The US Army has received the first 20 prototypes of the Integrated Visual Augmentation System 1.2 variant by Microsoft. 

According to a relevant announcement, the said milestone is the latest step in the process of getting the most advanced version of the tactical situational awareness system. 

IVAS is a single platform that features an all-weather fighting goggle and a mixed reality heads-up display that integrates next-generation situational awareness tools and high-resolution simulations to provide soldiers with improved mobility and lethality, during the day or at night. Hence, IVAS shall provide soldiers with a single device to fight and train. 

Users will use IVAS to gain a fuller understanding of their operational environment. Its enhanced low-light and thermal sensors shall contribute to this by improving target identification. Further, IVAS will allow network-centric-based connections with ground and air platform sensors, allowing soldiers to see outside vehicles before dismounting into a hazardous situation. Furthermore, IVAS provides 3D mapping and navigation capabilities.

Specifically, IVAS complements what’s currently in the Army’s inventory, while expanding close combat force capabilities by leveraging the digital architecture for shared awareness and computing at the edge, by providing a first-person augmented reality perspective that enables the integrating of operational data such as routes and control measures into the person’s field of view.

The system’s embedded training tool, the Squad Immersive Virtual Trainer, also provides soldiers with objective-based scenarios along with combat drills through holographic and mixed-reality imagery, giving units the flexibility to train their squads with minimal resources.

IVAS 1.2 builds and improves on the capabilities of previous versions of IVAS, IVAS 1.0, and IVAS 1.1. Specifically, IVAS 1.2 incorporates reliability upgrades, features an improved low-light sensor, and introduces a new form factor with a lower profile heads-up display with a distributed counterweight for improved user interface and comfort.

IVAS 1.2 also has the capability to attach to a combat helmet with a “hinged” device to allow soldiers to raise and lower the display, similar to traditional night vision goggles.

IVAS 1.0 and IVAS 1.1 will primarily be issued to schoolhouses and operational units for use in training, while the close combat force will receive IVAS 1.2.

Also read: Realiscape | The modern version of “Train as you fight”

It is noted that the Greek Theon Sensors is also working on similar technology systems, something we were informed during our interview with its CEO, Mrs. Vassilis Savvaidis, in the context of the recent DEFEA (at 17:35). Watch the full video below.