When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
IVAS is based on Microsoft’s HoloLens.
It’s been in the works for several years.
Microsoft and the U.S. Army have spent years refining the design of a militarized headset based on HoloLens.
Thedeal was delayedin October 2021.
Microsoft has worked with the U.S. Army to refine the design of IVAS.
The Army purchased 5,000 version 1.0 headsets and an additional 5,000 version 1.1 systems, according toArmy Times.
Microsoft and the U.S. Army are working to make IVAS headsets combat ready.
Those headsets are expected to be delivered early in the 2024 fiscal year.
Version 1.2 of IVAS will have two phases as well as feedback sessions from soldiers.
That version of the militarized headset is scheduled for operational testing in the 2025 fiscal year.
If things remained on schedule, field testing would occur by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
Previous versions of IVAS had a chest-mounted controller and computer that were together.
Version 1.2 separates the controller from the PC.
The new design allows the computer to be moved around the torso.
The computer for the system is now mounted on the back of the helmet.
Moving the computer to the back of the headset should also reduce neck strain.
Earlier models of IVAS were more front-heavy.
In addition to being balanced better, version 1.2 of IVAS is lighter.
The target weight is 2.85 lbs compared to the 3.4 lbs of its predecessor.
Army Times highlighted that 2.85 lbs is the same weight as Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binoculars.
The next version of the machine will also have color-coded navigation points on a virtual map.
One of the biggest concerns with IVAS is that it can cause nausea and dizziness in soldiers.
The Army has a team tasked to address the issue.
That group will work aside partners from Microsoft Visual Sciences and other experts.
This isn’t the first time that we’ve heard about IVAS version 1.2.
Areport by Bloombergfrom earlier this year shed light on the project.
Instead, a large sum would be spent on developing an improved version of IVAS.
