Two recently published reports provide a wealth of information on military simulators and virtual training, detailing the current size of the industry, growth expectations and emerging opportunities.
The Global Military Simulation and Virtual Training Systems Market 2014–2024, published by Strategic Defense Intelligence, explains how global military cost-cutting initiatives have resulted in reduced training budgets, leading to a focus on less expensive virtual training solutions.
As militaries around the world replace obsolete weaponry with new technology the demand for training will increase, while the costs for consumables like ammunition and fuel will continue to increase. The report highlights that the US military saved more than $20 million on ammunition in 2010 using virtual combat training simulators.
The report lists that the US Air Force spends approximately $2.9 million to train a jet fighter pilot. In an effort to reduce costs, the helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicle operator training simulator segments are expected to be two of the leading market drivers.
Military Simulation, Modeling and Virtual Training Market 2014-2024, by Visiongain, estimates that the global amount spent in the Military Simulation, Modeling and Virtual Training markets to be $8.12 billion. The report seeks to do the following:
"Analyses the market at the global level, by two primary submarkets which are broken down into a total of 12 secondary submarkets. The 15 leading national markets plus rest of the world are also analyzed, each broken down by the two primary submarkets."One of the key simulation-based requirements pointed out in the reports is in regards to fidelity. The need for either high-fidelity (nearly identical look and feel) or duplicate fidelity (actual look and feel) human-machine interface controls are a necessity in order for trainees to get the most from simulation-based training.
While these reports are helpful and provide valuable insight, there's really only one way to find out everything there is to know about the military simulation market, attend the Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference, otherwise known as I/ITSEC.
Dedicated to the promotion of cooperation among the Armed Services, Industry, Academia, and various Government agencies that are in pursuit of improved training and education programs, identification of common training issues, and development of multiservice programs.
If you're attending I/ITSEC this year please be sure to stop by and visit ForgeFX at booth number 2088 where we'll have a number of our training simulators available for the attendees to climb into and get some hands-on virtual training.
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