Crysis 2 Engine Powers $57M Army Training VR Sim

The U.S. Army has adopted Crytek's CryEngine 3, the engine behind the company's Crysis 2, for a military virtual training simulation called Dismounted Soldier, it was announced this week. Dismounted Soldier is a $57 million dollar project headed by systems integrator Intelligent Decisions. It will simulate scenarios involving major combat operations, irregular warfare, peace operations, limited intervention and peacetime military engagement, according to the company, as well as offense, defense, stability and civil support. "The goal of Dismounted Soldier is to provide our deploying soldiers with the best available training to ensure that they maintain the military advantage," said Intelligent Decisions president and CEO Harry Martin. "Intelligent Decisions is uniquely qualified to respond to the constantly evolving needs of our armed forces through virtual simulation and training and we look forward to working closely with the Army to achieve their strategic vision. Without question, the Army will be the ultimate influencer and decision maker for the system so that we can realize their long-term goals." Soldiers training with the system will wear a special VR helmet with head tracking, stereo speakers and a microphone, as well as body-mounted sensors and handheld weapons. The full-body suit can read actions such as leaning around or under obstacles or making hand gestures, and translate them into the simulation for other participants to virtually see. More information -- including screenshots, a video, and a mock-up of the training environment -- is available at the Dismounted Soldier website.