Does the US Navy use Xbox 360 controllers?
The answer is yes, the US Navy does use Xbox 360 controllers. But not for gaming, of course. Instead, they have adapted these controllers for use in submarines, specifically for operating photonic masts, which replaced periscopes. The masts feature high-resolution cameras that can rotate 360 degrees and feed their imagery to monitors in the ship’s control room. Initially, the masts were controlled with a "helicopter-style stick," but those were described as heavy and clunky, and were swapped out with an Xbox 360 controller.
How did it start?
The use of Xbox 360 controllers in the US Navy dates back to 2017, when the Navy announced it would begin using these controllers in its Virginia-class submarines. The USS Colorado, a nuclear-powered submarine, was the first to integrate an Xbox 360 controller into its periscopic imaging systems.
Benefits of using Xbox 360 controllers
So, why did the Navy choose Xbox 360 controllers? Here are some benefits:
• Cost-effective: Xbox 360 controllers are cheaper than custom-built controllers.
• Reliability: Xbox 360 controllers are widely available and have a reputation for being reliable.
• Ease of use: Sailors are already familiar with Xbox 360 controllers, making it easier to train them on new systems.
How are they used?
Here’s a breakdown of how the Xbox 360 controllers are used in the US Navy:
| Feature | Functionality |
|---|---|
| Analog sticks | Control the rotation of the photonic mast’s cameras |
| D-pad | Change the camera’s focus or zoom |
| Buttons | Control the lighting and other settings on the mast |
| Joystick | Allow sailors to fine-tune the camera’s movement |
Are there any challenges?
Yes, there are some challenges to using Xbox 360 controllers in the US Navy:
• Dust build-up: The controllers are prone to dust build-up, which can affect their performance.
• Button layout: The button layout can be confusing for sailors who are not familiar with gaming controllers.
• Customization: The controllers may require customization to fit the specific needs of the US Navy.
Conclusion
The US Navy’s decision to use Xbox 360 controllers in its submarines is an innovative solution that benefits from the cost-effectiveness, reliability, and ease of use of these gaming controllers. While there may be some challenges, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The use of Xbox 360 controllers in the US Navy is a great example of how technology can be adapted for use in non-gaming applications.