Increased utilization of E-blanks with an app for shooting practice and Saab integration – using Rapid Problem Solving as a method

In 2022, FFI’s centre for innovation in the defence sector, ICE worx, established a new type of innovation activity called Rapid Problem Solving (Hurtig problemløsing – HP). An HP activity aims to identify needs within the Armed Forces, iteratively develop technology in close collaboration with industry, and thus enhance the capability for technological innovation for military purposes. To succeed with this type of activity, close access to the Armed Forces’ resources for testing and experimentation is essential, as well as the knowledge base from FFI researchers, logistical support for faster contracting, and a willingness to take risks. This report describes the first activity conducted using the HP method.

The starting point for this HP activity was the Army’s acquisition of 80 test sets of E-blanks from the Norwegian company Green Ammo AS. The E-blanks technology is designed to replace blank ammunition, with sharp components of the weapon replaced by electronics that simulate live fire. Shooting ranges are a limited resource in the Armed Forces, including access to instructors and live ammunition. FFI wanted to use the HP methodology to explore the E-blanks technology and find additional opportunities to improve recruits’ shooting skills before they reach the shooting range.

The idea was that sensor data about weapon movements and their patterns during dry-fire practice could be used to provide feedback to recruits, enabling them to correct their own mistakes and helping instructors provide better training. The goal of the HP activity was to gather sufficient knowledge about the E-blanks technology to develop a minimum viable product (MVP) of an app for use in testing and experimentation.

Experiences from this activity suggest that further development of the technology tested via the app would add value for the Armed Forces. We recommend that if an electronic blank ammunition system is acquired, a corresponding application for shooting training should be included. Other findings from this report should also be considered in any future acquisition. For instance, we found that soldiers were more motivated to train when an element of competition was included in the training.

Electronic ammunition opens up many new possibilities in education, training, and exercises. The Armed Forces would be able to collect and utilize data from all electronic shots fired with such a system. This can be valuable for individual soldiers, instructors, or, at a higher level, in assessing the operational readiness of different units. It would also make it possible to link systems, such as the Saab integration with the Combat Training Centre (Kamptreningssenteret – KTS) or to a digital target.

The HP methodology, which includes the flexibility to seize good ideas and reprioritize along the way, with room for higher risk, has been crucial to this success. The methodology made it possible, among other things, to integrate E-blanks with the Armed Forces’ instrumented training system (Saab). Rapid Problem Solving will be one of the tools ICE worx will continue to use to promote innovation.