U.S. Navy swapping $38K periscope joysticks for Xbox controllers on subs (2017)

[MarkSummer]

All I have to say is that back in I worked for the Navy PEO IWS and every year they send out requests for individuals to submit concepts (i.e. needs) for warfighter capabilities for potential SBIR grants. I think it was about 2011 or so when the idea to work on changing out the common display system (CDS) with a COTS head up display and game controller (vuzix at the time, occulus hadn't really emerged yet) was proposed.

The idea was laughed off the screen.

[Someone1234]

Mods: This is from September 19, 2017.

Old comment thread:

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15281506

[lichenwarp]

If it's madcatz, expect all the sinking sub news articles to come.

[RickJWagner]

The XBox controller is surely designed to be durable. Getting handled by kids is a tough design requirements.

Whoever proposed this deserves an 'Anti-Golden Fleece Award'. Great suggestion.

[trav4225]

↑↑↓↓←→←→BA boom!

[vinni2]

OP must be a QI fan.

[jenna_talia]

I hope the hardware is rigorously examined before use. a hostile controll device would not be good.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Hacking-the-Xbox-CONTROLLER...

https://pic-microcontroller.com/hacking-the-xbox-controller/

[niketdesai]

I think the idea is leverage form factor, usability, and familiarity. Those things + security upgrades would be a cheaper and effective rollout.

[analog31]

The $30 xbox controller will interface to the submarine via $37970 worth of secure hardware.

[sushid]

I mean it looks like it's wired in the picture and your picture involves someone physically hacking it.

[jenna_talia]

http://techland.time.com/2013/12/05/u-s-navy-launches-aerial...

this is another take as well that could be of interest, not only xbox controllers but, some multiple of pelagic drones supplementing or extending periscopy. they should of course look like sea birds like cormorants or albatross