Military Archives -

CHANDLER, Ariz. — April 18, 2024 — VirTra, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTSI) (“VirTra” or the “Company”), a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators for the law enforcement and military markets, today announced a $5.9 million order for prototypes to support the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (“IVAS”) program. This order represents an important continuation in VirTra’s engagement with the IVAS program. VirTra will recognize revenue in three phases with reliability testing, soldier assessment, and final hardware deliveries, all scheduled in 2024.

The order includes bolt kits and magazines and high-pressure air fill stations for the IVAS program specifications with Microsoft as the prime contractor. In its role as the prime contractor, Microsoft ensures cohesive project delivery, integrating VirTra’s training hardware with the objectives of the IVAS program. The recoil hardware has been engineered with a focus on intense environmental conditions, performance and reliability. To achieve uninterrupted and realistic recoil feedback, the fill stations utilize high-pressure air (HPA) technology reaching 3,000 psi. The hardware has been engineered for a realistic training experience for our military personnel.

John Givens, CEO of VirTra, stated, “This additional prototype contract award, in support of the IVAS program, is a testament to the reliability and performance of our technology. This series of awards has implemented new features and tuned our design to meet the rigorous requirements of the program. Our enhanced production capabilities and investment in new technologies have solidified our contract execution by improving quality and capacity.”

Over the past two years, VirTra has significantly expanded its production capacity and improved operating efficiencies, while refining its hardware designs. These advancements highlight the Company’s readiness for mass production and commitment to fulfilling the U.S. Army’s expanding needs. In support of this effort, Microsoft has scheduled on-location Soldier Assessments at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in 2024.

The U.S. Army’s requirements highlight the industry’s shift towards more advanced and immersive training experiences for servicemembers. VirTra’s recoil hardware will provide enhanced training capabilities and readiness to support improved standards for military training and set the stage for future advancements in defense technology.

For more information about VirTra’s advanced recoil kits and other innovative training solutions, please visit VirTra’s website: https://www.virtra.com/tool/military-recoil-kits/

About Integrated Visual Augmentation System (“IVAS”) Program

The Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) provides a single platform that allows the Soldier to Fight, Rehearse, and Train. It leverages tactical Mixed Reality to increase the Warfighter’s battlefield awareness and ability to rapidly identify potential threats and take decisive action. The IVAS enables tactical planning, networked information sharing, and an augmented reality Synthetic Training Environment (STE) that will enable Warfighters to fight 25 “bloodless battles” before engaging the enemy.

The Army is developing IVAS to respond to an erosion in close combat capability relative to pacing threats identified in the 2018 National Defense Strategy via a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototype pathway. IVAS integrates next generation 24/7 situational awareness tools and high-resolution simulations to deliver a single platform that improves Soldier sensing, decision making, target acquisition, and target engagement. These capabilities will provide the increased lethality, mobility, and situational awareness necessary to achieve overmatch against our current and future adversaries.

About VirTra, Inc.

VirTra (Nasdaq: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators and firearms training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets. The company’s patented technologies, software, and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship, and related training that mimics real-world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through practical and highly effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this document are made based on our current expectations, forecasts, estimates and assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, uncertainties and risks that could affect our future results or operations. These factors, uncertainties and risks may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement set forth in the reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties described and other information contained in the reports we file with or furnish to the SEC before making any investment decision with respect to our securities. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Investor Relations Contact:

Matt Glover and Alec Wilson

Gateway Group, Inc.

VTSI@gateway-grp.com

949-574-3860

When it comes to training military personnel virtually, there are a few things that are highly valued. Can training be done in a realistic, immersive environment? Is there a high training throughput? Does it ease the instructor load?

Extended reality (XR) has entered the military training space for numerous types of exercises. It has been used for flight, drone operation, negotiation, combat, medical, and more. It is a highly flexible style of training that, by definition, mixes the benefits of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality into one package.

The unique thing about XR’s abilities is that it allows for trainees to interact with virtual objects placed into the real world. Passthrough and augmented reality have further developed to reduce the feeling of motion sickness or not being immersed due to an overly artificial CGI environment.

XR from a Military Perpective

A new survey conducted by HTC VIVE shows that military personnel have a positive view on XR – whether they have used the technology already or are planning to. The survey polled 400 military personnel. Here are some examples of the survey’s findings:

67% said XR training helps them prepare for stressful situations.
80% said XR enhances their education plans.
75% of the respondents who do not use XR plan to do so by 2028.

These recent statistics gathered in mid-2023 show positive perceptions as well as a good outlook for the future of XR. Simulated training in all forms has been popular for years, but the unique benefits from XR are noted for immersive combat training, technical training, and exercises (VIVE Business, 2023).

V-XR® – VirTra’s XR Solution

VirTra offered a glimpse of its newest technology at I/ITSEC 2023. The V-XR® is our most portable simulation tool, and its self-driven properties can relieve the instructor. Its unique use of volumetric capture allows humans to be captured as 3D characters, allowing for a more realistic appearance than what is provided by traditional CGI.

If you didn’t get a chance to receive a demonstration of this new system, you can schedule one by speaking with a specialist.

References:

Military survey: Vive Business. Military Survey | VIVE Business. (2023). https://go.vive.com/NAM-MIL-Survey-5832-PDF-LP.html?aliId=eyJpIjoibkhNSDZ1d0dRK1Z5M1VseiIsInQiOiJtb2JaZjEyR0d4R29VSE9JS25uMnlBPT0ifQ%253D%253D

CHANDLER, Ariz. — November 29, 2023 — VirTra, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTSI) (“VirTra” or the “Company”), a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators for the law enforcement and military markets, has debuted at the I/ITSEC 2023 its integration of VBS4 and BlueIG, offering added capability to its simulators. VBS (Virtual Battlespace) is a whole-Earth virtual and constructive simulation platform currently being used in over 60 countries and more than 300 integrators, supporting the training of hundreds of thousands of military personnel worldwide.

By integrating VBS4 into the VirTra Operating System (VOS), VirTra can provide military personnel with a rich, complex environment for training. VBS4 software allows organizations to create virtual battlespaces at any geospecific location for terrain building, mission planning, ground-based scenarios, and thorough debriefing.

VirTra’s primary objective in implementing the VBS4 software is to furnish military personnel with flexible, fast, and easily integrated virtual training experiences that prepare them for real-world decision-making. With its speed and flexibility, VBS4 can instantly integrate with classroom installations, and it has options for non-gun training and drone operations, ensuring that real-world scenario training is possible regardless of location.

“The integration of Bohemia Interactive Simulations Virtual Battlespace (VBS) into the VirTra product line enables military users of VBS to leverage their investment in models, terrain, scenarios and other integrated components instantly for part task and collective training” said VirTra CEO John Givens. “The combination of our V3 capture studio capabilities with the VBS integration enhances the ability of our existing law enforcement customers to effortlessly create intricate scenarios, putting the tools required for scenario creation in the hands of officers.”

VBS4 seamlessly integrates with VOS across all of VirTra’s simulators, making it usable regardless of the client’s simulator model. Starting in 2024, simulators with VBS4 integration will be made available to new customers, while existing VOS clients will have the option to upgrade their simulators.

Pete Morrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Bohemia Interactive Simulations, said, “VirTra is a pioneer in cutting-edge training simulations, driving innovation in their domain. We at BISim are proud to support VirTra with our VBS series of products, given their best-of-breed capability for marksmanship training and more. We look forward to further collaboration and success.”

About Bohemia Interactive Simulations

Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim) is a global software company at the forefront of simulation training solutions for defense and civilian organizations. We use the latest game-based technology and a large, experienced in-house team of engineers to develop high-fidelity, cost-effective training and simulation software products and components for defense applications. Learn more about the company at bisimulations.com/company

About VirTra, Inc.

Forward-Looking Statements

Investor Relations Contact:

Matt Glover and Alec Wilson

Gateway Group, Inc.

VTSI@gateway-grp.com

949-574-3860

At I/ITSEC, we will introduce you to not only our most sought-after technology, but a brand-new extended reality training program to support your unit. The V-XR® is our most portable simulation tool yet, and its self-driven properties allow it to be used without constant monitoring by an instructor.

This flexible, lightweight training system has multiple learning modules to tackle many military training objectives at once. The unique use of volumetric capture allows humans to be captured as 3D characters, eliminating the uncanny valley that often goes along with CGI graphics.

Some of the other advanced tools for military training you can experience at Booth #641 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL include:

V-300® 4K—Ultra HD resolution that accurately reproduces subtle visual details and replicates real-world encounters.
V-Threat-Fire®—The new version of the patented consequence device that delivers an electric impulse to simulate gunfire, explosions, etc.
Recoil Kits & CO2 Magazines—The newest developments in hardware that transforms a live weapon to simulation-ready in minutes with no permanent modification. Come by to see just how realistic the recoil is!
V-Marksmanship – Ballistically accurate firearms training with customizable targets, ranges, weather conditions, and lighting.

Days have been going by quickly, so don’t wait to schedule a private demo with our product specialists! Contact us here to set up time for a demonstration of our technology.

Starting today, VirTra is at I/ITSEC at Booth #641 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL! It is also our first Orlando-based event since the grand opening of VirTra’s new facility in the same city.

Every year we add new training scenarios, marksmanship capabilities, and add to our list of supported weapons. I/ITSEC is where we display the latest technology available to military units with the goal of keeping servicemembers well-prepared for the field.

Our Showcased Technologies

V-300® 4K—Ultra HD resolution that more accurately reproduces subtle visual details. This technology more perfectly replicates real-world encounters.
V-Threat-Fire®—The new version of the patented consequence device that delivers an electric impulse to simulate gunfire, explosions, etc.
V-Marksmanship – The program that gives warfighters customizable range options and accurate ballistics.
The Newest Recoil Kits & CO2 Magazines—The newest developments in hardware that transforms a live weapon to simulation-ready in minutes with no permanent modification. Now available for even more weapons!
Latest Development— Live real-time data analytics demonstration thanks to Vialytix! See the new way to collect and report training data.

If you are at the show, or will be in the next few days, come visit Booth #641 or reserve a private demonstration. Contact a product specialist to skip the lines and schedule time to experience the V-300 4K!

The topic of “active threat” and what is being done to prepare for a potential event is a highly relevant one in the law enforcement world. And, though an active threat may look different for them, the military must also prepare for such instances.

An active threat is identified as an event where a populated area is being targeted by one or more people with the intent to obtain a high number of casualties. When faced with an active threat, the attacker/attackers are often individuals whose beliefs do not align with their targets. Generally, firearms or explosives are the weapons utilized in these situations.

What Does an Active Threat Look Like for the Military?

Firearms are a frequently used method in green-on-blue attacks; however, explosives tend to be more common overseas within military active threat situations. There are a variety of ways that explosives can be utilized such as in mines and hidden bombs, launched grenades, vehicle-borne devices or even attached to an individual.

In a statistic provided by the Defense Department, “…improvised explosive devices account for 50 percent of all daily attacks…Of the three types of IEDs (roadside bombs, vehicle-born bombs and suicide bombs), roadside bombs are responsible for the most casualties.”

Despite the circumstance, the main goal is for military teams to eliminate the threat as quickly as possible and keep as many lives safe as possible, including their own.

How Can They Stay Prepared?

It is important for servicemembers to have access to real-world training for these situations. However, replicating such a high-stress situation, especially one with explosives, can seem challenging for teams to accomplish safely.

But realistic training for an active threat situation is made possible with the VirTra simulators. Servicemembers can train through real-world scenarios designed to help them practice situational awareness, threat neutralization, marksmanship and so much more in a fully immersive experience.

Scenarios are designed to put trainees under stress while also requiring them to use quick decision-making skills, creating well-trained military teams that are prepared for these situations.

Military Scenario Options

VirTra’s military training combat simulators provide access to multiple crucial training scenarios that are designed to help them stay prepared for active threats.

Active Threat/ Active Killer
Green on Blue
Vehicle /Roadside
Threat Recognition
And more!

To learn more about the chosen defense simulation solution by the military, contact a VirTra specialist today!

Resources:

Researchers Help U.S. Military Thwart Explosive Threats (phys.org)

The situations that servicemembers encounter require bravery, courage, and strength. Protecting our country is no small feat and we are endlessly grateful for those who serve. We also value the importance of supporting and training those servicemembers so that they are prepared for the unique circumstances that they might face.

VirTra’s goal is to help servicemembers stay alive on the battlefield and be able to return home safely to their loved ones. That is why we developed our high-quality simulator scenarios, including military firearms training and more.

Prepared for Anything

We equip warfighters with true-to-life training that immerses them into a wide variety of scenarios so that they can be exposed to some of the situations that they will be found in.

One form of our simulator scenarios teaches the process of making decisions under stress. These include Active Threat/Active Killer, Roadside Bomber, Green on Blue, and more. These scenarios help servicemembers learn to react quickly and efficiently to a time-sensitive and stress inducing situation in order to keep themselves and bystanders as safe as possible.

Another form of training teaches situational awareness and keeping your head on a swivel in case something goes awry. These include Key Leader Engagement, Patrol, Vehicle/Traffic Control Checkpoint, and more. In situations where the pressure is high, being aware of your surroundings and the small movements of others is helpful training in the case that the situation takes a turn for the worse.

Another form of training we offer, is our V-Marksmanship® military firearms training program. With the ability to customize the environments (rain, wind, snow and more), the movement of the targets, and the targets themselves, trainees learn how to make the shot in any environment. The V-Marksmanship® technology is also equipped with the most accurate ballistic calculator in the industry. VirTra’s military firearms training is an excellent tool for servicemembers to train with their weapons in a safe environment.

VirTra’s military simulator training provides the ability to develop and practice skills in an environment where mistakes can be made and learned from safely so if the real thing happens, our warfighters are prepared and ready to take it on.

To learn more about our military firearms training and real-life scenarios, contact a VirTra specialist.

Service members must be highly proficient with their primary weapons systems this requires early training for them – almost day 1.

Unlike a red or blue inert training weapon that some use to build skills, training should be as close to real as possible. Without the recoil, accurate ballistics, and the weight of a real weapon to contend with, you simply lack training fidelity and will not be as prepared.

Marksmanship Training

For any military branch, basic marksmanship is a crucial skill to acquire immediately. Skills may also become rusty if they are not practiced enough. Though nothing can compare to live fire training, VirTra’s marksmanship training options are an accurate supplement.

V-Marksmanship® allows for customizable environments and a staggering number of targets. Targets also can be programmed to move in different directions, speeds, and set up in various ways. The virtual range can be customized to include wind, rain, direction of sunlight, and nighttime conditions. With these features, a new environment is possible every time your squad steps into the simulator.

VirTra takes ballistic accuracy seriously. The ballistic calculator on our systems mimics real bullet trajectory based on the weapon being used. The ballistics have been independently verified for accuracy up to 2,500m and .02 milliradian accuracy.

Recoil Kits and Magazines

Taking realism even further, VirTra’s recoil kits and CO2 magazines provide critical recoil in the firearm that creates a disruption of a soldier’s sight picture, that must be re-established for follow-up shots. This allows skill transfer from the sim to the range. Because recoil kits and magazines fit numerous rifles and pistols, there is one out there for your duty weapon.

Installation is simple and takes around two minutes. For a rifle, remove the bolt carrier and replace it with the stainless steel, durable recoil kit. If using a pistol, the kit is a barrel replacement. Magazines fit snugly into your weapon and have the same weight and feel as a real one. The VirTra kits also preclude the loading and chambering of a live round to ensure high levels of safety.

Besides simulating an empty magazine, the custom VirTra mags can also simulate a malfunction. Firearms don’t have unlimited ammo and they sometimes “malfunction” so we make sure you are prepared for those situations too. Practice clearing a malfunction and reloading your weapon quickly and accurately while moving or finding appropriate cover.

V-ST PRO®

The V-ST PRO training simulator excels in supporting marksmanship training due to its range-like structure and ability to create six firing lanes per screen. It also provides the option to add up to five screens to train as many as 30 servicemembers simultaneously.

Clinical studies have shown that when officers are in a great deal of stress, they sometimes make the wrong judgement call. The high-definition, realistic environment shown on-screen can help trainees experience stress and learn to work through it – all while still accurately using their duty weapon as needed.

To learn more about how VirTra helps soldiers and warfighters excel in marksmanship training, contact a product specialist.

Are you looking for a new way to train soldiers and warfighters using ballistically accurate technology? Whether it’s for new recruits or just keeping your squad up-to-date on their marksmanship skills, having a VirTra system available can cover all your training points.

Military Scenarios

Our military training partners train through specific tactical scenarios, honing important skills for everything from patrol to engagement. Even better is that all SME-reviewed scenarios are filmed with professional equipment, not created with unrealistic looking CGI.

Here are a few examples that cover a portion of the scenarios we offer:

Active Threat Training

When on the field, threats can happen quickly and action needs to be taken as soon as one is recognized. An active threat is defined as one where a populated area is being targeted with a goal to obtain casualties.

Whether the attacker’s method is a gun, explosive or some other tool, servicemembers must respond fast to minimize loss of life. The scenarios that follow this theme allow trainees to experience these tough events in a safe environment and be better equipped in case one was to happen in real life.

Green on Blue / Inside Attacks

An inside attack, sometimes called ‘green on blue,’ is often one that takes servicemembers by surprise. It is not easy to tell when an inside attack will happen if they are from a friendly or neutral force. In some cases, they occur due to enemy infiltration. Either way, their actions may not arouse suspicion at first.

VirTra’s aptly-named scenario “Green on Blue” allows warfighters to quickly react to an insurgent dressed as a friendly who begins to open fire. This requires quick action and well-placed shots. Like other scenarios, the instructor can trigger when the insurgent begins to fire.

Key Leader Engagement

When overseas and in unfamiliar territory, there are situations where a soldier may need to engage with locals for various reasons. Sometimes it is to influence behavior, and other times to gather intel.

The corresponding scenarios let servicemembers speak to a key leader by means of a translator. How this village elder and those around him respond are entirely up to the instructor. If they wish to challenge the trainee, a nearby insurgent may begin shooting.

Military Patrol

There are many different types of patrol and reasons behind them – from gathering information to finding and eliminating an enemy. In some military scenarios, they are taken by surprise when returning to base from patrol. In others, they are assigned to a task and have to deal with a hostile individual.

Traffic Control Checkpoints

During a seemingly routine task, one must never let their guard down. This is shown in our “Traffic Control Checkpoint” scenario where a search escalates and warfighters are tasked with eliminating the threat.

Along with situational awareness, trainees must know to provide cover for fellow servicemembers. As this scenario is just one example, many others involve an enemy shooting at more than just the student – because in real life, the attacker would want to ensure all who oppose them are struck.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits VirTra has for warfighters? Contact a product specialist to learn more about what we have to offer.

A windy and rainy day out on the battlefield is difficult to prepare servicemembers for when the shooting range that they practice on stays at a steady sunny and 95 degrees on most days. Or maybe they are having to shoot at moving targets when all they have ever practiced on are stationary ones.

You can’t control the weather and you can’t shoot at moving vehicles safely in live range training. But it is beyond important for warfighters to be keenly trained on the various conditions that they might face once they hit the field. Making sure their marksmanship skills are sharp and accurate will result in many lives saved and give them the ability to do what they set out to do – serve our country. So how can these military squads accomplish this kind of training?

Prepared For Any Condition

Live fire ranges are crucial for servicemembers to practice on. Getting used to the way that their firearm shoots live ammunition, getting to see a real bullet sink into their target – these are things that they can’t miss out on when training for the battlefield. But with that type of range, also comes the lack of variability in conditions for them to train in.

That’s where we come in.

VirTra’s marksman simulator, the V-ST PRO® is able to provide the complete firearms training experience for a team of warfighters. Rain or shine, moving vehicle or stationary, change in altitude – we cover all of the bases. Equipped with our V-Marksmanship® training and the ability to drop our recoil kit directly into their own weapons, teams will learn how to hit their target under any circumstance.

Additionally, the V-Marksmanship® technology provides a powerful training experience with the most accurate ballistic calculator in the industry. The calculator holds the ability to mimic a real-world trajectory of a shot based on the type of projectile, weapon specifications, and the environmental conditions. With this, teams have the opportunity to practice their marksmanship skills through our shooting range simulator that prepares them to take on their missions with confidence.

Advancing Warfighter Performance

In addition to the marksman simulation training, VirTra offers a variety of military scenarios that teams can train through. With each scenario, we designed an immersive and complex way for teams to learn resilience and accuracy.

This training includes:

To learn more about the chosen defense simulation by the military, contact a VirTra specialist.