THE END OF AN ERA...GOIN' PHOTONIC WITH XBOX

[Aktungbby]

THE 3/17/2018 LAUNCH, JUST ANNOUNCED, OF THE US NAVY'S LATEST VIRGINIA CLASS SUBMARINE: USS COLORADO

...traditional periscopes have been replaced by two photonics masts that host visible and infrared digital cameras atop telescoping arms, which are maneuvered by a XBOX video game controller.(NO TRANING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.