New system sharpens training realism
A new system that allows soldiers and vehicles to simulate hits, casualties and damage during training was used on Exercise Keldie Cup 25 in Townsville late last year.
CAPTION: A soldier from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment aligns the transmitter from the Enhanced Personal Area Network during a live integrated systems display at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland. Story by Leading Aircraftman Chris Tsakisiris. Photos by Lance Corporal Jessica Gray.
Known as the Enhanced Personal Area Network (EPAN), the wearable laser-based training equipment provides feedback when fighting simulated enemies.
It also digitally replicates sound and recoil traditionally achieved with blanks.
Cubic, the Defence contractor, employed drones to oversee the activity and monitored the system’s use.
2nd Cavalry Regiment troop leader Lieutenant Harry Carson was the officer in charge of the EPAN during the training.
CAPTION: Australian Army officers from the Combat Training Centre and Cubic Defence Australia display the new live integrated systems at Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland.
“Cubic monitored the drone’s area through its camera feed and simulated mortar strikes by tracking friendly and enemy positions,” Lieutenant Carson said.
“When activated, soldiers received the corresponding sound cues through their modules.”
EPAN integrates with small arms and can simulate a laser from a 120mm main gun to indicate when and where soldiers and vehicles are hit.
CAPTION: Drones were used to oversee the live integrated systems display.
Armoured vehicles are fitted with a rear-mounted visual indicator releasing smoke and flashing lights when struck, providing crews with confirmation of a hit.
Vehicle crews and commanders also receive data through rear-mounted displays and tablets.
The system provides immediate awareness of impacts and virtual damage states, supporting faster decision-making during missions.
By removing the need for adjudicators, it enables a more autonomous training environment.
As a digital system, it can be used in non-Defence training areas, expanding flexibility where blank and live fires are restricted.
CAPTION: A soldier from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment is issued an Enhanced Personal Area Network by Cubic Defence Australia during the live integrated systems display.
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