Using simulation devices to have soldiers learn the ropes of anti-tank of anti-aircraft missile firing is a common practice for many armies across the world. Such devices save costly missiles that would be otherwise spent for the sake of practicing while offering the same experience as when a real man-portable weapon is fired, including recoil, proper missile path ballistics and other parameters.
The better a soldier is trained, the more effectively he or she will use this weapon in real combat. This makes simulator-making an important part of high-tech defense industry, and it's no less true for Ukraine where this branch is being pushed forward by private companies.
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During a program hosted by Defense Express and Espreso TV, Ihor Bielov who is a co-owner of PSS by Logics7 company, told us about the several simulators he and his team developed for "live fire" training.
These setups can comprehensively recreate the specifications of the weapons they simulate, namely a range of pistols, rifles, grenade launchers, and missile systems currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other security forces. More specifics a bit later.
"The software completely matches the mathematics and ballistics underlying each particular weapon, and impact wind of weather conditions is also taken into account," Bielov said in the interview. "With such simulators, the training is fast and efficient, without spending ammunition."
Previously known mostly for game development, his IT company had developed over 30 military simulators that enable training with "practically every kind of weapon" in service with the Ukrainian Army, including those supplied by Western partners:
"The NLAW… the [FGM-148] Javelin, our pride, which is currently quite a sophisticated weapon, and thus one needs to know how to use it. Man-portable surface-to-air missile systems, such as Strela, Igla, Stinger, and even the Polish Piorun."
According to Bielov, Ukrainian soldiers are already training with them: either in the Army's training centers or the company's own locations which are free to use by all military servicemen.
PSS by Logics7 co-owner also informed that there is a special method used to make sure the simulators correctly reflect the parameters of real weapons and prove the effectiveness of training with it.
The speaker didn't dive into details but noted that the company keeps in touch with the soldiers and military instructors so everything is in check. He also mentioned there is a list of requirements the supplier needs to conform in order to be allowed to sell the simulators to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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