// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) in military contexts enhances a user's view of the real world by overlaying digital information, such as maps, targeting data, or enemy positions, onto their line of sight, typically through smart glasses or helmet-mounted displays.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Augmented Reality (AR) in Military & Defense involves superimposing digital data and virtual objects onto a soldier's real-world environment via devices like smart eyewear or helmet-mounted displays, thereby augmenting situational awareness, targeting precision, and training simulations in dynamic operational domains.

BACKGROUND

The Augmented Reality Sandtable (ARES) is an interactive, digital sand table that uses augmented reality (AR) technology to create a 3D battlespace map. It was developed by the Human Research and Engineering Directorate (HRED) at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to combine the positive aspects of traditional military sand tables with the latest digital technologies to better support soldier training and offer new possibilities of learning. It uses a projector to display a topographical map on top of the sand in a regular sandbox as well as a motion sensor that keeps track of changes in the layout of the sand to appropriately adjust the computer-generated terrain display.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • AR
  • Mixed Reality (MR)
  • Heads-Up Display (HUD)
  • Enhanced Vision System
  • Situational Awareness Overlay

USAGE NOTE

AR is increasingly being adopted for soldier systems, pilot navigation, maintenance, and training to provide real-time tactical intelligence and operational insights.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Augmented Reality.

  • Microsoft

    Developing the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) for the U.S. Army, a sophisticated AR headset based on HoloLens technology designed to provide soldiers with enhanced situational awareness, training, and decision-making capabilities.

  • BAE Systems

    Engages in the development of augmented reality solutions for defense applications, including enhanced situational awareness systems for vehicles, pilot training simulators, and maintenance support.

  • Lockheed Martin

    Utilizes augmented reality for various defense applications, such as improving manufacturing processes for complex aircraft, providing advanced training simulations for pilots and ground crews, and enhancing mission planning and maintenance operations.

  • RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies)

    Develops AR technologies for defense, focusing on applications like immersive training environments, augmented maintenance procedures for defense systems, and enhancing warfighter situational awareness in complex operational theaters.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    Explores and integrates augmented reality into its defense solutions, particularly for enhancing command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and providing realistic training scenarios for military personnel.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Applies augmented reality to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness across its defense portfolio, including advanced visualization for battlefield management, aerospace maintenance, and immersive training systems for complex platforms.

  • Boeing

    Leverages augmented reality extensively in its defense sector for applications such as guided assembly and quality inspection of military aircraft, advanced maintenance training, and improving in-cockpit information visualization for pilots.

  • Thales Group

    Develops AR solutions for military and defense, focusing on areas like soldier modernization programs, augmented vision systems for armored vehicles, mission preparation, and advanced maintenance support for defense equipment.

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