The Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (UAS) have launched KillZone, an online aerial reconnaissance and targeting simulator based on real-world missions. In the game, the user views images from a reconnaissance drone, finds camouflaged targets, and marks them for further engagement.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces (UAS) have launched KillZone, an online aerial reconnaissance and targeting simulator based on real-world missions. In the game, the user views images from a reconnaissance drone, finds camouflaged targets, and marks them for further engagement.
According to the KillZone press release, the project was created as an educational tool with gamification: the simulator should show civilians what the work of an aerial reconnaissance/decipherer looks like, for whom finding targets in images is a daily routine. Each mission is presented as a task from a specific regiment or brigade of the SBS group, and commanders can prompt if the player is «stuck» on finding an object.
KillZone has several mechanics that are designed to simulate the pressure of real-world missions. There is a timer for completing missions and comparing your results with the averages of other players, as well as a progressive increase in difficulty. Missions are randomized between different units so that the user does not go through the same scenario. The objectives in the simulator are additionally illustrated and accompanied by brief descriptions and characteristics so that the beginner understands what exactly he has found and why it is an important objective. The authors also emphasize graphic design and audio as elements of immersion. The SBS project was developed together with TWID Marketing & Tech Agency; access to the game is open in the browser.
This is not the first attempt by the SBS to explain the work of aerial reconnaissance through an interactive medium: last year, the group released a test game «Find the Enemy,» which, according to them, was played by over 13,000 unique users. In the new release, the military emphasizes that the simulator should not only entertain, but also highlight skills that may be needed in SBS units, and after the final task, the game offers to apply for service.
Previously, dev.ua wrote about how military personnel from the Center for Scaling Technological Solutions presented the Frontier Training System, a comprehensive training system for unmanned systems units, which is designed to train operators of ground robotic complexes.
