Inzpire receives accreditation for mixed-reality JTAC simulator

The Compact Agile Simulation Equipment for Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (CASE JTAC) developed by defence training and mission systems specialist Inzpire is now approved for Type 1, 2 and 3 controls, making it the first accredited mixed-reality JTAC simulator in the UK, Inzpire announced on 25 March 2025.

The deployable simulator has been certified by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the international Memorandum of Agreement (led by the US) for NATO competency and currency training of JTACs from all member states.

CASE JTAC immerses trainees in a realistic synthetic battlespace using what Inzpire calls “pioneering mixed-reality technology”. Real-world peripherals are seamlessly blended with high-fidelity virtual environments, creating “an unparalleled 360-degree immersive experience”.

Rugged and highly portable, CASE JTAC can bring training directly to the trainee at the point of need. The system has been designed and built alongside JTAC and close air support (CAS) subject matter experts and instructors to effectively align to operational needs. This ranges from the ability to pre-rehearse real-world missions in a low-risk simulated environment to after-action review tools to enable data-driven feedback and proficiency tracking over time.

Utilising cutting-edge mixed reality, trainees can naturally interact with both real-world equipment and form-fit-function replicas in true-to-life scenarios, promoting muscle memory and preparedness. The unique 360° immersive environment provides the trainee with the ability to observe over-the-shoulder and behind-the-user visuals, increasing the Type 1 control attack profiles that can be trained.

“We are proud to have CASE JTAC’s innovative mixed-reality capabilities officially accredited for this vital training,” Gareth Banning, Inzpire’s director of platform training services, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “Our equipment provides frontline troops with access to an immersive synthetic training device which is built to deliver – at point-of-need – their training objectives, whilst meeting the exacting qualities and standards required of a fully accredited system.

“The deployable simulator can easily be integrated into any training environment without the need for additional support vehicles or other blockers to accessibility. Designed and built alongside JTAC instructors and trainees, we have minimised artificiality and maximised immersion.”

CASE JTAC was developed by Inzpire in close collaboration with technology partners Varjo, Bohemia and SIMcentric. Varjo’s XR-4 Focal Edition headsets signify a leap forward in mixed-reality fidelity; Bohemia’s virtual battlespace software is the preferred simulation system of choice for the UK MoD; while SIMCentric’s supplementary software enables close air support and ground fires simulations through an intuitive user interface.

CASE JTAC is available for sale as a product or as part of a service with Inzpire’s accredited instructors on hand to deliver tailored training. It supports individual or team instruction for JTACs, forward air controllers, joint forward observers, fire support teams and command staff. Scalable networking allows multiple systems to be linked, facilitating intricate multi-role training scenarios and dynamic vignettes, which can challenge trainees’ decision-making in rich, complex environments.

The system has already been demonstrated during recent NATO exercises.

“Over time and innovation, the accuracy of the visual system has improved significantly,” said James Clarkson, Inzpire’s lead engineer for mission training devices. “A pivotal factor in this has been the vari-focus system of the pass-through cameras, allowing trainees to read physical material at a natural distance, and then look at objects further away. Our unique integration and customisations provide a seamless transition between real-world objects, the synthetic environment and synthetic viewing devices to further enhance immersion and training value.”

Clarkson added that Inzpire is looking at further CASE JTAC enhancements to incorporate new equipment being introduced to the British Army to facilitate future training of the air-land integration environment.