The US military is operating weapons and equipment with custom game controllers

[Daniel Sims]

The big picture: Images of cannibalized game controllers in the hands of US service members and other people in conflict zones have circulated worldwide for years. However, photos from a US Defense Department website show that the military has gradually turned toward original designs for various purposes, drawing obvious inspiration from game consoles.

Imagine operating a truck-mounted laser to detonate mines and other unexploded ordinance with controls resembling an Xbox gamepad. Photos from the US military show that the Defense Department has been preparing such systems for some time – and this isn't the only example of video game-derived equipment in use.

The Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO) system, which neutralizes munitions using a three-kilowatt laser mounted on an 18-ton vehicle, incorporates one of several variants of the Freedom of Movement Control Unit (FMCU). While the FMCU features a unique array of face buttons, its two control sticks, directional pad, and side grips closely resemble standard controllers from Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo.

Photos of field operators using Xbox pads to control drones and other gear date back at least to the early 2000s. For example, the Navy's USS Colorado attack submarine uses an Xbox 360 controller for its photonics mast, a kind of high-tech periscope.

More recently, Ukrainians have been pictured using Valve's Steam Deck handheld gaming PC to operate drones and automatic turrets amid the country's ongoing conflict with Russia. The included screen and full-blown Linux operating system likely make it ideal for controlling various devices remotely. The ill-fated Titan submersible was also controversially controlled with an off-the-shelf Logitech gamepad.

The reasons behind the trend are obvious. Game console makers have spent decades perfecting ergonomic methods for controlling machines with two hands. Furthermore, the ubiquitousness of gaming has familiarized younger generations with these designs, making them a natural fit for military and other specialized applications.

A brochure from contractor Ultra Electronics Measurement Systems Inc. showcases multiple versions of the FMCU, each with drastically different button arrangements tailored to specific functions. Unique features include built-in screens, backlit buttons, triggers, paddles, and knobs.

The company advertises the device as a versatile method for controlling payloads, turrets, guided munitions, cameras, robots, and other weapons systems. Another variant has been pictured connected to a missile defense system, and the British Challenger 2 tank's fire controller uses a similar grip-based design.

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The US military is operating weapons and equipment with custom game controllers

 

[JAmie71]

They likely use game controllers as part of a psychological strategy. When you're flying a drone and using a controller that resembles something from a game, it could make it easier to disassociate from the reality of what’s happening, like the act of taking lives. It blurs the line between simulation and real-life consequences

 

[Megalomaniac]

That red trigger looks awesome.

 

[Megalomaniac]

They likely use game controllers as part of a psychological strategy. When you're flying a drone and using a controller that resembles something from a game, it could make it easier to disassociate from the reality of what’s happening, like the act of taking lives. It blurs the line between simulation and real-life consequences

Ender's Game

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

Pretty neat and makes good sense. Using control systems that users (gamer's) are familiar with will speed up learning time and response time.

 

[Uncle Al]

You use what the troops are familiar with ..... I'm just glad to see the military finally getting with the program ....

 

[IcyKn1ght]

A mouse and keyboard would be more accurate

 

[Entrylevel]

They likely use game controllers as part of a psychological strategy. When you're flying a drone and using a controller that resembles something from a game, it could make it easier to disassociate from the reality of what’s happening, like the act of taking lives. It blurs the line between simulation and real-life consequences

Nope, it's just ergonomics.

 

[Subset6]

Until we can "jack in" (wet ware) directly into a human nervous systems this is not surprising at all period. You only go for the most efficient systems present.

 

[Watzupken]

In my opinion, a war now is not about just firing missiles and bullets, but also a cyber warfare. With all these equipment becoming increasingly remote based, if you lose the cyber warfare, you essentially lose the war even if you have superior weapons.

 

[ShadowDeath]

They likely use game controllers as part of a psychological strategy. When you're flying a drone and using a controller that resembles something from a game, it could make it easier to disassociate from the reality of what’s happening, like the act of taking lives. It blurs the line between simulation and real-life consequences

The US military has also discovered a long time ago that it's easier to create a new weapon designed around something the soldiers of that age group are into. That way you don't have to train them to use this new weapon, they can pick it up and instantly figure out what they're doing. An example is the old baseball shaped/sized grenade. This current generation of soldier grew up with a controller in their hand so it makes sense to design the next weapon around that. Fat Electrician actually did a whole video about it. Lol

 

[Shaitan]

They likely use game controllers as part of a psychological strategy. When you're flying a drone and using a controller that resembles something from a game, it could make it easier to disassociate from the reality of what’s happening, like the act of taking lives. It blurs the line between simulation and real-life consequences

Why would you mind k!ll!ng terrorists?!

 

[BobHome]

Let the REAL War "Games" begin!
(good-bye planet, we'll miss you)