Being a Navy SEAL is not something most people get to experience in their lifetimes. A new virtual reality experience aims to change that.
The Navy unveiled virtual reality units at the Sacramento Navy Week and San Francisco Fleet Week in California and at University of Texas campuses in Edinburg and Brownsville recently.
The units bring to life a high-speed water extraction of a Navy SEAL team pinned down under enemy fire.
“If you’ve ever wanted to pilot a high-speed assault craft or extract Navy SEALs from enemy territory, you’ll now get your chance,” said a Navy statement. “The experience [showcases] what it feels like to be part of today’s Navy, which is increasingly operating the most advanced technology and weapon systems in the world.”
The VR mobile display is built into two trucks that allow it to track to various venues. The California tour start Oct. 1 and the Texas tour Oct. 3.
Participants go through a video briefing before strapping on the VR headset and piloting the craft while extracting SEALs. After the mission is completed, users move to a debriefing station, where they receive feedback and are graded on their performance.
“This display offers users the most realistic Navy experience possible,” said Deputy Commander Rear Adm. Doug “Woody” Beal.
“Virtual reality has allowed the U.S. Navy to come a long way. Where we once were only able to describe these experiences, now we can actually show the reality of a Navy mission in an interactive way, using the best technology available.”
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense, Virtual reality • VR