The Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) is an augmented reality headset being developed by Microsoft for the United States Army, providing a wide variety of new capabilities to soldiers. Originally developed for infantry, it is also being adapted for use by mounted soldiers and aircrew. Its development was initiated in 2018 and is currently undergoing testing, although numerous problems have repeatedly delayed its deployment in the field.
Design
IVAS is an augmented reality system based on the Microsoft Hololens 2 headset. It intends to provide soldiers with "improved situational awareness, target engagement, and informed decision-making".
The system consists of a display, a computer known as a "puck", a networked data radio, and three conformal batteries. The display can augment the soldier's vision with imagery from thermal imaging and low-light imaging sensors. It also contains a digital magnetic compass for navigation and can display imagery from the Family of Weapons Sights-Individual mounted on the soldier's weapon. The radio allows data from the soldiers' individual IVAS headsets to be passed among members of the company.
The latest version of IVAS, version 1.2, weighs , although developers are working to reduce this to the target weight of . The computer is attached to the back of the helmet in order to distribute weight and move the center of mass. The display has a field of view of 60 degrees, using a flat display that can be flipped upwards.
History
Although it is unknown when the idea for IVAS was first conceived, the Army Acquisition Executive first approved IVAS's development effort on September 25, 2018, and an Other Transaction Agreement for the development of IVAS was issued to Microsoft in November 2018. Initial testing began in March 2019.
2020
As of October 2020, IVAS was on its third iteration. Previous tests used commercial Microsoft HoloLens 2 headsets which were not resistant to inclement weather. A ruggedized version of the system was tested in late October 2020 at Fort Pickett by some Marines and members of the 82nd Airborne Division. The test was to get soldier feedback and refine the system for eventual battlefield use.
In December 2020, the United States Congress decided to cut $230 million of the $1.1 billion request for the Army's IVAS goggles. It also wanted the US Army to submit a report detailing the acquisition strategy for the IVAS program by 15 August 2021.
2021
After nearly 2 years in development, the final IVAS Capability Set 4 system was scheduled to be fielded in 2021. Over 40,000 sets were planned to be issued.
On March 26, 2021, Microsoft was awarded a "fixed price production agreement" by the United States Army to manufacture and supply IVAS headsets. Microsoft would produce headsets for at least 120,000 members of the Army Close Combat Force. The contract was worth up to dollars.
Also in March 2021, the U.S. Army announced that IVAS was being tested with mounted soldiers, such as on Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Stryker teams. By June 2021, the US Army announced it was expanding IVAS tests to include aircrews for helicopters and drones. In comparison to the $400,000 purely-slaved and aircraft-dependent F-35 helmet that must be custom-built for each pilot, IVAS attached to any helmet, was estimated to cost $29,205 per unit, and could optionally work independent of the aircraft when the crew dismounts.
In September 2021 an "Adversarial Electronic Warfare and Cybersecurity Test" of IVAS was conducted. In mid-October, the system's "Operational Test and fielding" was moved to 2022. David Patterson, PEO Soldier Director of Public Affairs, said: "The Army intends to continue developing and fielding this revolutionary, first-of-its-kind technology in FY22."
2022
In March 2022, considering the numerous technical issues the program encountered, Congress withheld approximately $400 million in funding for the program until IVAS completed its initial operation testing and the Program Executive Office Soldier briefed the appropriations committees on the program's progress. The testing began in May and concluded in late June, although at the time it was believed that the fielding of IVAS in September was unlikely.