US Navy debuts mixed-reality Strike Group at air show
The United States Navy is set to unveil its new “Strike Group” mixed-reality experience at the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show this weekend. The interactive installation has been created to highlight the scale of opportunities available within Navy STEM careers and to provide audiences with a realistic insight into the work carried out by the service worldwide.
The mixed-reality feature has been developed as a mobile and multi-scenario platform, allowing participants to engage with various challenges in both team-based and individual settings. The Navy aims to utilise this showcase as a means to connect with the public, demonstrate its technological expertise, and pique interest in its diverse range of career paths. The approach is intended to replicate the sense of adventure, cooperation, and responsibility associated with service at sea, in the air, and on humanitarian assignments.
The “Strike Group” is composed of three distinct modules. Each one focuses on a different aspect of naval life, presenting participants with scenarios that reflect real-world challenges faced by Navy personnel. The combination of cutting-edge virtual environments and interactive elements ensures that players not only observe but also actively contribute to simulated missions.
The first module, titled “All Hands,” is structured as a team-based game where five participants must work together on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. By wearing Meta Quest 3 headsets, players are transported to the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest carrier. In this environment, individuals assume various responsibilities, ranging from refuelling and handling aircraft to piloting helicopters and jets. The challenge requires collaboration as each participant’s performance affects the outcome of the mission, mirroring the teamwork essential in real naval operations.
The second module, “Support,” is centred on humanitarian relief operations. The Navy frequently deploys its ships and personnel to provide disaster response, medical support, and aid delivery worldwide. In this scenario, users navigate an interactive map that displays ships and vehicles stationed in various regions. Selecting a vessel unlocks a learning experience that explains both the mission and the careers linked to such humanitarian activities. This element has been designed to emphasise the Navy’s role beyond combat, underlining its importance in supporting communities during crises.
The third module, “Fly,” immerses participants in the world of naval aviation. This experience features a full-motion flight simulator replicating the cockpit of an F-35C Lightning II. Players begin with a tutorial on basic manoeuvres before taking off from an aircraft carrier with a wingman. The mission includes navigation, target practice with training munitions, and the demanding task of returning safely to the carrier. The simulator aims to highlight the precision and skill required in naval aviation, while giving participants an appreciation for the complexities of modern combat aircraft.
By combining advanced technology with realistic military scenarios, the “Strike Group” demonstrates how the Navy leverages innovation to inspire future recruits. It also conveys the breadth of opportunities available, spanning aviation, engineering, medical services, and humanitarian support. Beyond entertainment, the installation aims to educate the public about the broad scope of naval operations, underscoring the idea that service in the Navy requires both technical expertise and a commitment to global responsibility.
The presentation at the Thunder Over New Hampshire Air Show reflects the Navy’s ongoing effort to showcase its strengths to the public in engaging, accessible ways. With its combination of simulation, interactivity, and education, the “Strike Group” is designed to leave visitors with a lasting impression of what
