China’s military uses Microsoft mixed-reality HoloLens 2 headsets to maintain equipment, video shows
- PLA Air Force member seen wearing the US tech firm’s HoloLens 2 goggles in video clip posted online by state broadcaster CCTV
- Mixed-reality system used to carry out ‘virtual disassembly before examination’ of an aircraft engine, according to the post
In a post on social media network Weibo on Tuesday, CCTV said a unit of the Eastern Theatre Command Air Force was using a “mixed-reality maintenance system” for its daily operations.
The accompanying video clip shows a member of the PLA Air Force wearing the HoloLens 2 headset developed by Microsoft. A 3D hologram in front of him shows an interface with Microsoft apps.
The state broadcaster did not name the device in its Weibo post. Microsoft did not respond to inquiries from the South China Morning Post.
In recent years, the United States government has further restricted the sale of hi-tech equipment and advanced technology to China that it believes would aid the Chinese military’s advancement.
Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 headset is freely available for consumers to purchase in China.
According to the CCTV post, the mixed-reality maintenance system was used to carry out a “virtual disassembly before examination” of an aircraft engine. The post said it could ensure that such engines are replaced with appropriate speed, accuracy and reliability.
It comes as China is trying to accelerate innovation and the use of advanced technology in its military as part of a push to modernise its armed forces. President Xi Jinping has set the target of having a “world-class military” by the middle of the century.