SimCentric Develops Virtual Reality Training Platform

SimCentric, a veteran-run software company, has been awarded £300,000 by Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) to develop and demo a Virtual Reality Training Platform. The SAF-TAC Virtual Reality Team Training Platform uses the latest advances in gaming innovation to improve training for personnel making it more realistic, intuitive and immersive, while lowering the costs.

After an initial successful demo with the Parachute Regiment and officers at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, further tests have been carried out with the Royal Air Force (RAF) Regiment.  A virtual simulator will be part of the armed forces wider training programme and will be used to support and enhance real life training exercises.

“Always good to see experimentation and innovation in action. Retaining the ability to operate and to fight against threats to Royal Air Force demands leading edge and challenging training simulators, alongside live exercises, are increasingly part of our solution,” said Air Commodore Scott Miller, RAF Regiment. “Listening, and crucially actioning, end-user feedback is absolutely key to our approach with SAF-TAC, our solution has to be affordable, portable and simple to use. My mission is to ensure SAF-TAC is a simulation training platform that military personnel actively want to use and can see tangible value in embracing and frequently using this new technology.”

“Over the trial it has allowed me to gain further understanding of how we can incorporate VR into training. With the given opportunity to have input from the instructors on the trial, it will make for a system that is fit for our needs. I am looking forward to seeing this become incorporated into our training in the future. I can see its many of benefits being used to enhance the training that Trg Wg provides to all phases,” said Sgt RE Minshall Training Wing Training Support Squadron.

Continually pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Force Protection Force and RAF Regiment are exploiting next generation technology to create a seamless air-ground battlespace to protect the RAF at home and deployed.