The US Army has received its first 20 Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) 1.2 prototypes after years of delay in development.
American tech firm Microsoft delivered the upgraded military goggles earlier this week to undergo a critical design test, according to IVAS product manager Lt. Col. Denny Dresch.
The test will determine if the changes in design are enough for soldiers to safely and comfortably use them during combat.
In 2021, the US Army postponed the deployment of the next-generation goggles after discovering a serious issue with their wider “field of view.”
IVAS developers reportedly made “minor reductions” in the system to improve device quality and clarity.
“That [test] will give us a good initial view [of] if we’re headed in the right direction, then we have to go to more and more difficult tests,” army acquisition head Doug Bush said, as quoted by Breaking Defense.
Trials on the 20 IVAS 1.2 prototypes are expected to be carried out in August.
Worst-Case Scenario
Based on Microsoft’s HoloLens device, the IVAS goggles are envisioned to revolutionize how soldiers fight on the battlefield.
The tech consists of a ruggedized augmented reality and heads-up display system that allows troops to see through smoke, around corners, and in the dark.
Bush said the upcoming test will serve as a “very important data point” that will provide the US Army with more subjective feedback about the goggles.
If the equipment still does not meet expectations after the trials, he revealed that the service will consider re-opening the competition to find a more suitable vendor.
“The combat capability has always been the Army’s first priority, that was an early decision. Were it not to work out, we’d likely just do a new competition, perhaps with somewhat different requirements to see what else is out there,” Bush said.
“There are other companies that could come to the table.”
Problematic Design
The previous version, the IVAS 1.0, faced a multitude of problems leading to the development of the new, upgraded model.
According to the Pentagon’s chief weapons tester, the infantry unit that tested the device was more successful in accomplishing their missions with their current equipment.
Soldiers reportedly hit fewer targets and engaged more slowly when they wore the IVAS 1.0.
Some also reported suffering from disorientation, dizziness, eyestrain, headaches, motion sickness, nausea, and neck strain after using the goggles.