Microsoft’s $22 Billion Army Goggles Still Aren’t Battle Ready

Despite progress since the contract was awarded in 2018, the system “has not yet demonstrated the ability to function as a fighting goggles,” according to a non-public assessment by the Pentagon’s director of operational testing, which The army was sent for review.

The report on the Integrated Visual Enhancement System, or IVAS, will be made public in the office’s upcoming annual report.

Washington-based company Redmond’s program aims to develop a “heads-up display” for US ground forces, similar to fighter pilots. The system – an adapted version of Microsoft’s HoloLens goggles – will project information to commanders, include a visor and other features such as night vision in front of a soldier’s face.

According to the evaluation, improved versions of the Goggle prototype were fielded for initial military evaluation to “demonstrate development capabilities” and to “improved comfort and field of view”.

The Army announced a delay in fielding the program in October to allow more time to prepare for the intense combat testing required for full-rate production. The test, previously scheduled for last September, is now tentatively scheduled for May.

According to the latest assessment, “the military should develop an adequate test and evaluation strategy that quantifies improvements” for known deficiencies before testing.

Microsoft said it is continuing to improve the technology.

“Our close collaboration with the military has enabled us to rapidly build on and iterate on IVAS to develop a transformational platform that will enhance the safety and effectiveness of troops,” said David Marra, program director at Microsoft, in a statement. ” “We continue to test and refine IVAS through troop engagement, ensuring that this state-of-the-art mixed-reality platform is effective, reliable, and exceeds Army objectives.”

The project with the military has been opposed by some Microsoft employees who have opposed the use of the technology for warfare.

This story has been published without modification in text from a wire agency feed.