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration (JCTD) for next-generation infantry combat training. ExpeditionDI is the industry’s first self-contained, wearable, and immersive close combat infantry simulator training platform, says a company spokesperson.

Over the past year, as part of a comprehensive evaluation of new infantry training systems and technologies, FITE JCTD employed 18 ExpeditionDI platforms to train soldiers and Marines with recent close combat experience. ExpeditionDI evaluations took place at Fort Benning, Camp Lejeune, and Camp Pendleton, where relevant scenarios were used to reflect the contemporary operational environments (COE). In all training exercises, ExpeditionDI met or exceeded the requirements and expectations of both trainers and trainees.

ExpeditionDI’s correlated motion and integrated sight/sound capabilities enable an infantry squad to move through and interact with a virtual environment while fighting and communicating as they would in a real-world combat situation. ExpeditionDI responds simultaneously to multiple body and weapon movements, providing a realistic, immersive 3D training experience deployable on-base or in-theater.

Nearly 40 percent of infantry fatalities occur during the first three months of deployment; and the most dangerous time is when soldiers are in a new environment and simultaneously experiencing combat for the first time, according to the company representative. ExpeditionDI was developed specifically to provide both individual war fighters and infantry squads the opportunity to train in a virtual environment that exposes them to the COE, as well as the cognitive demands of combat both before and during deployment.

“ExpeditionDI represents the most advanced and thoroughly tested wearable, immersive infantry simulation solution. I believe its life-saving and battle winning benefits will provide a significant advantage to our forces in harm’s way,” says John Carswell, program manager, CG2.