Young Russian Soldiers Are Operating Tanks With PlayStation-Like Controllers

Russia's new Kurganets-25 armored vehicles are operated by an unexpected input. State-owned Russian news publication Sputnik reports that the new vehicle line, a hybrid of an armored truck and a tank, is controlled using a PlayStation-like input interface.

Why a video game controller? Albert Bakov, vice president of manufacturer Tractor Plants, explains:

"I spent two years on convincing the designers to make the console similar to a Sony Playstation gamepad, to make it easier for a young soldier to familiarize himself with it."

"As it turns out, a steering wheel is dangerous for the rib cage during an impact and when climbing out. It takes up more space but provides nothing."

No images of the Kurganets-25 controller console have been released.

The new infantry fighting vehicle--which is outfitted with a 30mm cannon, a coaxial machine gun, and four guided missiles--made its public debut earlier this month as part of a World War II victory remembrance parade. The tank is currently being evaluated and is expected to enter mass production in 2016.

Via: Popular Science