The United States Army says it recently conducted a test of its Microsoft HoloLens-based AR platform and will move further testing of the hardware to 2022.
The Integrated Visual Augmentation System or IVAS is based on Microsoft’s HoloLens AR technology and the contract to supply the United Stated military with the technology represents a major vote of confidence in Microsoft’s platform and a key testing ground for the company to develop ruggedized AR tech. A report from Janes suggested the Army is “essentially doing a reset of” the program to figure “out what is the appropriate timeline and where is the technology.”
“The Army is fully committed to its partnership with Microsoft to advance specific technologies to meet operational requirements and maximize warfighter impact,” a press release from the Army states. “The Army conducted an Adversarial Electronic Warfare and Cybersecurity Test in September 2021, and plans to execute testing regularly throughout FY22. This decision allows the Army and Industry team to continue to enhance the IVAS technology platform ensuring Soldiers achieve overmatch in Multi Domain Operations. The Army intends to continue developing and fielding this revolutionary, first-of-its-kind technology in FY22.”
The U.S. Army provided a project timeline with May 2022 listed as the month for an operational test and September of 2022 for the first unit equipped with the hardware. Here’s the full timeline as provided by the Army:
Project Timeline:
- OCT / NOV 2020: Soldier Touchpoint 3 (STP 3) & Distinguished Visitor Days
- DEC 2020: Rapid Fielding Decision
- JAN 2021: Vehicle Integration VE2 – Stryker & Bradley
- FEB 2021: Cold Weather Test
- MAR 2021: Production Award
- MAR 2021: Tropical Weather Test
- APR 2021: Soldier Touchpoint 4 (STP 4)
- JUL 2021: OT Entrance Criteria User Jury
- SEP 2021: Vehicle Integration VE3 – Bradley
- SEP 2021: Adversarial Electronic Warfare & Cybersecurity Test
- MAY 2022: Operational Test (IOT)
- SEP 2022: First Unit Equipped (FUE)
