VR training solutions from SimX get four new contracts from U.S. Air Force, Space Force
NewsMay 03, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO. Medical-focused virtual reality (VR) company SimX -- in a continuation of its partnership with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) and U.S. Space Force -- won four new contracts totaling more than $1.5 million to develop innovative training solutions for special operations forces.
The latest contracts, which are part of the USAF $2.5 million Virtual Advancement of Learning and Operational Readiness (VALOR) research and development program, seek to further develop fielded capabilities for training elite military medical personnel with the SimX Virtual Reality Medical Simulation System.
The newest agreements are targeted primarily toward enhancing the capabilities of the system to train operational medical handoffs between roles of care, train personnel for missions involving multiple simultaneous caregiving teams, train service members in dynamic and realistic environments (such as low-light and foul-weather conditions), and provide more customizable and adaptable training capabilities. The new contracts will also focus on adapting VR medical-simulation training for in-flight medicine during aerial and space operations with the USAF and Space Force.
Col. John R. Dorsch, Wing Surgeon of the 24th Special Operations Wing (SOW), and medical director of the Air Force's Pararescue career field, who heads the effort for the U.S. Air Force, said of the contracts: "The VALOR program is helping to increase overall medical capability and has the potential to improve survival rates in combat casualties. Expanding and innovating capabilities is critical for ensuring the highest level of combat trauma and austere medical care is provided by our special operators and medical personnel."
