Xbox controllers are used to operate advanced photonic masts on Virginia-class submarines, which have replaced traditional periscopes.
Yes, the U.S. Navy uses Xbox controllers to operate the photonic masts on Virginia-class submarines, replacing expensive, complicated control panels with a cost-effective, familiar, and ergonomic solution. This adoption, which began around 2018, streamlines operations, reduces training time for sailors already familiar with gaming controllers, and is a prime example of the military leveraging commercially available technology.
Why Xbox Controllers? Cost-Effectiveness: Xbox controllers, costing under $30, are significantly cheaper than the $40,000 control panels they replace.
Familiarity and Ergonomics: Many service members are already accustomed to using Xbox controllers, which have an intuitive, ergonomic design, reducing the learning curve for operating new systems.
Simplicity: The controllers provide a simple, intuitive way to switch camera views, toggle color/infrared, and apply filters.
Efficiency: The integration of this commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology makes operations more efficient and streamlines training.
How They Are Used: Photonic Masts: The controllers are used to operate advanced photonic masts on Virginia-class submarines, which have replaced traditional periscopes.
Submarine Operations: Through simple button presses, sailors can control various functions of the mast, making the overall process simpler and faster.
Key Examples: USS Colorado: This submarine was the first to test and implement the Xbox controllers for its photonic mast controls.
Subsequent Integrations: Other Virginia-class submarines, such as the USS Indiana, have also adopted the controllers.
In 2017, the U.S. Navy made this surprising shift in its submarine operations by replacing the traditional $38,000 periscope control systems with $30 Xbox 360 controllers. This change was implemented on Virginia-class submarines, such as the USS Colorado, which began using the new system upon its commissioning in 2018. The decision stemmed from feedback indicating that the existing controls were cumbersome and difficult to use, prompting the Navy to explore more intuitive alternatives.
The Xbox controllers were chosen for their ergonomic design and familiarity to younger sailors, many of whom had grown up playing video games. This familiarity allowed for quicker training and more efficient operation. The new system utilizes photonics masts—digital sensors that provide high-resolution imagery displayed on monitors—replacing the traditional mechanical periscope. This advancement not only simplified the control interface but also improved the overall functionality of the submarine’s imaging systems.
By adopting off-the-shelf technology, the Navy achieved significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. The integration of Xbox controllers into military systems is part of a broader trend of incorporating commercial technology into defense applications, leveraging the widespread familiarity and reliability of consumer electronics.
The use of video game controllers in military applications isn’t limited to submarines; similar controllers have been employed to operate unmanned vehicles and other defense systems, reflecting a growing trend of utilizing familiar technology in advanced military operations.
