Honeywell is to provide a virtual reality instrument panel for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) programme.
Both parties signed an agreement for the first-of-its-kind virtual reality technology, which could provide a 360° view outside the vehicle to enhance driver awareness on missions.
Honeywell Aerospace Defense and Space president Carey Smith said: "The development of virtual window technology is a significant shift in the concept of design for military ground vehicles.
"No longer would drivers of these ground vehicles need to rely on the view through the windows alone; this technology would provide them with improved awareness that could impact the survivability of a new, more agile ground vehicle solution.
"Honeywell is a leader in advanced cockpit display technology, so we were able to leverage our extensive background in display technologies, coupled with advanced visualisation research, to meet the needs of DARPA’s GXV-T programme."
The GXV-T programme explores new technologies to improve survivability, agility and mobility for the next-generation of military ground vehicles.
The panel will replace glass windows with Honeywell’s display technology, allowing the operator to see allies and adversaries, track optimal routes over difficult terrain, and review infrared and terrain classification.
Honeywell and DARPA are aiming to use the new technology to develop an improved operating environment for ground vehicles.
Commenced in July 2015, the first phase of the virtual windows development is said to run through June.
