XRT Completes Global Deployment of ACV Driver Training System for the U.S. Marine Corps

December 16, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla. – November 16, 2024 – XR Training (XRT) has successfully completed the worldwide fielding of 81 innovative Amphibious Combat Vehicle Driver Training System (ACV-DTS) simulators for the U.S. Marine Corps.

A Milestone Achievement

Following the initial announcement of the production award in April 2024, this milestone marks a significant achievement for XRT, as well as the defense training industry as a whole, demonstrating the viability and necessity of rapid prototyping and rapid development methodologies to address the fast-changing needs of modern military training programs.

From prototype contract to full deployment in 18 months, this accelerated timeline was made possible through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA). Collaborating closely with USMC leadership, XRT developed a working prototype in 107 days (3.5 months), secured the production contract within one year from concept, then produced and fielded the systems across six months.

The success of this acquisition model comes at a vital time, aligning with many of the military’s force development initiatives, including the recent USMC 39th Commandant’s Planning Guidance, which stresses the importance of rapid development, experimentation and fielding of prototypes.

Seamless, Worldwide Fielding and Comprehensive Operator Training

The Wave Warrior ACV-DTS, developed by XRT in collaboration with small business partners Talon Simulations, Theory Studios, and Enludio, is a portable XR-based training platform with 2DOF motion that realistically simulates complex ACV driving scenarios across land, surf zone and sea.

During fielding, XRT coordinated teams globally to install these simulators and provide thorough training to USMC instructors, assuring readiness for immediate use. With this complete, the Wave Warrior DTS is now deployed at Marine Corps locations worldwide and has been integrated into the ACV training curriculum, equipping drivers to safely navigate the challenges of real-world scenarios with improved confidence and skill.

Ongoing Support and Data-Driven System Enhancements

Over the next two years, XRT and its partners will continue providing maintenance, data capture, and engagement tracking for the simulators, enabling analysis of usage and effectiveness over time. The feedback and data gathered will contribute to ongoing software enhancements, “future-proofing” the system while maintaining responsiveness to evolving training objectives. More importantly, this ongoing support model keeps ACV operators equipped with the latest training technology to stay mission-ready.

“We are honored to continue supporting the U.S. Marine Corps in their pursuit of offering top caliber training for their Warfighters. As we advance into the next phase of the Wave Warrior ACV-DTS program, we will continue pushing the boundaries of what XR-based training can help them achieve for mission-critical readiness now and in the future,” said Neil Levin, CEO of XR Training (XRT).

The Wave Warrior ACV-DTS deployment underscores the Marine Corps’ commitment to innovation, small business partnerships, and a software-driven training approach, leveraging the OTA framework to rapidly deploy cutting-edge training technologies.

A Future-Ready Training Platform for Military Vehicle Operators

Inspired by the success and swift adoption of the Wave Warrior ACV-DTS, XRT has developed a new reconfigurable immersive training platform - the XR-VDT. This ground-breaking platform builds on industry best practices and in-depth learnings to better address the wide-ranging, complex needs of modern military vehicle training programs. It employs Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) standards and state-of-the-art XR technology to create a flexible, cost-effective system that can be adapted for diverse vehicles and scenarios.

The launch of XR-VDT reflects XRT’s continuing commitment to deliver high-quality, modular training systems that keep pace with evolving defense strategies, fortifying combat readiness for both operators and maintainers of next-generation tactical vehicles.

ABOUT XR TRAINING (XRT)

Founded in 2019 by Neil Levin, XRT specializes in developing custom, end-to-end immersive training and simulation applications for the defense sector, having built innovative solutions for both the USMC and the Air Force. These XR-based solutions are ideal for learning complex tasks, preparing for combat scenarios, and developing specialized skills that may be difficult, costly, or impractical to replicate in real-world settings. As a small business, we employ rapid prototyping and strategic industry collaborations to ensure the final solution addresses every project requirement and is delivered on time and within budget. Learn more at www.XRTraining.io

ABOUT TALON SIMULATIONS, LLC

Orlando-based Talon Simulations specializes in reducing the risk of implementing XR technology into vehicle simulators for entertainment centers and training institutes. Talon’s simulators combine high-quality VR, head-mounted displays, and responsive motion platforms.

ABOUT THEORY STUDIOS

Theory Studios, led by Emmy-nominated David Andrade and seasoned technologist Mark Olson, has over 20 years of expertise delivering breakthrough 3D art, animation, and VFX for clients like Disney, Amazon, and Universal. Our award-winning team pioneered cloud rendering with AWS and now integrates machine learning into our creative process, with credits including Bourne Stuntacular, Man in the High Castle, and Sesame Street.

ABOUT ENLUDIO

Enludio is a technology company driven by a diverse team of veteran engineers & creatives committed to solving complex problems in spatial computing and visual systems. Leveraging the power of spatial computing including mixed reality, virtual reality, and computer vision to transform complex environments into immersive, interactive experiences using real-time 3D.

MEDIA CONTACTS

XR Training
Neil Levin, CEO
info@xrtraining.io
301-244-9049

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XR Training Joins UCF Research Park Incubator With New Office

July 19, 2024

XR Training (XRT) has joined the University of Central Florida (UCF) Research Park business incubator program. Our new office positions XRT strategically at the heart of Orlando's thriving technology and simulation industry hub, offering a wealth of opportunities for rapid expansion and growth.

XR Training lands OTA deal to build Amphibious Combat Vehicle Trainer for U.S. Marines

April 9, 2024

COLUMBIA, Md., and ORLANDO, Fla. – XR Training, a fast-growing global studio of XR evangelists, developers, and industry leaders, has been awarded a production Agreement through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with Consortium Management Group, Inc. (CMG) on behalf of Consortium for Command, Control and Communications in Cyberspace (C5) with the U.S. Marine Corps to develop a driver training system for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle. OTAs allow federal agencies to rapidly enter into agreements with Non-traditional Defense Contractors, such as small businesses, research institutions and nonprofit organizations. Led by XR Training, a consortium of small businesses including Talon Simulations, Enludio and Theory Studios in Orlando will work together to fulfill the Agreement, producing 81 simulators by the end of 2024. The companies will then be tasked with providing two-plus years of training and sustainment services. “It is an honor that the U.S. Marine Corps has agreed that our driver training solution reached the level of quality required to solve their problem,” said Neil Levin, CEO of XR Training. “This follow-on commitment both validates our idea and demonstrates that military leaders understand the need to use XR technologies for our most sacred of tasks. That is, protecting our young Marines as they prepare to take on any threat.” The Amphibious Combat Vehicle Training System solves the U.S. Marines’ initial task of providing volume-based training, as well as solutions that utilize the emerging technologies today’s Marines have grown up using. Combining virtual reality software with hardware that reinforces the training experience through motion and tactile engagement, the system enables soldiers to train in a realistic environment simulating real-world Warfighter scenarios. “When we first took on the challenge of developing Warfighter training tools for the next generation, we knew XR would be crucial to not only creating a viable solution, but also bringing the Corps emerging technologies other industries have long been implementing to improve efficiency and effectiveness,” Levin said. This Agreement highlights the many benefits of building a team of talented small businesses to fulfill military needs through the OTA contracting vehicle. “The follow-up Agreement from the U.S. Marine Corps begins an exciting chapter for us as we look forward to continuing our work with XR Training to produce motion simulators at scale,” said Talon CEO Brandon Naids, whose company also provides its hardware to the theme park industry. “It’s an exciting time for Central Florida and our partnership with this group of firms.” “Working with the U.S. Marine Corps, thanks to XR Training, allows us to leverage our skillset to help our military,” said David Andrade, CEO of Theory Studios, which has in the past worked with Disney, Universal Studios and Sesame Street. “That’s an exciting prospect and we look forward to continuing to provide the same level of quality we delivered in the prototype stage.” ABOUT XR TRAINING Founded by Neil Levin in 2019, the Columbia-based company specializes in XR technologies that drive the development of sophisticated training systems that are portable, efficient, scalable, and trackable. The company works primarily with the Department of Defense, having built innovative XR vehicle training simulators. Neil has worked on numerous Phase I & II SBIR contracts that involved XR for the U.S. Air Force and OTA contracts for the U.S. Marines. In 2022, the company built a mixed reality, full-motion B-52 simulator that trains pilots in mid-air refueling. ABOUT TALON SIMULATIONS, LLC Orlando-based Talon Simulations specializes in reducing the risk of implementing XR technology into vehicle simulators for entertainment centers and training institutes. Talon’s simulators combine high-quality VR, head-mounted displays, and responsive motion platforms at an affordable price point. ABOUT CMG The mission of Consortium Management Group, Inc. on behalf of Consortium for Command, Control, and Communications in Cyberspace (C5) is to speed development of technologies to improve U.S. Government capabilities required to sustain U.S. military supremacy in weapon systems information technologies. MEDIA CONTACTS XR Training CEO Neil Levin neil@xrtraining.io 301-466-0829 Talon Simulations CEO Brandon Naids brandon@talonsimulations.com 610-731-1750

Maryland Defense Contractor Name Change Aligns With Shifting Industries

January 1, 2024

COLUMBIA, Md – VR Training, an agile tech company with experience in organizing extensive, project-based industry collaborations, has changed its name to XR Training to illustrate its areas of expertise better and more clearly align with the shifting tides in emerging technologies. As technologies, including augmented and mixed realities, become more prevalent, the company will build networks of businesses and professionals that reflect this. XR Training, which adopts the catch-all term for emerging, immersive tech, specializes in securing and managing contracts in several technologies, focusing on innovation and prototyping. The company then serves as product owner and directs technical approaches in its development. “As technology evolves, we also have to evolve to convey better what we do,” CEO Neil Levin said. “That is, we don’t just work in virtual reality. We also work closely with clients with extensive experience in mixed and augmented reality, and our new name, XR Training, illustrates this immediately to potential partners.” XR Training recently organized and helped lead a team of firms that executed a military contract that will make soldiers safer. The contract management helped align the companies while helping lead them through a multi-step process to secure the contract and then to build the product being requested. “We work closely with our clients from project inception, ensuring their needs and objectives are met through our efficient, less bureaucratic, and cost-effective approach,” Levin said. XR Training works with teams proficient in commercial, off-the-shelf hardware, artificial intelligence, game design, and rapid prototyping. Most recently, it led a consortium to develop a portable driving simulator for the U.S. Marines’ new amphibious vehicle. The company collaborates with a diverse group of nimble and exceptional subcontractors, creating the ability to assemble bespoke teams that have delivered high-quality, customized solutions. XR Training leverages its small size, diverse talent pool, extensive experience, and a flat business model to provide tailored solutions larger companies often need help with. “We lean into our strengths because we operate in a competitive environment,” Levin said. “That is what makes us a good partner and why we can so effectively bring people together to solve problems for our clients using emerging technologies.” CONTACT: Neil Levin, CEO (301) 244-9049 neil@xrtraining.io