Revolutionizing Military Training with HTC VIVE XR Solutions

Immersive technology is redefining training and simulations for industries requiring precision, repeatability, and scalability. This is especially true for branches of the U.S. Military. XR Training (XRT) – a leading developer of immersive training solutions – collaborated with HTC VIVE to build a secure, efficient training system specifically for government applications.

XRT’s use of rapid development methodologies and experience working with the Department of Defense to build training solutions, such as a state-of-the-art B-52 mid-air refueling simulator, set the stage for success. Together with HTC VIVE, the collaboration emphasized advanced hardware, privacy compliance, and time/cost efficiency. This resulted in meaningful end-user outcomes, significant cost savings, and a strengthened training ecosystem, laying the perfect groundwork for operational efficiency - a priority for organizations across all sectors.

The Challenge of Meeting Unique Government Training Needs

Government agencies often face critical challenges in preparing personnel for complex operations. These challenges include:

• Difficulty replicating real-world training scenarios safely
• Access to up-to-date training at the point of need
• Strict data security and regulatory compliance requirements

For the U.S. Marine Corps, preparing drivers to operate the Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) presents unique difficulties, such as safely navigating transitions from land, shore, and naval shipping while mastering the complex driving characteristics of this 35-ton vehicle. These challenges require a scalable, immersive solution beyond the limitations of traditional training methods. Traditional methods provide students with few opportunities for hands-on experience and engagement with real-world risks and scenarios. XRT identified VR as the key to addressing these limitations, ensuring consistent, high-quality skills development in a deployable format.

Building a Solution Through a Secure and Immersive XR Training System

The goal: Rapidly develop, build, and deploy a Driver Training System (DTS) that trains personnel to operate the USMC’s 35-ton Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV). This is accomplished in part by the seamless and expeditionary integration of the HTC VIVE headset.  XRT developed a state-of-the-art virtual reality simulator tailored for ACV driver training that addressed the many priorities and specific requirements included in the project scope.

End-User Outcomes

Thanks to VIVE XR Elite Business Edition, students can access high-resolution simulations mimicking real-world scenarios including amphibious and land operations. Through the expert combination of VR visuals with haptic feedback via tactile controls and innovative physics-based simulation dynamics, students gain lifelike hands-on experience in a safe and secure environment. From the contour of the ground beneath the vehicle to the waves of the digital twin ocean crashing against the bow as the ACV charges through the surf zone, the added depth of realism significantly increases driver engagement and skills retention.

Key to immersive motion replication was 6DoF tracking, along with compact, lightweight headsets for extended use. Adjustable diopters played an important role in enhancing visual clarity and accommodating each student’s specific needs. By simulating diverse environments – from steep gradients to amphibious transitions – students can practice skills vital to mission readiness. The immersive aspect ensures faster assimilation of critical maneuvers and operational nuances. Having a 360-degree view adds to that learning environment in ways flat screens cannot replicate. Such a robust set of options and features helps to speak directly to the new generation of digital natives, who thrive when learning with digital interactions and environments - something older methods, such as PowerPoint and textbooks, cannot deliver.

All of this is accomplished without training programs having to rely on the multi-million-dollar vehicle, which is in limited supply to provide for training purposes. Minimizing reliance on real-world equipment drastically reduces overall training program costs while increasing student throughput and more frequent access at the point of need. This can help boost driver confidence when stepping into the real vehicle and ultimately improves combat readiness in the field.

Privacy and Security Compliance

With ACV driver training needs spanning the globe, developing a secure solution was crucial to the success of the project. HTC VIVE’s commitment to privacy and security provided a strong foundation by which to achieve this. Data minimization was one of the vital key features included. This practice ensures that only essential information is collected and processed. Additionally, all VIVE headsets are manufactured in TAA-designated regions, enabling partners to successfully achieve Authorization to Operate (ATO) within federal systems. These measures protect sensitive military data and establish trust among stakeholders, ensuring the solution’s readiness for secure deployment.

"The biggest collaboration aspect is the enterprise-level support… All those other factors are really critical. TAA compliance specifically cuts out a lot of other [competitors]." – Brandon Naids, CEO and co-founder of Talon Simulations

Cost and Time Efficiency

By leveraging HTC VIVE’s scalable solutions and COTS-based hardware infrastructure, XRT reduced solution development time to just 107 days and contract-to-deployment to a short 18 months. Virtual training solutions like XRT’s Wave Warrior ACV-DTS cut costs by minimizing reliance on physical, environmental, and personnel resources while improving student performance metrics. These efficiency gains, together with XRT’s unique software-led system and support, allow the Marine Corps to quickly implement updates, ensuring alignment with evolving functional and operational demands.

Process: Developing a Cutting-Edge Training System

XRT approached the project through a structured, multi-phase process.

Phase 1: Research and Planning

XRT convened subject matter experts and stakeholders to identify specific training challenges related to the project scope. By analyzing operational requirements, the team designed a framework powered by VR and tailored to the ACV’s unique needs.

Phase 2: Collaboration and Prototyping

Using VIVE XR Elite hardware, the team was able to integrate advanced simulation technologies like real-time physics rendering with Unreal Engine 5.2. Regular feedback and reviews with Marine Corps personnel helped to ensure the prototype met end-user expectations.

Phase 3: Deployment and Testing

Rigorous field testing validated the system’s performance under various conditions. ACV operators, students, and Marine Corps Subject Matter Experts provided feedback on usability, realism, and learning impact - leading to valuable iterative improvements before final deployment.

Phase 4: Evaluation and Scaling

Post-deployment analysis focused on skill retention, training efficiency, and user satisfaction metrics. The insights gained from this phase helped to shape plans for scaling the solution across other military applications.

"TAA compliance, the form factor, and the price ratio, for us, is fantastic." – Neil Levin, CEO of XR Training

[VIVE XR Elite headset]

Results of Realizing Transformative Outcomes

The collaboration achieved several other key outcomes as well.

Enhanced Skill Acquisition

Immersive training has been proven to improve student skills retention compared to traditional methods. By incorporating this technology into the Wave Warrior ACV-DTS, it facilitates hands-on learning and fosters better decision-making under stress.

Operational Readiness

Through XRT’s rapid prototyping methodologies and an OTA acquisition framework, development, and system deployment timelines were significantly reduced. The portable form factor of the ACV-DTS – made possible by VR – gives students access to hands-on, realistic training across a broad range of scenarios at the point of need, enabling rapid skill development without compromising training quality.

Cost Savings

The ACV-DTS significantly cuts training costs by several means. Replacing the need for access to a real-world vehicle in earlier stages of driver training reduces costs from vehicle maintenance, petroleum oil-based lubricants and fuel, as well as contracted shipment and travel to locations with vehicles. The scalable form factor and secure networking capabilities maximize the number of students per instructor session, increasing student throughput at scale while maintaining the highest training quality for each student. The immersive, interactive interface and in-depth data output work together to enable adaptive training methodologies and accelerate training timelines, reducing the overall time needed to get students mission-ready, further reducing expenses.

Broader Applications

The success of the ACV-DTS training simulator has sparked interest in expanding XR solutions to other areas, such as equipment maintenance training and emergency response simulations. This scalability ensures long-term value and adaptability for evolving military needs.

The Impact of HTC VIVE’s Role in Partnership Success

This partnership highlighted HTC VIVE’s contributions beyond hardware.

Collaborative Development

The VIVE Business team actively supported seamless ongoing software and hardware integration. This collaborative approach minimized technical hurdles and ensured the solution aligned with end-user requirements.

Future-Proofing Training

HTC VIVE’s cutting-edge technology offers scalability for evolving training needs, ensuring long-term value. Features like firmware updates and modular hardware design make it easier to adapt the system for future applications.

Reinforcing Trust through Security

HTC VIVE reaffirmed its position as a trusted partner for government projects by adhering to stringent privacy standards. This trust was pivotal in securing buy-in from stakeholders at every level.

"VIVE gives us the best combinations of price, weight, size, support, and ease of use." – Neil Levin, CEO of XR Training

A New Standard for XR Training

The partnership between XRT and HTC VIVE established a robust, scalable model for government training. By prioritizing end-user outcomes, privacy and security, and cost efficiency, this collaboration sets a benchmark for immersive training solutions. Future iterations promise even more significant advancements, solidifying the potential of XR to transform critical industries.

Working together established a foundation of trust, innovation, and measurable results. This is a prime example of the transformative power of like-minded partnerships. The success achieved here paves the way for broader adoption of XR solutions across sectors, strengthening readiness, safety, and operational excellence in mission-critical environments.

Please reach out for additional information about VIVE products, solutions, and partnerships and how they can benefit your specific challenges.

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The consortium of companies who built the Wave Warrior ACV-DTS:

XR Training is a small business that specializes in developing custom immersive training applications for defense. Our solutions are ideal for complex tasks, specialized skills, and combat scenarios which may be difficult or costly to replicate. Acting as prime and program manager, we employ rapid prototyping and strategic industry collaborations to ensure the final solution is delivered on target, on time and within budget.

Talon Simulations is a small business specializing in reducing the risk of implementing XR technologies into vehicle simulators. Talon's primary services include engineering, assembly, quality control, installation, and life cycle management.

Enludio is an advanced technology company with a visionary approach to building a better tomorrow. We leverage the power of real-time systems and data science to develop custom simulation experiences. We integrate emerging technologies with simulation and experiences to reimagine how the world interacts with technology.

Theory Studios is your partner for creating the impossible in gaming, attractions, and animation. Using machine learning, AWS cloud rendering, and other leading-edge technologies, we deliver unmatched immersive experiences for government and commercial applications.

HTC VIVE’s modular ecosystem integrates all the tools you need, all in one place, including XR hardware and device management, to accelerate your digital transformation.