COLCHESTER soldiers have been training to pilot kamikaze drones for target searching and striking out on the battlefield.... all while wearing a VR headset.
The precision strike Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), which have been used with success by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, are flown using virtual reality headsets.
Soldiers based at Colchester's Merville Barracks learned how to navigate the drones which carry small explosive charges.
They have the ability to fly through uncovered hatches to explode in armoured vehicles.
The training is part of Project Lewes' wider efforts to improve the army's lethality by integrating new technology into existing forces.
The 16 Air Assault Brigade held the screening session to recruit capable soldiers from existing UAS pilots to join the jHub Drone Academy for further development of their skills.
Sergeant Adam Barnes, the leading UAS operator in the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, said: "While it is harder to operate, an FPV (First Person View) UAS is a much simpler, more adaptable and cheaper bit of kit.
"With a skilled pilot and the right UAS, you can use them to strike targets as well as carrying out reconnaissance.
"An infantry unit equipped with FPV UAS can fly them to attack targets that it would otherwise have to call in mortars, artillery, or an air strike to hit.
"It shortens the kill chain and gives a commander more options, making for a more efficient use of resources.
"This is a military skill that we can develop through a competitive hobby.
"Learning to fly FPV drones is the difficult part, and then how to use them tactically is just a further skill to add on."
Lance Corporal Morgan McConnell, having recently utilised Parrot drones during training in Estonia, said: "Flying drones is something that I enjoy, and it’s been a different skill to develop.
"The Parrot has basically got an autopilot and you can be reasonably confident at flying it within a few hours.
"FPV takes a lot more effort and skill because you’ve got total control of it, and it’s going to take time to get to the stage of flying it instinctively.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and it’s interesting to be working on a technology that is developing."
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