Aktungbby
03-18-18, 12:33 PM
THE 3/17/2018 LAUNCH, JUST ANNOUNCED, OF THE US NAVY'S LATEST VIRGINIA CLASS SUBMARINE: USS COLORADO http://navylive.dodlive.mil/files/2016/12/Colorado-Christening-BLOG-660x330.jpg https://www.armytimes.com/resizer/xISpxqOwKno5dFmlMWjrEpUoCIk=/1200x0/filters:quality(100)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-mco.s3.amazonaws.com/public/M7ZKYG4MXZFWPO3UBWCGAJRJ7M.jpg...traditional periscopes have been replaced by two photonics masts https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7e/Photonics_Mast_Array_01.jpgthat host visible and infrared digital cameras atop telescoping arms, which are maneuvered by a XBOX video game controller.(NO TRANING REQUIRED THERE BBY! ) Navy plans to integrate an Xbox controller into the system because they’re more familiar to younger sailors and require less training. They’re also cheaper. A controller typically costs less than $30 compared to the $38,000 cost of a photonic mast handgrip and imaging control panel.Through the extensive use of modular construction, open architecture, and commercial off-the-shelf components, the Virginia class is designed to remain at the cutting edge for its entire operational life through the rapid introduction of new systems and payloads.