Submarines of the United States will be controlled via gaming consoles

The American Navy began to install game controllers on the Xbox 360 in its most advanced submarines.

The Navy, the United States decided to abandon the controllers for the periscopes of submarines in favor of the Xbox 360 controller.

It turned out that gamepads is easier, cheaper and more familiar to sailors.

“Starfleet command has asked the younger members of crews of submarines that can be done to ease their service. And wish to make a more convenient control of the periscope was at the top of the list,” said Lieutenant Kyle Leonard, assistant commander of missile and artillery combat units of the submarine SSN-785 “John Warner”.

The Xbox 360 will be used in nuclear submarines Virginia-class are designed for anti-submarine warfare in the depth and coastal operations. Their crew a little over a hundred people.

Unlike other types of submarines, boats like Virginia are deprived of the traditional pipe of a periscope that can rotate a single person. The periscope on the boat was replaced by two masts with high-definition cameras that rotate 360 degrees. For the management of these masts and Xbox 360 need to replace the control panels, worth 38 thousand dollars each.

“The old joystick is not cheap, and it is intended only for installation on a submarine of the Virginia type. I can go to any video game store and buy the Xbox controller anywhere in the world, so it is very easy to replace,” said mark Eichenlaub, assistant Navigator submarine SSN-785 “John Warner”.

In order to implement its plans, the Navy will have to hire technical specialists who will carry out all necessary work. Now representatives of the company Lockheed Martin began testing controllers Xbox 360. In particular, the controllers were tested under field conditions, the sailors of the submarine SSN-785 “John Warner”. But before the innovation seamen-submariners will have to wait at least a couple of years.

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