Submarines: August 29, 2005

Archives

The U.S. Navy has developed a video game to teach submarine crews how to deal with intruders, when the subs are in port. This is not just for terrorists, but also for demonstrators, or anyone getting on a sub who shouldnt be there. The navy used commercial game technology to build their simulation. They got the job done for less than a million dollars, by not using the latest 3-D, first person shooter graphics. Instead, they used the older Gods view top-down graphics. The simulation shows the interior of a Los Angeles class sub. Players can operate hatches and some other equipment. The simulation can handle everything from terrorists getting aboard a sub, to a member of the crew flipping out and taking a hostage. Sailors and officers using the simulation can then game out responses to the situation, practicing for the real thing before they encounter it.