Design, Implementation and Preliminary Testing of a Virtual Reality System Used to Train Military Personnel on a Simulated Battlefield

Abstract

In this article, we present the implementation of a Software Defined Radio (SDR) remote sensor management solution for electromagnetic spectrum monitoring using web interfaces. The proposed sensor is developed on an SDR platform - USRP-2932 with LTE standard specific signal monitoring capabilities. Two solutions have been implemented for remote control and visualization of the sensor parameters: by using VNC (Virtual Network Computing) software for full remote access and by implementing in GNU Radio the Bokeh python library, which allows visualization of graphs and charts directly through a web GUI. For accessing the sensor via the backbone network of an Internet Service Provider (ISP), in both cases a Virtual Private Network (VPN) was set up using the Point-to-Point Tunnelling Protocol (PPTP) solution.

The Use of a Simulated Environment to Optimize the Solution Identified Problems Specific to Modern Military Actions

“…Evaluating Goal Achievement From a technical point of view, in the run-up to the exercise, the following interconnection options were tested: Preparing the scenario and introducing it into the virtual simulation system; ➢ Preparing and performing the informal after action analysis. "After the mission, the cadets said they were satisfied with the way the system worked and wanted to use it in as many training activities as possible" [7].…”

“…• "VBS software application" [7]. VBS is "simulation software that allows you to create and run any military training scenario imaginable.…”

“…• "Desktop Workstation for setting up and running the VBS server. The workstation was installed in the training room to be used by the coach to create the tactical scenario to be simulated, but also to view, edit and record in real time the military actions performed by the players" [7].…”

“…"The first step is to install and launch the VBS application. Using the application -VBS Launcher, which creates a suite of additional parameters and source code, allows users to easily connect" [7]. VBS Launcher can be used to launch VBS on other computers on the network.…”

Virtual & Augmented Reality Applications: A Broader Perspective Review

“…As the military and defense sectors are based upon the formal and concrete approach agendas most of the time, there are quite a few options explored to date considering the concept of alternate realities. AR and VR can be collectively used as augmented virtual reality (Neumann & Majoros, 1998) to simulate complex battlefield scenarios (Vesa et al, 2022) and provide a superior augmented visual experience to soldiers. Immensely narrow but significant efforts have been put up by multiple firms in the development of artificial terrains using AR and VR for the sole purpose of military training and intervention planning (Mekni & Lemieux, 2014).…”