Inzpire's CASE JTAC secures accreditation
Image copyright Inzpire
The deployable, point-of-need simulator from UK defence company Inzpire has been certified by the UK Ministry of Defence and the international Memorandum of Agreement (led by the US) for NATO competency and currency training of JTACs from all member states.
CASE JTAC transports trainees into a realistic synthetic battlespace using pioneering mixed-reality technology. Real-world peripherals seamlessly blend with high-fidelity virtual environments, creating an unparalleled 360-degree immersive experience.
With its highly portable, deployable and ruggedised design, CASE JTAC brings this immersive training directly to the trainee at the point of need. The system has been designed and built alongside JTAC and close air support (CAS) subject matter experts and instructors to effectively align to operational need. This ranges from the ability to pre-rehearse real-world missions in a low-risk simulated environment, to after-action review tools to enable data-driven feedback and proficiency tracking over time.
Utilising cutting-edge mixed reality, trainees can naturally interact with both real-world equipment and form-fit-function replicas in true-to-life scenarios, promoting muscle memory and preparedness. The unique 360-degree immersive environment provides the trainee with the ability to observe over-the-shoulder and behind-the-user visuals, increasing the Type 1 control attack profiles that can be trained.
Gareth Banning, Director of Platform Training Services, Inzpire, said: “We are proud to have CASE JTAC's innovative mixed-reality capabilities officially accredited for this vital training.
“Our equipment provides frontline troops with access to an immersive synthetic training device which is built to deliver - at point-of-need - their training objectives, whilst meeting the exacting qualities and standards required of a fully accredited system.
“The deployable simulator can easily be integrated into any training environment without the need for additional support vehicles or other blockers to accessibility. Designed and built alongside JTAC instructors and trainees, we have minimised artificiality and maximised immersion.”
CASE JTAC's pioneering capabilities are made possible through close collaboration with industry-leading technology partners Varjo, Bohemia and SIMcentric.
Varjo’s XR-4 Focal Edition headsets signify a leap forward in mixed-reality fidelity. Bohemia’s virtual battlespace software is a simulation system of choice for the UK MoD, while SIMCentric’s supplementary software enables CAS and ground fires simulations through an intuitive user interface.
CASE JTAC is available for sale as a product or as part of a service with Inzpire’s accredited instructors on-hand to deliver tailored training. It supports individual or team instruction for JTACs, forward air controllers, joint forward observers, fire support teams and command staff. Scalable networking allows multiple systems to be linked, facilitating intricate multi-role training scenarios and dynamic vignettes, which can challenge trainees' decision-making in rich, complex environments.
The system has already demonstrated its value during recent NATO exercises. Participating nations, including the UK, US, and other allies, leveraged CASE JTAC's immersive team training capability by using real equipment alongside virtual battlespaces. The easy transportation and setup across multiple locations showcased CASE JTAC's deployability in taking training to the trainees.
James Clarkson, Lead Engineer, Mission Training Devices, Inzpire, said: “Over time and innovation, the accuracy of the visual system has improved significantly. A pivotal factor in this has been the vari-focus system of the pass-through cameras, allowing trainees to read physical material at a natural distance and then look at objects further away.
“Our unique integration and customisations provide a seamless transition between real-world objects, the synthetic environment and synthetic viewing devices to further enhance immersion and training value.
“Next, we are looking at further enhancements to incorporate new equipment being introduced to the British Army to facilitate future training of the air land integration environment."
Inzpire will be showcasing the accredited CASE JTAC simulator in conjunction with Varjo at IT2EC in Oslo, Norway, from 25th - 27th March 2025.
