Microsoft has won a “$480 million contract to supply prototypes for augmented reality systems to the Army for use on combat missions and in training.”
As reported by Bloomberg, this contract could lead to the US Army purchasing over 100,000 HoloLens headsets, intending to “increase lethality by enhancing the ability to detect, decide and engage before the enemy.”
While the U.S. Army and Israeli military have been running training programs with Microsoft HoloLens, these next steps would prepare them in use for live combat.
While the Army will be using HoloLens devices, they will obviously be different than the consumer-grade products as they will look to “incorporate night vision and thermal sensing, measure vital signs like breathing and “readiness,” monitor for concussions and offer hearing protection.”
Source: IGN.com US Army Plans to Use Microsoft's HoloLens for Combat Missions, Training