China has developed augmented reality (AR) headsets for armored vehicle crews, aiming to give commanders, drivers, and gunners a clearer view of the battlefield and faster reaction times.
The system links to external cameras and sensors mounted on tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, projecting a 360-degree real-time feed through a heads-up display.
By doing so, it reportedly allows crews to “see through” armor that normally restricts visibility, a long-standing problem for heavily protected platforms.
The concept mirrors the US Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) goggles, which use a similar method to give troops sensor-enhanced awareness on the battlefield.
Demonstrations have already been carried out on the ZTZ-201 medium tank and other modern Chinese combat support vehicles.
Networked Ops
Beyond enhanced vision, the AR system allows the gunner to operate the vehicle’s weapons.
Similar to the tech used in the US Army’s AH-64 Apache helicopter, where a chain gun follows the pilot’s line of sight, the Chinese headset lets gunners designate targets using head movement or gaze, with turrets and weapons adjusting automatically.
It also displays critical information, including vehicle status, ammunition levels, and targeting data.
Separate modes allow commanders, drivers, and gunners to focus on their own tasks while retaining the ability to switch roles as needed.
According to Chinese defense industry sources, the system’s modular design implies potential use across multiple vehicle types, while reliance on external sensors makes it suitable for networked operations and data sharing.
