RAF trials a £300,000 virtual reality simulation system to help make combat training more realistic

A virtual reality simulation system costing £300,000 is being trialled by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in an effort to make combat training more immersive and realistic. The'first-person shooter' -style combat game is being developed under contract with the UK Ministry of Defence by the veteran-run software company SimCentric. The simulation software -- dubbed'SAF-TAC' -- is built on top of Epic Games' Unreal Engine 4, which also powers the popular video games Fortnite and Borderlands 3. SAF-TAC features bespoke training scenarios, high-definition surround sound, high-fidelity graphics, haptic feedback and intuitive gesture-based controls. SAF-TAC will also be put through tests this year with members of the British Army and the Royal Marines, alongside the air force. It is intended that the virtual simulator will become a routine part of the armed forces' wider training programme to support and enhance real-life exercises.