Recent work within the Virtual Environments and Simulation Laboratory (VESL) UNSW@ADFA (University of New South Wales, at the Australian Defence Force Academy) has led to an experimental user exertion system for VBS2. Fundamentally, the system requires the user to exert energy in order to move their in-simulation avatar: if they want their character to run they must "run".

Read the entire article Here.

Historic virtual joint simulation training using the Marine Corps Virtual Battle Space II and the AFSOC AC-130U simulator to conduct different mission types. This consisted of linking geographically separate simulator locations with mission operators (real people) to conduct pre-deployment joint training and unit-level proficiency and familiarization training.

Read the entire article Here.

We've updated the screenshots page with pictures of Ft Polk and the new Green Zone. Ft Polk was built only to the VMAP2 level of detail (a good example of what is possible with high fidelity source data).

Bohemia Interactive is extremely pleased to announce the release of the first version of the VBS2 Tool Suite, a comprehensive set of content development tools for importing new terrain and generating new models in VBS2!

Full press release.

The recent Simulation Conference and Exhibition (SimTecT) held in Brisbane, Australia was a major success for VBS2.

The SimTecT exhibition from June 4th to 7th, was an ideal platform for a new product launch of VBS2.  Whilst the simulator was made available earlier, this was the first opportunity in Australia that BIA could really showcase the features of VBS2 to all industries.

The BIA booth, located in the centre of the exhibition area, became a hub of activity on the first day and continued for the entirety of the event.  The video presentations coupled with the real-time demonstration of the product ensured a constant audience was always present.

During the conference, many non-military based industries demonstrated extreme interest with VBS2 as a training simulation package.  Industries involved in Emergency First Response, Stevedoring and Mining are now testing VBS2 with an intent to utilise for a cost effective, risk free employee training option.  The hi-fidelity, 3-dimensional appearance of VBS2 and the simplicity of modification for civilian industries proved to be a major drawcard over the event.

BIA would like to thank the Australian Army Simulation Wing (ASW) and Boeing Australia for their support and demonstration of VBS2 during the conference.
 

The Koninklijke Landmacht (Royal Netherlands Army) recently held a very successful open day for the general public which heavily featured VBS2.

Full press release.

New Mexico – Task Force O3-07 soldiers reap the rewards of the virtual battle system.

Infantry based simulation software is no longer considered just part of the FPS gamers domain.  Many innovative Army Simulation Centres around the globe now view the VBS suite of tools as an integral part of the combat training process, both on home soil and abroad.

Recently, the Canadian Armed forces made the following video discussing the benefits of Virtual Battlespace.

The full article can be viewed here

An impressive article by Lance Cpl. Aaron J. Rock, 26th MEU, gives a first hand account of the use of VBS2 (DVTE) within the USMC community.

ABOARD USS BATAAN (Feb. 20, 2007) -- Marines conducting convoy security isn't something you would expect to see deep within the bowels of a Navy ship, but thanks to a new training program, Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are kicking up virtual clouds of dust and finding improvised explosive devices (IED) in a computer-generated world.

Marines aboard USS Bataan, Oak Hill and Shreveport are utilizing the Deployable Virtual Training Environment (DVTE) to brush up on an assortment of skills that otherwise would require real world experience or a lot of space and equipment.

The DVTE creates simulations that help train Marines and Sailors in different scenarios and missions they may find themselves in.

The look, feel, and controls of the simulations would be familiar to many video-game enthusiasts, though that is where the similarity ends.

Staff Sergeant Ted R. Fuller, Ground Safety Specialist Officer for the 26th MEU, said the digital training covers several areas, and the scope of the missions and scenarios are limited only by the needs of the class or the imagination of the instructors who build them.

The programs include tactical language instruction in basic Iraqi Arabic and other languages; simulated call-for-fire missions that help teach what ammunition to request and how to report the effects of the mission; convoy operations simulations; a program to bolster troops awareness of IEDs; a program to aid recognition of friendly and hostile vehicles; and programs to aid leadership reactions in scenarios, according to Fuller.

The full article can be viewed here

An article discussing VBS2 will be featured in Jane's International Defence Review June copy.  The article primarily discusses the recent acquisition of VBS2 by the UK Ministry of Defence, but also gives a notable report on the functionality and use of VBS2 for Military simulation training.

Being featured in such a well respected Defence and Intelligence publication such as Jane's is an important milestone for BIA and VBS2.  It clearly demonstrates VBS2 has validity within the international defence community as a viable training option.

Subscribers to Jane's can read the online article here

A key supporter of VBS2, the New Zealand Army Simulation Centre, were recently visited by two BIA training instructors to deliver the VBS2 Administrators course (Admin 1A) at Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Over 4 days, the 15 students, which included Majors, Captains and NCOs, were educated by two BIA facilitators in the areas of Network management, Scenario design,  After Action Review, Real Time Editor, Offline Mission Editor, UAV simulation and basic mission scripting.

The inaugural VBS2 training course was a huge success for both BIA and the NZASC and further reinforces Bohemia Interactive Australia's commitment to after sales support. 

For further information on BIA training courses, please contact sales@vbs2.com

Acron (www.acroneng.com), the Canadian reseller for Calytrix, recently completed the integration of the Serious Game application VBS1 (Virtual Battlespace version 1 from Bohemia Interactive) to JCATS (Joint Conflict and Tactical Simulation) for the Land Force Quebec Area Simulation Centre at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Valcartier, Quebec.

Full press release.

Bohemia Interactive is extremely pleased to announce that the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) has purchased an enterprise license of Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS2™). The UK MoD VBS2™ license, distributed through Calytrix Pty Ltd (http://www.calytrix.com.au), provides a robust, flexible simulation for use in collective and tactical training, mission rehearsal, experimentation and terrain/3D model visualisation for AO familiarisation.

Full press release.