Florida-based Serious Simulations has secured a $28-million deal from the US Army to develop lifelike training grenades and mines. The initiative seeks to strengthen combat training by offering troops realistic weapons-handling experience without the dangers of live explosives.
The replicas are built to closely mimic actual ordnance. The grenade models feature standard parts such as spoons, pull rings, and safety clips, while the Claymore training system comes complete with a firing device, bandoleer, and wire spool. Instead of explosive payloads, however, the systems utilize advanced proximity-sensing technology to simulate battlefield effects.
Once employed, the devices calculate their distance from nearby personnel or vehicles and instantly determine the outcome—whether a target would be incapacitated, survive, or be spared altogether. The system even considers natural cover and obstacles, underscoring the tactical value of concealment and protective positioning during combat.
Outcomes are automatically logged through the Army’s Universal Receiver Unit, which connects with soldiers or vehicles in training scenarios. These inputs feed directly into the Synthetic Training Environment, ensuring accurate, data-driven assessments of combat performance. The Army expects this integration to sharpen soldier preparedness and provide safer, scalable training solutions for future conflicts.
